Huelga General y Londres

Last week throughout Spain there was a general strike, meaning workers of multiple industries stopped working on Wednesday and took to the streets to protest their working conditions.  Earlier this year, a law was passed making it easier to be fired from a job and restricting the benefits for employees across professions.  At the same time, Spain is suffering from an economic crisis that has left a terrible unemployment rate of about 20%.  Thus, the metro slowed down to minimum services, several stores shut down, and the city centers crowded with rowdy people waving flags, blowing whistles, and handing out flyers.  It was quite the display:

The leaders of the labor unions gave speeches on the stage here. 

They seemed very passionate about the strike and practically demanded that everyone join in their cause.  Throughout the day, crowds of noisy strikers went from store to store yelling until the store owners would shut down their businesses.  Strikes and protests seem to be more commonplace here in Spain, as there have been several general strikes in the past, and across Europe.  There was a metro strike in London this weekend, as well.  Not as chaotic as I imagined, but definitely not something we’re used to seeing in the U.S. 

Speaking of London, I celebrated my 21^st birthday in London this past weekend with Nick! I had a fabulous time, enjoying the sights of London, spending time with good friends, and taking a break from Spanish.  It was almost out of place to me that everything was in English, which impressed me because I’ve become so accustomed to being surrounded by Spanish.  At the same time, it was also a small relief: no need to think about what X means or how I’m going to say Y.

Hyde Park

Although it was rainy, Nick and I practically walked the entire city and visited all the big landmarks, which are all pretty impressive. 

Big Ben

London Bridges

Regent's Park is like an oasis in the middle of the city!!

St. Paul's Cathedral is huge!!

Westminster Abbey

 London is an amazing city full of rich history, glamorous shopping, and interesting people from all over the world!  I was so lucky to spend my birthday there.  Nick treated me to a very special birthday celebration, which included dinner on the top floor of Oxo Towers, which overlooks the Thames River and the beautiful city lights at night. It was an amazing sight! We also celebrated in the proper English way with afternoon tea paired delicious scones, yum! Not too shabby for a weekend getaway, I'd say ;)

Then, back to Spain to finish off my FIFTH week here.  I can´t believe how fast the time is flying by!