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

For those interested in politics, the (probably) next PM gives an interview to the FT here.

Talking of PMs, a British one once famously said that “A week is a long time in politics”. One could hardly fail to be reminded of this when reading of the massive change of heart of the PP Presidenta of Extremadura, who – only a short while ago – said a deal with the egregious Vox party would, in effect, have to be done over her dead body but who, very much still alive, has just put her signature to one. Cue another famous quote. This time from Groucho Marx.

A hunt for the remains of one of the greatest dramatists of Spain’s Golden Age – Pedro Calderón de la Barca- has ended inconclusively with a mystery worthy of one of his works. On Calderón’s own count, he wrote 110 dramas and 80 other works, including religious plays. More here.

Under left-wing PSOE governments, some progress is always made on resolving issues around Gibraltar, in contrast with what happens under PP governments. Even before they had Vox as a partner. Recently, the issue of sovereignty had been set aside but “Now Spain has reintroduced it.” And a new right-wing government is expected to be hostile to any kind of compromise over the territory.

If someone gifts you and your partner €15,500, you’re hardly likely to look the gift-horse in the mouth. So, here’s a paean of praise to a 10 day cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon on a new and luxurious superyacht – an expedition ship for people who don’t want to compromise on luxury. 

Russia

• Putin may be more paranoid than ever — but arguably has more about which to be paranoid
• How Russia’s shrinking workforce is wrecking its economy: Conscription and an exodus of talent are threatening growth vital to Putin’s war effort.

Quote of The Day

On the theme of mob justice on Twitter, this columnist reminds us that: Natural justice is not an adornment on civilisation; it is the mortar of civilisation. And he warns us that it is weakening – terrifyingly.

The Way of the World

The rise and rise of ‘pernicious’ academic theories.

English

My old Hamburg friend tells me that ‘To chaffer’ very probably comes from the German schachern, meaning to bargain or trade. Or, pejoratively, to seek the greatest possible gain or advantage via stubborn, petty bargaining. He adds that: It was used in the 1930s to denounce allegedly typical Jewish behaviour but is rarely used these days.

Did you know?

In our local bins, I saw a pack for something called Begetal. This turned out to be oatmeal ‘milk’, with the name possibly playing on the fact that the Spanish – but not the Portuguese – pronounce the letter V as a B. Or just a mistake . . . Under the brand name there are the words BEHEALTHY and BEHAPPY. Which must have seemed clever and possibly amusing to someone.

I’ve just seen that the company which produces it tells us that Green is the new sexy. As if.

Finally . . .

To amuse . . . A tribute to better times. Courtesy of Galician retranca . . .

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.