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 Galicia/España

Spanish bureaucracy is infamous. As is the level of political corruption. And the existence of too many levels of government. They all work together, it seems, to produce this result. European funds are not reaching companies. There is total inefficiency. They’re not reaching companies or even individuals. They are not getting through. It is Europe’s problem. It is true that Europe has to have control of the funds and that requires a certain amount of bureaucracy, but in the end it is so much bureaucracy that it generates frustration and people give up applying for them.

Separatism faded in Canada, then in Scotland and now, it seems, in Cataluña. As someone has said: It’s clearly not straightforward to achieve independence in modern Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand or Japan. If it were someone would have achieved it.

Some advice for Brits on what not to do if they’ve had their passport stolen – on the ‘Safety and security’ page..

The UK

I’ve made clear my hatred for cyclists on the camino. If I lived permanently in the UK, I suspect my antipathy to them would grow even stronger. This is why: 52mph in a 20mph zone: How cyclists are turning UK roads into death traps. Competitive users of apps such as Strava are racing for their personal bests – and putting other road users at serious risk of injury

The USA

Biden knows he’s losing, that’s why he wants a debate.  . .  So why did Trump say yes to such an invidious timetable? Little of what he does makes sense. . . . BUT: It’ll be bigger than the Super Bowl. Hotter than Dallas. Camper than the Golden Girls. Something to look forward to, then.

The Way of the World

When every word uttered can be deemed offensive, small talk is doomed. Merely making polite conversation about sushi can lead to litigation these days. So, remember to mind your tongue.   Sadly, these days there is more mileage to be had from hurt feelings than adult discourse.

But I do wonder if this is only a problem in the Anglo-sphere. And, when I read of all the restrictions imposed on themselves by young people these day, it strikes me that their lives must be much duller than mine was at their age. Though just possibly more virtuous. But the pendulum will swing wing back one day. As sure as eggs is eggs, as they say Opp North.

A more serious issue . . . How Hamas became radical chic. [You can get rid of the notice that blocks late text by using a Reader view. On a Mac or in Chrome.]

Did you know

Archaeologists have long wondered why the ancient Egyptians built most of their pyramids on what is now a narrow, inhospitable strip of desert. They may finally have an answer after scientists uncovered evidence that the pharaohs’ tombs originally sat next to a 40-mile branch of the Nile that vanished centuries ago but would once have been a crucial artery for commerce, culture and building materials. More here.

Finally . . . .

My run of bad luck continues . . . Today a flat tyre/tire. Probably ruined by me unwittingly driving a few hundred metres on it. So not just a puncture repair.

To amuse . . .

The Usual Links . . .

You can get my posts by email as soon as they’re published. With the added bonus that they’ll contain the typos I’ll discover later. I believe there’s a box for this at the bottom of each post. I guess it’s logical that this doesn’t appear on the version given to me . . .

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.

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. And this is something on the so-called Beckham Rule, which is beneficial – tax-wise – for folk who want to work here.