Spanish Secrets: Car De-Icing - Spanish Style
Craig Briggs and his wife Melanie are living a dream shared by thousands of stressed-out Brits.
They have swapped the hustle and bustle of an industrial town in Yorkshire for a quieter life in a remote part of Spain, far away from the tourist-crowded Costas.
Craig, a chap with a keen sense of humour, will be sending us regular reports of their new life in Galicia - a region which he says is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.
In the first of these he tells us how to de-ice a car Spanish-style.
Get ready to chuckle.
I’m sure like millions of others all over the world Christmas inevitably brings with it a gift of the latest design in car ice scraping implements.
A personal favourite was the one with the integrated fur lined nylon mitten, until of course on its second use a small hole develops in the lining which allows freezing ice shavings to enter, subsequently using the scraper is like putting your hand inside a damp defrosting freezer
But fear not, here in Galicia in the north west corner of Spain I have found the perfect solution.
Firstly on noticing that the car is covered in thick ice quickly unlock the door and once seated, release the hand brake and let the car gently roll back down the drive until the whole car is immersed in the morning sun, re-apply the hand brake and go back into the house.
Secondly take a serving tray from the cupboard placing on it two of each of the following - side plates, knives, teaspoons, coffee cups and saucers.
Then take seven medium fresh oranges and squeeze pouring the juice into two 250ml glasses and adding two ice cubes to each.
Fill the kettle with water and allow to boil, take the bread from the bread bin and place six slices under the grill to toast.
Once evenly browned on both sides remove. Take two small bowls from the cupboard and put two generous tablespoons of home made strawberry jam in one and two generous tablespoons of home made marmalade in the other.
Having earlier added freshly ground coffee to a cafetiere, pour in the boiling water.
Place all the remaining items on the tray carrying them to the sun drenched poolside terrace accompanied by your beautiful wife.
Sit in the morning sun looking out over the distant snow capped mountains and enjoy.
After an hour or so return to a totally de-iced car and enjoy the additional benefits of a nicely warmed interior.
Patent pending.
