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/Galiza

Good to be reminded that Spain is the world leader in transplants, due to its highly organized National Transplant Organisation, dedicated hospital transplant coordinators, and strong public buy-in.

I wrote that I wasn’t aware of any 28.12 pranks in the media. So, a kind reader sent me this.

A deep dive into empty Spain. Here’s the same chap explaining how Spain’s tourism crisis is far more complicated than it seems.

I’d never heard of the rather ambitious project – Elysium City is an ambitious smart city project planned near Castilblanco in Extremadura. It aims to be Europe’s first major purpose-built sustainable urban development aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The development spans about 1,185 hectares, with 8.3 million square meters for urban use, including 20 hectares of green spaces, 18,000 hotel places, theme parks, residential areas, docks, a 17 km navigable ‘coastline’, and facilities for concerts. It emphasizes technology integration for sustainability, such as smart energy and water management, while promoting harmony between nature and innovation. Initial construction began in 2023 with a 490m euro investment. Completion – self-funded at around 18bn euros total – is forecast for 2028. See here and here.

Why the Spanish down 12 grapes at midnight tonight. Or try to at least.

Portugal

I was surprised to read that Portugal heads the global list of annual wine consumption per capita. Spain is way down it – just above the UK, in fact.

The USA

That gold Trump mobile phone . . . The gilt is off the gingerbread.

The Guardian’s view of Trump’s new Munroe doctrine.

Quote of the Day

So, who do you think said: History proves that all dictatorships, all authoritarian forms of government are transient. Only democratic systems are not transient. Whatever the shortcomings, mankind has not devised anything superior. Well, obviously not Trump. But would you believe his bosom mate Vladimir Putin? Funny guys, both of them.

The Way of the World

The absurd and contradictory experience of manhood in the 2020s.

AI/Social Media

• Profitable AI slop . . .
• How to detect AI images/videos.

Spanish

• Hacendero: A person who diligently strives for the betterment of their household and property.
• Hacendera: A project that the entire community must participate in because it is for the common good.
• Asatear: To shoot.
• Aderezar; To season, spice up, garnish

Did you know?

An interesting change in meaning of the phrase Blood is thicker than water.

You Have to Laugh

This was kindly sent to me by a friend. Spanish female names of a generation or 2 ago.

I’ve cited odd female names over the years. In fact, I think I even invented one – Purgatoria – but now I’m not sure it isn’t real . . .

Finally . . .

The world’s oldest joke, they say.

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 and on X.

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.

If you´re thinking of moving to Spain, this link should be useful to you.