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

Following the PM’s comments re taxing or blocking non-EU property purchases even the ‘quality’ UK press are running articles on places other than Spain in which to invest. As I’ve said, this must be worrying Spaniards who depend on the influx of British cash.

It’s reported that Trump’s attitude towards what he sees as Spain’s political missteps could jeopardise ‘delicate’ negotiations with both Gibraltar and Morocco. I confess I’m not clear how. It’s said that Trump “could reduce the margins of Spain’s foreign policy by opposing Spain’s [low] defence spending, its recognition of a Palestinian state, and its soft approach to Cuba and Venezuela“. Trump is said to dislike the ‘weak’ socialist Spanish government. Here’s The Olive Press on this subject, where there’s also optimism about an improved relationship between Spain and the UK.

I forgot to give a final bit of advice re arriving at Chamartín station. . . To exit onto the metro it used to be possible to walk through the gates at the end of the underground corridor but now you need to use the QR on your ticket. If you’ve thrown away the paper version – or never had one – I guess the QR on your phone version will do the trick.

Cousas de Galicia

Hardy surprising that all the discounted or free travel options available on trains and buses from the national, regional and local governments have reduced car traffic in Galicia in the last year so. Nr that it’s the the young who have taken most advantage of the schemes. They know how to game the system.

Portugal

The best time to visit, per Conde Nast

The UK

Oh, dear. Foreign nationals are being wrongly denied entry to the UK after a faltering start to plans to digitise the immigration system. They have struggled to board flights to Britain, despite having legal residence status, as their electronic visas are not working. Doesn’t bode well for the (very much delayed) EU scheme to finally be introduced this year.

The USA

Did Trump know what the Bible was for? Did Mrs T know why she was standing there holding one or more of them? Do we?

Needless to say, the Grifter-in-Chief is now selling an Inauguration Bible.

I read a report suggesting that Trump’s cabinet is entirely white, which surely wouldn’t go down with at least one set of his voters. An AI answer is: Approximately 81% of his nominations are white, as there are 3 people of color in secretary roles:- Latino Marco Rubio, Black Scott Turner, and Hispanic Lori Chavez-DeRemer. One more than last time. A codicil: The lack of Hispanic representation in Trump’s cabinet was met with strong criticism and disappointment from the Latino community. So maybe 2 sets of annoyed voters.

What executive orders has Trump signed in his blitz? A full list here for those interested.

I had a thought this morning – How will the re-election of Trump figure in future debates on whether democracy is the worst form of Government except for all the other forms that have been tried from time to time?

Well, it certainly looks like Bannon didn’t get rid of Musk before Monday’s pantomime. Musk is not only still there at the centre/center of power but has ousted his co-supremo and is said to be demanding an office in the White House. I wonder what the betting is on him lasting at most 3 months as what some have called the real First Lady.

Quote of the Day

Elon Musk could end up as the biggest dork on 2 planets

The Way of the World

Avers The Guardian here: The nightmare begins. But by holding its nerve, the world can weather President Trump. But can the USA?

Spanish

• Ponerse en cuclillas/Sentarse en tus cuclillas: To squat, to sit on your haunches. To ‘take it easy’.
• Un oremus: Originally ‘Let us pray’ but . . . En el lenguaje coloquial se ha convertido en una expresión que significa perder el juicio o la cordura
• Chambergo: Slouched, cocked hat
• Chozo: Hut, cabin
• Derrochar: To splurge, waste, squander, splash out, etc.
• Bujarda: Bush hammer[?]
• Bohío: Hut, shack, chickee [“A shelter supported by posts, with a raised floor, a thatched roof and open sides. Also known as chickee hut, stilt house, or platform dwelling”.]

Did you know?

• Everything you know about George Orwell is wrong. Allegedly.
• I’ve mentioned that I have problems with Whatsapp. Yesterday’s was that the link failed to appear in this: This is an interesting looking site, kindly recommended to me by Lenox Napier of Business Over Tapas.

Finally . . . You Have to Laugh

I wondered why Mrs Trump’s outfit generated references to “Hamburglar” until a friend sent me this:-

My thanks to those readers who take the trouble to Like my posts.

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.