Strike Happy

Over the years I've come to learn that the people in Spain like to go on strike and have protests a lot. Protests include everything from solidarity with the Palestinian nation to increases in University tuition. At first I didn't really understand why the people protested so much, because nothing ever changed. But now I realize they are just excercising their right and they want to be heard.

However the strikes really drive me crazy. This summer there were numerous strikes with the garbage collectors. You never really pay much attention to their job until one day they up and decide to stop collecting the garbage. The smell is not pleasant, especially in 95 degree weather. They were on strike because of low pay...I felt bad for them until I realized they earn DOUBLE what I earn! What are they complaining about?!

These past couple of weeks the delivery trucks all over Spain decided to go on strike because of the taxes they have to pay and the high gas prices. The supermarkets have been EMPTY. You would think we were expecting a hurricane or something. No milk, no yoghurt, no bread, no fruit, no veggies, no fish, no nothing. Factory production has completely frozen. Pretty much everything that requires a truck has been on stand still.

As inconvenient as it is...it does add a little spice to your life, I guess.