There are many reasons for choosing to move to Spain. The weather, obviously, and perhaps you want to escape the stress of everyday life? Well, you couldn’t choose better than Spain; nobody rushes around here, and the Spanish are so laid back, it’s lucky they don’t fall over.
Unfortunately, when it comes to service, this can be something of a problem. In Cornwall, where we moved from, things were very similar. Whenever you wanted a workman to call, , it would be arranged ‘Dreckly.’ (directly) In other words, at an unspecified time. In Spain, everything will happen ‘Maṅana.’
‘Maṅana’ is one of those Spanish words with several meanings. Most people know it means ‘tomorrow,’ but it can also mean ‘morning’ or ‘not today.’ When a Spaniard tells you your washing machine will be repaired ‘Maṅana,’ he means ‘Not today.’ Try as you may, you will not get a more specific answer. And no matter how many irate phone calls you make, you will have to go to the shop or workplace to get the service you want.
This is what happened to us when we bought the furniture and fittings for our new apartment. We were in Spain for 10 days to complete the purchase, and we were eager to spend a few days in our new home before returning to the UK. The company we bought our property through had an arrangement with a large furniture store that all items would be delivered and fitted within two days. On Tuesday, we managed to buy most of the essentials. On Thursday, almost everything was delivered, but two light fittings were missing. The electrician promised to return ‘Maṅana.’
We weren’t surprised when he didn’t show up on Friday, but when Monday came and went, we called the store. They said the fittings were out of stock, and they expected them the next week. As we were returning to the UK, we arranged for the electrician to come 3 weeks later. Surprisingly, he turned up when expected – with one light fitting! He promised to bring the other one ‘Maṅana!’ After a week of ‘Maṅanas,’ we called the store, to be told our light fitting would arrive ‘Maṅana.’
A week later, the recliner mechanism on our sofa broke, so we decided to visit the store to report it, and ask about the missing light fitting. Ramon, the sales assistant, apologised profusely about our broken sofa, and arranged to send someone to see what the problem was. We then asked about our light fitting. Two noisy phone calls later, Ramon assured us that our light fitting had ‘Just arrived this morning, and we were going to call you today to come and fit it.’ Someone would come out – yes, ‘Maṅana!’
Three days later, we were plus a light fitting, and minus the end of our sofa, which we were promised would be returned in ‘Una semana.’ Allowing for a few ‘Maṅanas,’ I waited two weeks before calling the store. They said they expected my sofa end to come back ‘Maṅana.’ After 10 more days with only two-thirds of a sofa, we returned to the store. Three noisy phone calls later, Ramon beamed and told us our repaired sofa section had ‘Just arrived this morning, and we were going to call you today to come and fit it.’ Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Ramon realised I wouldn’t accept one more ‘Maṅana,’ and he said our sofa would be returned that very afternoon. Joy of joys, it was!
The Maṅana Syndrome has existed for centuries, and, despite the irritation of the rest of Europe, there is no sign of change. All I can advise is that you persevere until you get things done and remind yourself of all the benefits of living in Spain. Hasta Maṅana!
