Day 112 - Hey Magdalena...
Saturday 3rd November 2018The Spanish traditionally eat small sweet, light and fluffy cakes called Magdalenas for breakfast.Since Mrs P and I feel duty bound to uphold all traditions that involve the word "cake" we regularly partake of this tasty little Spanish treat.Thing is, I'm not sure if I love Magdalenas or hate them.True, they are sweet and sticky and lovely. However, every time I see a Magdalena , eat one or even think about one there is an annoying little voice in my head that sings;
Hey Magdalena. Ay Ay!
This is the last line of the chorus of a surprisingly popular and annoyingly catchy dance music song of the 1990s by the Spanish Flamenco pop duo Los del Rio. The little voice is however just getting into its stride as the chorus of the song now starts going round and round in my head. You must understand that the chorus is in Spanish. I have no idea what the real words are but the voice my head definitely sings:
One makka two makka three a MacarenaOne makka two makka three a MacarenaOne makka two makka three a MacarenaHey MacarenaAy Yai.
Over and over and over for most of the rest of the day.
This is, as I'm sure you can imagine, more than jus a little vexing. It is not only spoiling my daily cake but it is in danger of becoming the tune that, my future self considers synonymous with our 4 month adventure. So, do I love 'em or hate 'em? Is the earworm simply the price worth paying in order that I can continue to consume this Spanish sweet treat or must I go back to eating pain au chocolat for the sake of my sanity?Incidentally, Wikipedia states that the Macarena...
"...continues to be a popular dance at weddings, parties, and sporting events. [It is] One of the most iconic examples of 1990s dance music."
If I remember correctly John Major's Conservative party made it law in 1995 that this song had to be played at all parties, weddings, funerals and in fact at any event where 3 or more people were gathered for longer than 3 minutes and 49 seconds (he was forced to resign over this very issue in June of the same year). Is it any wonder it is an earworm just begging to be heard even after 23 years.
There is a dance that accompanies the song called, you guessed it, the Macarena. I thank my lucky stars (Dean Friedman) that I only start singing in my head. Imagine if, on seeing or eating a Magdalena, I were to spontaneously burst into both song and dance! They'd drag me off in a straight jacket.I think I was supposed to tell you what we did today (climbing). I think I got sidetracked. Tune in tomorrow to find out if I get back on track with this blog.