In a bar in Gràcia they hand out shift tickets – like at the butcher’s shop or at the Post Office – to be able to sit on the terrace. In others, they directly won’t let you sit there if you don’t have dinner at six o’clock in the afternoon. Some have a sign that says: “Maximum 40 minutes”. And all around, groups of people wait like birds of prey or scavengers, waiting for someone to get up to dive into the seat that has become free.
There are places that prevent you from plugging in your laptop inside, lest you spend the whole morning working on it for the price of the only coffee you make instead of consuming while taking advantage of the air conditioning. Others don’t allow it even though you ordered three continental breakfasts. Some don’t even let you turn on the computer; after all, this is not a library, or an office, or a coworking space.
In addition, a few days ago, the traditional and curious case of abductions on the sea front has begun, usually on beaches with bars or restaurants nearby. It usually occurs between vermouth time and the table. Rows of towels remain empty for many hours in a privileged place under the parasol. And it could be worrying, because there is no sign of the owners anywhere. They have faded away. Should the lifeguard be notified? Call the police? Calm. Around four o’clock they reappear as mysteriously as they disappeared. They are proud to have been alive and to be so smart and smart.
Meanwhile, you have not been able to occupy the space where they have planted the ghost camp, nor the one intended for the sunbeds and parasols of the hotel. You already had a hard time finding parking when you arrived, and if you think of improvising, then you won’t find a place to have dinner. That season of the year in which there are no heads anywhere, leaves here and there, is inaugurated. You will spend the summer searching for your place in the world. And you’ll find that if you have it, it’s by chance.
