Police and work inspectors raid Puerto Colon boat party

[Anne 2009]

I once went on a boat party. I'll remember that hangover for the rest of my life!  Luckily I managed to get over my dislike of alcohol quickly. 

A friend of mine went on a boat trip when she was on holiday in Thailand. It was only a small boat and only took a few people out at any one time. She was sat on the edge of the boat next to the owner. The water was a little wavy and she thought she was going to fall so shot her arm out to the side and promptly knocked the owner in the water 

[Michael]

As an extension to what Nova said, it rather depends on exactly how you are working, because this country is insane. Did you know that if you are (say) lifting your potatoes and your neighbour comes and helps you for 61 minutes on the understanding that you will help him with his spuds in return, you are both committing a crime which could involve a €6000 fine?

What's the significance of the 61 minutes? Does that mean that if he only takes 59 minutes it's ok?

[Perikles]

What's the significance of the 61 minutes? Does that mean that if he only takes 59 minutes it's ok?

Yep - anything over one hour requires a written and signed contract of employment.

[Marion]

What about if they do 59 minutes and then stop for a glass of vino, then do another 59 minutes?

[Nova]

What about if they do 59 minutes and then stop for a glass of vino, then do another 59 minutes?

Then by 5 o'clock they'll be doing finca karaoke with one potato as the microphone and all the other potatoes lined up in rows as the appreciative audience 

[Michael]

Then by 5 o'clock they'll be doing finca karaoke with one potato as the microphone and all the other potatoes lined up in rows as the appreciative audience 

Sounds like you've done the odd potato harvest yourself. 

[Nova]

Sounds like you've done the odd potato harvest yourself. 

Carrots.  You'd have to be there 

[Janet]

What about if they do 59 minutes and then stop for a glass of vino, then do another 59 minutes?

This betrays (forgive me) the usual Brit "how do I get around this" mentality. Here, that sort of loopholeism doesn't work. If you turn up at 10 and you're still here at 11.01, then technically it doesn't matter how long you had as a break, if you're "working", it's illegal.

[Marion]

I just fancied the vino breaks! 

[Marion]

I know the post was originally about the boat raid, but following on from the slightly off topic I find not being allowed to help neighbours goes against the grain. It really this goes against everything that I know about farming communities, where everyone mucks in and helps each other out.