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

Spain is changing . . . Here in Pv city – possibly reflecting the massive increase in Caminers who want to relax after their hike into the city – more and more restaurants are barring you from their terrace if you aren’t going to order a meal. On top of that, they’ve also taken to giving you a limited time at the table even if you are. Up in Barcelona a café is taking things further by charging you progressively more according to the time you take on your coffee. Which will surely catch on in other touristy places.

The continuing battle against squatters . . . Mark Stücklin of Spanish Property Insight writes that: Recent legal reforms were meant to be the silver bullet for Spain’s squatting problem. But barely a month after new anti-squatting laws were introduced, press reports reveal that some occupants are already turning loopholes into weapons—leaving property owners exactly where they started.

The Government is bringing forward a bill to compel all companies to reduce the working week for employees from 40 to 37.5 hours, with no corresponding drop in salary. The measure requires parliamentary approval and this is not assured, despite the PM’s record on negotiating with his ‘far left’ coalition partners.

The UK

Anti-tourism protests are a ‘big issue’ for British holidaymakers in Spain. Customers are asking if they will be safe abroad, says an airline boss who wants to clamp down on rentals such as Airbnb.

A contribution to the immigration debate. Is it possible that, while large scale immigration might be a net benefit for Spain, it can be a net negative for the UK? I imagine so.

Germany

The implications of that vote in the Bundestag.

The Latest Mad Pronouncements of the Jester

We won the Second World War. So, we need a big celebratory parade on June 14th. My birthday, as it happens.

Trumpworld/LA LA Land

Two Alternet articles . . .

• The best way to combat Trump’s lies.
• Who’d have thought it? Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has touted “patriotism” and an “America First” agenda. But some analysts think his version of patriotism is “performative.” And that the Pope is a Catholic.

MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell examines how Donald Trump’s “I don’t know” responses to simple questions, including when asked about a tariff exemption for baby items facing price hikes, reveal that Trump is “giving up his performative act of having an answer for everything” .

Trump’s assault on science. US research institutions are censoring projects in a bid to meet Trump’s demands and retain funding.

Russia v. Ukraine

A change of heart? Has JD Vance finally twigged that the USA is being played? He says Russia is asking for too much in the Ukraine negotiations. Direct talks, he now adds, must take place between Russia and Ukraine to bridge a ‘big gulf’ in their demands for a ceasefire. Which rather sounds like the USA trying to absolve itself from a failure by washing its hands of the negotiations. As you’d expect.

One view on why the tune has changed.

The Way of the World

Toys that cost £13 are being sold for thousands thanks to a celebrity craze. With a £2,500 price tag on rare editions, Labubu dolls are the latest ‘it’ accessory propelled by star power and ‘kidults’ alike.

Spanish

• Amianto: Asbestos.
• Disparate: Nonsense, absurdity, folly.
• Increpar: Rebuke, heckle, scold.
• A expensas de: To the detriment of, at the expense of

Finally . . .

Is there any car name odder (dafter?) than that of the Dacia Bigster?

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

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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.