Community
The Community section is the heart of the people-oriented online GUIDEPOST magazine. It covers people of all nationalities living in Spain — particularly though not exclusively those who are residing in Madrid — and their exciting life. The operative word in the Community is “international”.
Be sure to check out all main features: Embassy Row, the International Organizations and Clubs, and The Scene.
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “When Mao Flu Hit the Office,” 13 February 1970 »
Every year those little germs that travel across the Asian and European continents from the east seem to take a stronger hold. During this last epidemic homes and businesses were very severely affected and in one office 40% of the bilingual secretaries were sick, including the telex and switchboard operators. After several years’ experience in Madrid as a top executive secretary, Yvonne Monroe decided to fill one of Madrid´s gaps—the temporary secretarial agency, and three years ago StenoServices was born. London, New York and Paris have been served by these bureaux for a long time now, but in the Spanish capital this was a new venture.
TOXIC FALLOUT FROM THE WORLD CUP »
At the World Cup final, Argentina wrestled the magnificent $20 million, 18-carat solid gold World Cup trophy from France, the defending champion. Enthusiastic sports commentators raved about “the best supermatch of all time.” But when the dust of the desert has settled, there’s nothing left in Doha but the bitter taste of defeat – a defeat brought on by the failure of sportswashing to gloss over the Qatari image and present the Gulf state to the world as a liberal modern state. Among the debris from the Qatar fallout is the tarnished image of the European Parliament, some of whose MEPs, staff and lobbyists are accused of accepting succulent sportswashing bribes from Qatar. Upbraiding the suspects, EP President Roberta Metsola said, “Shame on you for violating the trust of the people of Europe.”
EU ON THE QATAR TOXIC FALLOUT: “DEMOCRACY IS NOT FOR SALE” »
"The European Parliament is under attack. European democracy is under attack. To those third countries who think Europe is for sale, make no mistake, we would rather be cold than bought"
FROM UKRAINE WITH LOVE »
"When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the battle flag. The flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to the US Congress. May God protect our brave troops and citizens! May God forever bless the United States of America! Слава Україні!"
PICASSO, PRESUMABLY THE GREATEST ANTI-WAR ARTIST OF ALL TIME, LIVES AGAIN! »
The French Minister of Culture: "Picasso's work continues to exert a real fascination throughout the world, abundant, inventive and often radical. It never ceases to be reread, revisited and reinterpreted. This formidable posterity is what the 1973-2023 Picasso Celebration aims to explore, question and share with a new generation born in the 21st century."
THE FREE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS: TRAVEL WITHOUT CARE! »
Summer is coming to an end. But travel and tourism remain uppermost in the minds of Europeans whose wanderlust seems insatiable after the lockdowns of the pandemic. A card in time saves nine hassles during vacations beyond national borders. Therefore, Spaniards and their European brethren had better be aware that there’s such a thing as the European Health Insurance Card which entitles travelers to public health assistance in the country they’re visiting. Get full info if you don't have it already!
HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY COST-FREE TRAVEL: “GET AN EHI CARD,” SAYS EU »
The EHIC, available free of charge, confirms that a person is entitled to receive medical treatment that becomes necessary on a temporary stay abroad from the host country's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of that country. The card is issued for free by their national health insurance provider in the home country.
IN THE FACE OF RUSSIA’S GAS WEAPONIZATION THE EU SCRAMBLES TO SECURE ENERGY SUPPLY »
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission adopted the REPowerEU Plan to end the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels asap. REPowerEU sets out measures on diversification of energy suppliers, energy savings and energy efficiency, and an accelerated roll-out of renewable energy. And the EU is succeeding in the attempt, too, after the Nord Stream II debacle which has sent German fuel supply, and by extension the EU's as well, into a tailspin.
THE EU BATTLECRY: SAVE FUEL NOW OR RISK FREEZING IN WINTER! »
"The European Union faces the risk of further gas supply cuts from Russia, due to the Kremlin's weaponisation of gas exports, with almost half of our Member States already affected by reduced deliveries. Taking action now can reduce both the risk and the costs for Europe in case of further or full disruption, strengthening European energy resilience." Accordingly, the European Commission has proposed a gas-demand reduction plan to prepare EU for supply cuts.
NATO SUMMIT SPAWNS FREE BUS RIDE »
FREE RIDE on EMT buses throughout the city of Madrid during the NATO Summit from the 28th to the 30th of June. The measure is in line with the plan of the Madrid City Council to momentarily wean users from private vehicles that will not only snarl up traffic but will also make the enforcement of security measures for the Summit all the more complicated. Passengers may use their transport pass to take the bus without the ride being charged against the pass. Or, if the passenger has no transport pass, the bus driver will issue a free ticket.
