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

Factional disputes on the left of any political spectrum are hardly unusual around the world but the recent actions of the ‘far left’ Podemos party have surely weakened the coalition of several parties which form the current PSOE administration. . . . I can’t begin to understand the details, so here’s someone else’s summary: Podemos’s recent actions—breaking with Sumar*, escalating public criticism of the PSOE, and running independently—have fragmented the Spanish left, weakened Sumar’s position, and made it more difficult for the left to present a united front in upcoming elections. This rivalry is likely to continue shaping the dynamics of Spain’s left-wing politics in the near future. Not to mention national politics, if the right-wing opposition parties get their act together.
*A sub-PSOE group formed by the (communist) VP and Secretary for Labour.

A bit more on the chap – an ex head of the anti-fraud and anti-money laundering division of the National Police – who had 20m euros hidden behind walls and ceiling panels in his house . . . His arrest – and that of his (policewoman) ‘romantic partner’ – are directly linked to the seizure of 13 tonnes of cocaine n October 2024. This was hidden in banana crates shipped from Ecuador. He is accused of collaborating with criminal gangs, providing intelligence to help them evade police controls at Spanish ports. As you might expect: The case has severely damaged public trust in Spanish law enforcement, highlighting the extent of cartel infiltration and corruption within the police force. Frankly, I doubt it was much of a surprise.

Spanish property prices are said to be rising far faster than in other EU states. And that bastard Trump is partly to blame, it seems.

As desired by the Spanish government, tourists are increasingly turning away from popular “sun-and-seaside” resorts, as Brits face a summer of anti-visitor protests across the country.* Already, outside the season, tourists spend more money in rural destinations than along the coasts.

* I have yet to organise these in Galicia, at least outside Santiago de Compostela, where they are fed up of more than half a million ‘pilgrims’ a year.

Folk whom Spain does want to see here – brainy people from the USA. It’s reported that Trump is driving them to our shores. Well, our cities.

Something to avoid doing if visiting Segovia to see the huge Roman aqueduct. Or to have suckling pig in the famous restaurant below it.

The onerous new reservation/check-in procedures introduced during the winter are said to be causing real problems in the camino albergues in Galicia, and doubtless around the country. Especially when the doors don’t open until early afternoon and dozens of tired and foot-sore ‘pilgrims’ are waiting to be let in. I expect riots in summer.

Portugal

What’s new and 10 reasons to visit. Perhaps as a change from unwelcoming Spain.

The UK

Unlike Spain, losing brains . . . To Spain, as it happens.

Sweden

Not the perfect place it once was, it seems.

The USA

Thugocracy – a nice new term.

The Secretary for Education pronounces AI as ‘A One’. . . . But she knows a lot about wrestling.

What to do about Trump’s ‘open defiance of the Supreme Court’. Before it’s too late.

Trump is still said to be planning a military parade for his 79th birthday. And the USA is getting closer to being a banana republic. Albeit with an all-powerful king or emperor atop it.

Despite knowing that things differ wildly from place to place, I increasingly wonder why anyone who could emigrate would want to stay in the US. Especially if they have kids. Mind you, I think much the same about my own country of birth.

Russia v Ukraine

Trump – an astonishingly patient man when it suits him – is said to be running out of patience with Putin. The latter doesn’t seem to recognise the art in Trump’s deal-making. And perhaps has some of his own.

Spanish

• Hacer mella: To make a dent in. To take a toll.
• Tocho: Billet. Tome.
• Cebada perla: Pearl barley
• Grosero/Tosco/Inculto: Uncouth

Did You Know?

The US government now says that El Salvador is safer than several European countries. One wonders why.

You Have to Laugh

Today Through the Ages

Courtesy of the Autodidact Professor

• April 11
• April 12
• April 13
• April 14

Finally . .

Those ‘strict’ new rules affecting millions who are Spain-bound.. . . Possibly.

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 . . .
• I can also be read on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/colin.davies.752861 or on Substack at https://doncolin.substack.com/
• 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. But see here on this. 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.
• Getting a mortgage in Spain: Some advice on this challenge.