Awake, for morning in the bowl of night has flung the stone that puts the stars to flight.

And, lo, has caught the sultan’s turret in a noose of light!

Spanish life is not always likeable but it is compellingly loveable

Christopher Howse: ‘A Pilgrim in Spain’

Cosas de España

I’ve often wondered who’s driving the occasional large black car that passes me on the A52 en route to or from Madrid travelling at very great speed and without regard for the speed cameras there. I now realise one such driver could have been the president of the Ourense region, José Manuel Baltar, who was clocked doing 215kph there a week or so ago. José is, I think, the son of a previous powerful – and very corrupt – president but he might not be able to get away with what could be more than just a civil offence.

Talking of roads . . . I recall that, when I first came here, and remarked on the wonderful intercity road network, the response from a cynical Spanish friend was that I’d not be so impressed once the roads needed maintenance. Truth to tell, this prediciton hasn’t been borne out. The network is now more wonderful than ever.

As is the train network. And the metro system in Madrid. It struck me today that no one born after after I first came to Spain in 1971 would have much experience – or even knowledge – of Spain as it was back then. Which makes it understandable that they would laugh at British sytems that aren’t even a bit new. I imagine that things in Poland, say, are much the same.

Well, The Times fashion correspondent agrees with me – and doubtless many others: The prize on Saturday went to Queen Letizia of Spain. In Spanish, la palma, I guess. [The RAE: Gloria, triunfo.]

Portugal

Back in 1970s Britain, Portuguese Mateus Rosé was very popular, and not only because you could turn the flask-shaped bottle into the base for a table lamp. I was reminded of this when reading about another North Portuguese wine which is very fashionable in ‘middle-England’ right now.

The UK

That Coronation Concert . . . There was quite a stage for it in the grounds of Windsor Castle last night, and the backdrop was even more impressive. Lionel Ritchie seems to have gone down well. As did gold-clad Katy Perry. One commentator wrote: The incredible setting and staging could have put U2 and Pink Floyd to shame. It was science fiction with a fantasy feudal twist, spectacular back projections on the castle walls creating mind-bending vistas beneath the darkening sky.

The last word on the coronation, from the estimable Caitlin Moran: How was it for you?

Germany

I’m confused. There seems to be a cost-of-living crisis in Germany, being taken advantage of by a far-right group. I thought crises in Europe were confined to the UK and were caused by Brexit.

Poland

The next European superpower?

Quote of The Day

A Twitter comment on the coronation: Seems kind of weird the Queen’s not here. She usually turns up to stuff like this.

Did you know?

When I complained about Google Maps, My daughter told me a Madrid taxi driver had cited this alternative, suggesting it was superior for the spider’s web of Madrid’s outer motorways and their tributaries. I’m giving it a try.

Finally . . .

In case you missed it, a nice prelude to Liverpool’s week . . .

I seriously doubt that this is an accurate statement . . .

For new readers:- If you’ve landed here looking for info on Galicia or Pontevedra, try here. If you’re passing through Pontevedra on the Camino, you’ll find a guide to the city there.