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

An article about one of my neighbours . . . Leonormania: why Spanish women are following their princess into the military. Not a huge surprise to read that: Spanish politics is increasingly divided

Lenox Napier makes a point of two about all those fiestas.

A propos . . . Here’s a foto of the preparations for our huge Feira Franca (Mediaeval Fair) next Saturday – a mammoth money-spinner for many operators.

The foto shows the re-constitution of one of the medieval gates in the city walls. As it happens, this one is the Portuguese Gate, through which now pass 150,000 Camino de Santiago ‘pilgrims’ every year. Sadly, precious few of these stop to enjoy our lovely old quarter. And almost none of them read my Pilgrim’s Guide to Pontevedra City . . . As if I care. . .

Health matters:

• Smoking: A 2022 survey put the number of Spaniard aged 15 and above who smoke daily at 27%. This compares with c.14% of British ‘adults’. While smoking rates in Spain have declined since the introduction of anti-tobacco laws in 2005 and 2010, they remain a public health concern. The government has considered additional measures to reduce smoking, especially among young people. My perception is that the percentage is not that high in Pv city but I have said several times that the young women seem to (far) outnumber the young men.
• The consumer watchdog OCU analysed 331 types of crisps(US chips) to identify the least healthy of a not-terribly-healthy foodstuff. The 2 worst offenders (due to the presence of the E150d colourant and a list of ‘bad’ ingredients) . . . . Ruffles (jámon flavour), and Wavy (ham flavour). 

Germany

Immigration:

• Following what you might call laxity under Mrs Merkel, now comes stringency . . . Even Germany is talking tough on illegal immigration.
• Why the hard-right AfD is set to break through in Germany’s elections: Mass immigration, economic stagnation and highly qualified young people moving west after reunification, have all contributed to the rise of the AfD.

The UK

Immigration: After reading about sizeable expulsions of asylum claimants and illegals from both Spain and Germany, I got to wondering how much of this happens in the UK. My impression was that even individuals ‘sentenced’ to expulsion there somehow seem to stay in the country, possibly even on benefits. An AI search came up with: While the UK does expel some asylum seekers and illegal immigrants, the numbers have generally been low in recent years compared to historical levels. The [Conservative?] government has been pursuing more aggressive policies, but these have faced legal and practical challenges. No exact numbers but, apparently, a softer approach than in Spain and now Germany. And it looks like being even softer under the new Labour government. What could possibly go wrong?

France

If one had to select the country with the best/least worst Constitution, I guess that France’s – designed for President de Gaulle – wouldn’t come near the top of the list. Unless, possibly, you were French.

The USA

The presidential election:-

• A hard-to-please British columnist describes the recent Harris interview as: remarkable: 27 minutes of sub-political falafel/tumbleweed.
• A veteran US political commentator avers that Harris and Trump are too busy scrapping old promises to mention what matters.

The Way of the World

Karma? Robin DiAngelo, the anti-racist doyenne has been caught in her own trap. The race activist and best-selling author chided others for not giving credit to black people. Now she’s caught in a plagiarism row.

English

Dorgi: A dog which is a cross between a Dachshund and a Welsh Corgi.

Spanish

Atisbar: To make out, discern, observe.

Finally . .

More here on the estimable William Dalrymple, author of the book I recently cited – The Golden Roads.

Finally, finally . . .

Everton: The laughter is now hysterical . . . After dominating the game and after being 2-0 up with 3 minutes to go, they yesterday managed to lose 2-3. But at least they scored. So . . . Not all bad news. Ha ha ha ha ha etc.

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. If you do this but don’t read the posts, I will delete your subscription. So perhaps don’t bother if you have other reasons for subscribing . . .
• 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. Finally, some advice on getting a mortgage. And this article ‘debunks claims re wealth and residency taxes’. Probably only relevant if you’re a HNWI. In which case, you’ll surely know what that stands for.