Is it goodbye to Spain’s national nap?
Guardian: News that the Spanish government plans to outlaw the siesta will have little impact on the majority of Spaniards, whose only opportunity to take a midday nap is when they’re at home at the weekend. While the tradition persists in rural areas, most city dwellers work too far from home to take a siesta, unless you count nodding off at your desk.
However, what acting prime minister Mariano Rajoy is proposing would have a significant impact on Spaniards’ working, social and family life. Multinationals have tended to impose a standard 9-5 working day, but the majority of Spaniards still work a long day split into two parts: from 8 or 9 until 2pm, and from 4.30 to 8pm. In between, people use the break to take a long lunch with friends or to shop, as the big chain stores don’t close in the middle of the day.
Last July in Italy, the businesses all closed at noon and re-opened at 5 or 6. I guess they just don’t need the money.
Don’t skip lunch, many of the restaurants in Madrid and other cities don’t even open until 9 or 10 PM.
They stay open late, pretty crazy lifestyle over there.
I only sleep 4 hours a day I could not nap unless I was ill.
I work 10 to 12 hour days running an electronics business.
6 to 8 on the weekend.
If I slack off 150 people might be out of work. It was 300+ before Obama came to town.