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 Galiza

Some very local stuff, to contrast with today’s headlines . . . .

• Yet another accident on a zebra crossing. I feel I’m tempting fate using one of these 12 times a day.
• The local council has erected new road signs around my barrio. This one is next to an old sign indicating the way to properties that were built at least 15 years ago.

It’s one of 2 erected by the (bankrupted) developer which are now rusting eyesores. It would have been nice if the council had spent a small sum cutting them down when erecting the pretty new road signs.

• Talking of houses . . . It’s not unusual – in Galicia at least – to see ugly skeletons, like this one, where construction has stopped, for whatever reason:-

This one is in a prime position but has been in this state for at least 10 years. But the good news is that there are signs of activity on the site, hopefully meaning someone is investing in completing construction.

• Nostalgia time . . . Something I saw at Sunday’s rastrillo in Pv city – an old Commodore 64, which I think was my 2nd computer, after the (very expensive) one issued by the BB, primarily educational purposes. Both quaintly low-performing now but revolutionary at the time.

Europe

• The USA’s allies fear they are tied to an erratic US and now have nowhere to turn.
• Europe can’t bet on a post-Trump US turning back to sanity.

The Middle East War

See my earlier post.

Some points from reading about developments:-

• The safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible for a period of 2 weeks “via coordination with Iran’s armed forces and with due consideration of technical limitations”. What precisely that means remains to be seen.
• Iran offers to allow regulated/safe passage through the strait, potentially with a $2 million per ship transit fee (shared with Oman) to fund reconstruction of war-damaged infrastructure.
• No details of the talks been finalised. The White House has said nothing is final until announced by the President.
• All being well, talks are expected to begin on Friday in Pakistan.
• The conflict was launched with “sweeping promises: regime change in Iran, the dismantling of its missile and nuclear programs, and preventing it from threatening the Strait of Hormuz”. What we are left with for the moment is the regime still firmly in power. Missile capabilities are damaged but still intact and the regime still holds roughly 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60&. In return, we get a “controlled” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which wasn’t even truly closed to begin with. Let’s be honest, this is not a strategic victory.
• The ceasefire might not be anything more than a 2-week pause in hostilities. The Iranian 10-point will be unacceptable to both Trump or the Israel.
• One question arising . . . Will Trump now dump his real-estate mate and his son in law in favour of some real negotiators?

The United States of Trump USA

Relevant podcasts. The asterisk indicates a new post since the last time. Two asterisks means I recommend the latest episode:-

1. The Daily Beast** – On Podbean and other platforms [Plus video]
2. Inside Trump’s Head** – On Podbean and other platforms [Plus video]
3. The Daily Blast with Greg Sargent* – On Podbean and other platforms
4. The Rest is Politics US** – On Podbean and other platforms [Plus video]
5. The DSR Network**: Also on Podbean.

The roll call of ex Trump supporters who were/are all vociferously against his war, despite being MAGA acolytes:-

• Tucker Carlson – Trump’s threats were vile on every level.
• Marjorie Taylor – Trump must be removed under the 25th amendment.
• Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones – Ditto. The madness of a king.
• Candace Owens, ex-MAGA darling – Trump is a genocidal lunatic. Congress and the military should intervene.

Is this ever going to happen?

Quotes of the Day

Trump – from a planet other than Earth:-

• It’s a big day for world peace.
• 100% success.
• This could be a new golden age of the Middle East.
• Big money will be made from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
• My finger is on the trigger to restart strikes.

The EU foreign policy chief: The underlying causes of war remain unresolved.

America has showcased both its might and unpredictability. Talk has often been cheap for this president, and he has played fast and loose in pursuit of his goals, showing the world a way of American thinking that has shocked many allies, let alone adversaries.

Spanish

• Cadera: Hip. But also chair.
• Arar: To plough(plow). To till. Possibly also To scarify, on the sea bed.
• Amerizaje: Splashdown, touchdown, water landing.

You Have to Laugh

Two unhappy Finns . . .

Finally . . .

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The Usual Links . . .

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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.