Spanish Secrets: Oh For A Quiet Life
Craig Briggs introduces us to two splendid characters, Julio and Julio's dad, who run a petrol station in a small Galician village. "They are the most generous petrol station owners I have ever come across,'' says Craig. "They add between 4 and 7 cents worth of extra fuel free of charge every time you call.''
Last night whilst out having a quiet drink in a local bar, we met Julio the owner operator of the village petrol station. Having finished work at eleven he looked hot and bothered and in need of the whisky and coke he had just ordered.
He asked how we were and then went on to tell us how he hated July and August, not because he had to work in the scorching heat but because of the extra work due to the influx of people over the holiday period.
"Yes" I said, "but just think of all the extra money you will be making"
Julio wasn't at all bothered by the extra money. He simply wanted a quieter life, where his customers paid in cash instead of those infernal credit cards and he had time to stroll across the road for a cigarette in between serving the customers.
As you may have guessed this is not one of those new fangled self service petrol stations but one where the attendant, in this case Julio, or maybe his father, actually serve you.
The service doesn't simply stop at filling your car with fuel. It's not uncommon to see Julio laid on his back in the forecourt under a tractor, checking the tyre pressures or cleaning the windscreen on someone's pride and joy.
With this area of Spain becoming increasingly popular amongst the English Julio, and particularly his father, have taken it upon themselves to learn some useful words and sayings. In return Julio's father gives me some useful Spanish words and phrases.
Julio's father is 76 and has had the petrol station for forty years. A pleasanter old man you couldn't wish to meet, but his enthusiasm to learn English can sometimes cost you more than you might have expected. Most of these impromptu language lessons take place whilst he is refuelling the car, which is fine if you want the tank filling, but if not, his enthusiasm can literally spill over. A request for 20 euros worth of diesel can often tick over to 25 or 30 before he realises what’s happening.
Having said that both Julio and his father are the most generous petrol station owners I have ever come across, they add between 4 and 7 cents of extra fuel completely free of charge every time you visit.
They regularly give my wife Melanie a gift of confectionary. We have had home-made wine for our in-laws when they've been visiting and flowers for luck when driving back to England, fruit from the gardens when in season and even a bottle of Champagne at Christmas. Their generosity doesn't stop when you leave their station. I don’t think there’s been a time when Julio has not bought us a drink when we have seen him in a café or bar.
So next time Julio complains about being overworked I think I'll show him a bit more sympathy.
