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/Galicia

Politics: Irene Montero is an ex check-out operator who rose like a rocket to become Equality Minister but is now falling from the political firmament almost as rapidly as she soared into it. Here’s how and why.

Ever so popular Spain.

There’s said to be uproar in Spain because M&S have launched a croqueta product containing chorizo and paella. Even the British Ambassador has said his (critical) bit. I agree with Omar Allibhoy, a Spanish chef and the founder of Tapas Revolution, when he says that the idea was “not authentic” but he still supported it.

An interesting leader from the VdG yesterday: Good morning: Galicia has always looked with attention (and affection) at Argentina and these days even more so, if possible: while its new president, Javier Milei, tries to apply shock treatment to the country’s delicate economy, its emigration figures to this shore beat records. Currently, 302,594 people born in Argentina reside in Spain, and more than 15,000 in our community. The Spanish consulate in Buenos Aires works double shifts. Un quilombo*. In addition to the economic crisis, some analysts also observe other reasons, such as the intention to undertake professional or vital projects that are not viable in Argentina.

*Quilombo. The 2nd of these alternatives, I guess.

• Un local donde se ejerce la prostitución.
• Vulgar: Lío, barullo, gresca, desorden.
• Vulgar: Lugar apartado y de difícil acceso

Maria offers her views on the purpose of life here and here, having been unimpressed by some performances at a funeral. We were made, she says, to give of ourselves to make this world a little better for those here now, and for those that will follow. I agree but would only add that, when asked about the purpose of life is, I answer that it’s to get from birth to death as happily as possible, without hurting anyone else in the process.

Her comments reminded me of what an ex British PM, Arthur Balfour, once said: In life, nothing matters very much, and few things matter at all.

The UK

The above-mentioned Britsh PM, Arthur Balfour was a philosopher. In other words, a heavyweight intellectual. Can you imagine this being said of a British PM these days?

Germany

Here and here are 2 more articles on the politico-economic crisis, with 2nd one possibly being clearer on the subject. Syncretising: The court’s verdict upends the financial system – which rested on off-budget vehicles that have now all collapsed like a house of cards – a form of housekeeping that accommodated ever more spending and just got out of control. Leaving Herr Schulz as a very lame ente (duck) indeed.

The USA

A question on everyone’s lips:Is Donald Trump really the political heir to Julius Caesar?

Did you know? . . .

Prey can’t always read the mind of a predator. Especially human prey.

Finally . . .

Just after I read this Bing disclaimer – Bing uses AI and therefore surprises and mistakes are possible – I got this answer to a query: The walls of Álava are a remarkable example of the historical and cultural legacy of the Basque Country

The Usual Links . . .

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 – updated a bit in early July 2023.

For those thinking of moving to Spain:- This is an extremely comprehensive and accurate guide to the challenge, written by a Brit who lives in both the North and the South and who’s very involved in helping Camino walkers.