EASY-GOING SPAIN

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 15, 12 October 1933, Page 6

EASY-GOING SPAIN

Visitor’s Impressions

Pastor G. Lahusen. in a lecture before the German section of the Modern Language /Association in Sydney, saifl that travellers to Europe should not fail to visit Spain. Australians, in particular, would find much that would appeal to them, due to the similarity of the climate. Pastor Lahusen, who resided for two years in Madrid, described the Spaniards as it lovable, care-free, aud leisurely' people, whose philosophy of life brought about a state of resignation to tiie immediate exigencies of a simple existence, and remained oblivious to the necessities of the future. As an example, be said that he once gave a porter a gratuity equivalent to two shillings; part of it was refused, as it was more than he needed for that day. The general lassitude was in contrast to the hustle in other European cities. No one ever ran for trams or trains. The only occasion on which the fiery Spanish temperament was completely roused was during the bullfighting season, from Slay till September. Clinging unrelentingly to ancient customs, Spaniards were loath to succumb to many modern inventions, and it was usual to see tall buildings of new design, to which the building materials were brought by old-fashioned ox-drawn, cumbersome vehicles. The visitor often found himself confronted by pigs, turkeys, or bulls being driven through the main streets of the largest cities.