This is right in the middle of Spain and in between the two grand cities: Madrid and Toledo. The distance to both is small enough to allow for a daily commute to work – about 35 km to the capital makes the town ideal “sleeping quarters” for those trying to make a living in Madrid. Spain is stricken by unemployment: the rate is currently about 20% which is enormous next to the happy 2% in Norway. In fact, five million sit without work, more than entire population of Norway. Fernando, our new friend, tells us as we take our evening stroll around the town: his own grandson is forced to use grandpa’s hospitality while looking for a job. About 700.000 new apartments and houses across the country stay empty while the banks which own them wind the prices higher and higher up in an attempt to limit their losses. Scary, huh?
Here in Illescas it does not rain until September, says Fernando. As he speaks these words thunder breaks the skies loose and first heavy drops fall on our heads – “ah, well, that is a thunderstorm, that does not count!” We enjoy the weather which I can only call blessed: it is warm enough so that we feel it is south, but not scorching hot as it could be. Back at home the rain has beaten all the records for the past hundred years and the temperature qualifies well for the term “green winter”. Sorry all you who are freezing up there, we shall try to mail you some.
Illescas is a cosy little town built in clay mixed with straw, traditionally. More expensive villas are of brick (which is produced in the area) with parts of walls filled in with natural stone, everything being held together by clay.