Got a text on Sunday to say that my young friends Andy and Vanessa were going to be interviewed live on BBC Breakfast this morning. So, off I went in search of a British TV.

First to be interviewed live was Andy, aka Andrew Pearce, of The Olive Press.  BBC Breakfast is running a series this week focusing on the recession in five different countries.  Today it was the turn of Spain, and the BBC’s Jenny Hill was in Cádiz. 

Asked for his views on how the recession was affecting Spain and the likely impact of Zapatero’s austerity measures, Andy, a mere strip of a lad at 24, and up far earlier than normal for him , gave an articulate and thoughtful answer, comparing the situation here with that in Greece.

An hour later, it was the turn of Andy’s girlfriend, Vanessa Cassano, 28, to face the live cameras.  Currently in the process of setting herself up as a self-employed person, Jenny Hill asked Van how easy that was.  Even though she is bi-lingual Spanish-English, Vanessa described in very clear terms the difficulties  involved, especially in meeting local requirements in terms of qualifications.

All over in no time at all, I was very proud of my two pals, who acquitted themselves very well, despite being clearly nervous.  Can’t wait to meet up with them for a drink and to find out what it was really like. Oh, and to get their autographs!  

© Paul Whitelock