las uniones de hecho - unmarried couples living together
sea lo que sea - whatever it may be
el siglo veinte - of the twentieth century
mientras - while
tales - *as* such
algo de retraso - some delay
dentro - inside
incluso - even
vigilar - to watch over
ligero - light
intentar - to try
cumplir - to fulfill
significar - to mean
rentable - profitable
avellanas - hazelnuts
paladar - palate
organismo - body
un sintín - endless
tentadores - tempting
animar - to encourage
picotear - to ‘pick at things’ (snack)
habituados - used to