The first will be last

Malaga's Christmas lights will be switched on this weekend and I couldn't help but think back to that sepia-tinted scene at Quirk's record store. This is because, this Saturday, many people will do exactly what I did and rush to be the first to see what will undoubtedly be a spectacular display (even before they've actually been turned on, this year's lights look stunning). Why do we do this to ourselves? The very same lights are going to be switched on each and every day for another six or seven weeks, just as, in 1979, you could buy The Wall the day after it came out without having to queue at all.

Whenever Apple bring out their latest gadget, loads of blokes who live in their mum's basement form ludicrous queues so that they can have bragging rights and be the first to show off the new toaster feature on the iPhone 423X or whatever.

Similarly, every August, on the Spanish national news, they will cover the story of 'Operación Salida' which is, basically, the baffling tale of one humungous traffic jam sprawling throughout the land caused by hordes of people - many of whom will have a whole month off ahead of them - straining to start their holidays on exactly the same day, at the same time, as every other man and - quite literally - his dog. Just wait until the following day, people. Nobody can dislike their job that much, surely.

So, if you're thinking of popping into Malaga to see the lights this Christmas - and I'd strongly advise everyone to do so - maybe this Saturday isn't the best option, rather a random Tuesday a bit further down the line when the crowds will be much more manageable and the lights will be exactly the same as they were on the evening of their debut.

Enjoy the show!