And so we reach the end of another examining tour (the seventh in six years!) and how has it been? Well, I can report that it’s been pleasantly cyclical. Starting at a tapas bar in Zaragoza with the standard offer of beer, fried chorizo and nuts, tidying my nutshells on my plate as I went along, I ended the tour in a terrace bar in historical Teruel eating local cured meat (famed in the region and pictured), drinking gin and tonics and throwing my peanut shells on the ground just as everyone else. I think that’s progress as far as Spain in concerned.
*
One thing that does still mark me out as firmly being from northern Europe is my propensity for sitting out in the 36 degree sun when no-one else is. And this hasn’t gone unnoticed either; in Zaragoza I was given a free iced espresso for my boldness and just in my last morning in Teruel while eschewing the shade offered by one of the numerous umbrellas in the local Plaza de Toro, my South American waiter told me that no-one could stand being out in the sun and how could I. I told him I was from London, to which he replied sagely, “Ah, yes. I understand now.”
But apart from throwing nutshells on the floor and being a bit more choosy about which type of cured ham I eat, is there anything else that I’ve gained from these three weeks in Aragon? I’m pleased to say that, yes, I think there is.
One thing that does still mark me out as firmly being from northern Europe is my propensity for sitting out in the 36 degree sun when no-one else is. And this hasn’t gone unnoticed either; in Zaragoza I was given a free iced espresso for my boldness and just in my last morning in Teruel while eschewing the shade offered by one of the numerous umbrellas in the local Plaza de Toro, my South American waiter told me that no-one could stand being out in the sun and how could I. I told him I was from London, to which he replied sagely, “Ah, yes. I understand now.”
But apart from throwing nutshells on the floor and being a bit more choosy about which type of cured ham I eat, is there anything else that I’ve gained from these three weeks in Aragon? I’m pleased to say that, yes, I think there is.
* 
One big difference I’ve noticed, and perhaps an unsurprising one for some, is a difference between how I’ve been treated as an examiner here compared to Italy. As readers of last year’s blog may remember, examining in Italy was characterised by a vast array of sweets, cakes, savoury items and drink brought to me and gifted by centre reps, exam candidates and anyone else who thought that ‘a happy examiner is a good examiner’. It was also thought good practice for female candidates to dress in a manner that might ‘impress’ a male examiner – a recogn
ised and recommended exam strategy.
One big difference I’ve noticed, and perhaps an unsurprising one for some, is a difference between how I’ve been treated as an examiner here compared to Italy. As readers of last year’s blog may remember, examining in Italy was characterised by a vast array of sweets, cakes, savoury items and drink brought to me and gifted by centre reps, exam candidates and anyone else who thought that ‘a happy examiner is a good examiner’. It was also thought good practice for female candidates to dress in a manner that might ‘impress’ a male examiner – a recogn
ised and recommended exam strategy.*
However, here in Spain, cakes and ladies (two of life’s great pleasures) dressed to pass an exam weren’t highly in evidence. In one of my last centres though, I did get an omelette sandwich, biscuits and coffee (pictured right) but this has been an exception rather than a rule. Not that this has been a problem as it’s been quite pleasant to be treated as a normal person. Although the odd bit of ham and cheese delicacy wouldn’t have been turned down had it been offered. Perhaps a brief note in my end of tour report to that effect?
However, here in Spain, cakes and ladies (two of life’s great pleasures) dressed to pass an exam weren’t highly in evidence. In one of my last centres though, I did get an omelette sandwich, biscuits and coffee (pictured right) but this has been an exception rather than a rule. Not that this has been a problem as it’s been quite pleasant to be treated as a normal person. Although the odd bit of ham and cheese delicacy wouldn’t have been turned down had it been offered. Perhaps a brief note in my end of tour report to that effect?
*
Other things to note are that when a candidate says they like cheese and jam
pizzas, they mean ‘jam’ as much as when they tell me they like their mother’s ‘soap’ for lunch. Pronunciation, eh?
Other things to note are that when a candidate says they like cheese and jam
pizzas, they mean ‘jam’ as much as when they tell me they like their mother’s ‘soap’ for lunch. Pronunciation, eh?*
But overall a fine time has been had, blighted only by those only mornings. Still, I’m now in Madrid on a proper holiday and making the most of Shaun’s hotel room while he’s here too (Shaun pictured with regulatory beer in Plaza Mayor). The question is though, in 36 degree heat, for my next drink is it going to be a G&T or a beer?
But overall a fine time has been had, blighted only by those only mornings. Still, I’m now in Madrid on a proper holiday and making the most of Shaun’s hotel room while he’s here too (Shaun pictured with regulatory beer in Plaza Mayor). The question is though, in 36 degree heat, for my next drink is it going to be a G&T or a beer?
Surely, if your Facebook quiz is to be believed, the answer is anything - just get the man a drink.
ReplyDeleteSalud
Jenni