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

The PM says his government will ban social media access for children aged under 16 and will order platforms to introduce age-verification systems. Mr Musk has declared himself very unhappy about this (infra).

Successful action against excessive tourist lets? Spain’s Digital One-Stop Shop for rentals (La Ventanilla Única Digital de Arrendamientos) has now been running for a year, and the first results are in. Created under EU rules to tighten control over tourist, seasonal and room rentals, after a slow start, the system is now reshaping how short-term accommodation is offered online.

Disappearing Spanish beaches . . . Including one in nearby Vigo. All a Chinese hoax, of course.

The rain . . . Following weeks of relentless storms. Meteorologists have described the ground across the entire Iberian Peninsula as being ‘full like a sponge’ . Now, a new ‘atmospheric river’ – a massive band of concentrated moisture stretching from the Caribbean – is dumping fresh rainfall on top of the sodden earth. The result is an ‘extreme’ risk of flooding. The most alarming forecasts are centred on the north west of the peninsula, including Galicia and parts of Portugal. However, the danger will rapidly spread south to Andalucia, where the situation is becoming increasingly precarious. While the totals may be lower than the north, the impact could be just as devastating due to the saturated ground.

Just in case you’re going to be anywhere near Lalín and want try the local pig-based speciality . . .

Portugal

17 facts you might not know about Portugal:

• 1. Portugal is home to the westernmost point in Europe, Cabo da Roca, located near Lisbon. It is not only a picturesque location, but it also holds a historical significance, as it marks the boundary of the European continent.
• 2. The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Their Joanine Library, built in the 18th century, is known for its exquisite Baroque style and houses thousands of ancient books.
• 3. Portuguese is the official language not only of Portugal, but also of Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tome and Principe, making it one of the most spoken languages in the world.
• 4. Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is famous for port wine production. The wine is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley and aged in wineries along the Douro River before being shipped from the Port.
• 5. Portugal is the largest producer and exporter of cork in the world, with much of its cork harvested from the cork oaks that cover the country’s landscape.
• 6. The Vasco da Gama Bridge, in Lisbon, is one of the longest bridges in Europe, spanning the Tejo River for a stretch of more than 17 kilometers (about 11 miles). Named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
• 7. Portugal’s Algarve region boasts some of Europe’s most stunning beaches, drawing millions of tourists every year. However, besides its beaches, the region also offers picturesque fishing villages, dramatic cliffs and a rich cultural heritage.
• 8. The Portuguese Azores archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, consists of nine volcanic islands. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, offering unique landscapes, thermal springs, and whale-watching opportunities.
• 9. Portugal is home to one of the oldest bookstores in the world, the Bertrand Bookstore, which opened in 1732 in Lisbon. He holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest operating bookstore.
• 10. The Portuguese love their seafood, and one of their traditional dishes is “Cod à Brás”, a tasty combination of salted cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.
• 11. The country has a rich tradition of fado music, characterized by its soulful melodies and melancholy lyrics. It is often performed in intimate settings known as “fado houses”, particularly in Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods.
• 12. The Alentejo region in southern Portugal is known for its vast cork oak forests, rolling plains and medieval hilltop towns. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Portuguese culture.
• 13. Portugal has a long history of maritime exploration, with renowned explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magalhães and Bartolomeu Dias. Their voyages played a significant role in shaping world history during the Age of Discoveries.
• 14. The Portuguese city of Abidos is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and picturesque streets. It’s also known for its annual chocolate festival, where visitors can indulge in a variety of chocolaty treats.
• 15. Portugal has a rich tradition of ceramic tiles, known as azulejos, that adorn buildings, churches and palaces across the country. These intelligently designed tiles often depict historical scenes, religious motifs, and geometric patterns.
• 16. Bethlehem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Lisbon, was built in the early 16th century as a fortress to defend the city’s harbor. It’s an impressive example of Manuelian architecture, adorned with intricate details and maritime symbols.
• 17. Portugal is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, with over 3,000 hours of sun per year on average. Its mild climate, combined with its diverse landscapes, makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities all year round

Iran

The armed madhouse: The folly of bombing Iran.

The USA

See my earlier Trumplandia post.

The Way of the World/Social Media

Social media has become a failed state, where laws are ignored and crimes are tolerated: The Spanish PM. Elon musk has called him a dirty tyrant and a traitor to the Spanish people. Who might not agree with that assessment.

Spanish

• Después de muchos años que es cuando . . . : It was only after many years that . . .
• Cateto: Hick, yokel, redneck, etc.
• Colar algo (a alguien): To pass something off on someone. To get away with

English

Perplexity tells me that: There are around 55 places named Gobblers Knob in the USA – primarily summits or hills – spread across more than 20 states. And that: They’re typically linked to wild turkeys. Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is famous as the site of the annual Groundhog Day event with Punxsutawney Phil. OK, but do these words really not have the same alternative meaning as in British English, I wonder.

Did you know?

How one ancient language – Proto – went global.

Finally . . . You Have to Laugh

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 . . .

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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.

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