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 portrait shedding light on Spain’s decisive role in US independence: ‘This is proof that we are founders, not outsiders’. Growing recognition of the military leader Bernardo de Gálvez is helping highlight the role played by Spain and Latin America in the founding of the United States.

How can they tell? . . . Chameleons are spread across Spain as experts urge people not to take them home.

Until 7.30 this morning, I thought it was illegal to begin noisy construction work before 8am. But that’s when the jackhammer started up on the site below my house. Perplexity advises: There’s no single nationwide start time — most municipal ordinances allow noisy works to begin around 08:00 on weekdays. Galicia’s general rule is 8am but it’s possible Poio permits 7.30. Or that the law is ignored when it suits.

My Pilates colleagues confirmed my understanding. Cue a 15 minute dissertation on the subject from the-woman-who-never-draws-breath. And who is pretty useless at the exercises. Otherwise, a great addition to the class.

Europe

Ryanair has identified several European airports as unprepared for the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks, warning of significant delays this summer. These are Tenerife South, Palma (Palma de Mallorca), Alicante, Málaga, Milan–Bergamo, Kraków and Paris–Beauvais. My family, arriving, of course at Oporto, might be lucky.

The World Cup

A eulogy to Lionel Messi, which will appeal to some. Many, even. From tiny kid to the GOAT.

Well, England did more than I, for one, expected, despite playing at 51,000 feet (Higher than most airliners) and being subjected to some dirty tricks.

After Trump called FIFA’s Infantino, a red card given to a US player was rescinded. We now wait for King Chas to do the same thing for the card given to an English player. Though we realise he doesn’t have the clout of an emperor.

Trump, the football expert . . .

The Middle East War

The latest update from Naked Capitalism. Iran’s stance is hardening.

The United States of Trump America

Trump has settled on a figure of 145,000 for his July 4 address. More objective observers suggest one tenth of this, at most. With several departing before he finished. By now, they probably know his Greatest Hits spiel off by heart.

Why Trump’s Stupidity and Grift Is Dooming Him. Podcast Video

Eh? . . . MAGA Wants to Force Women to Pee in Cups at Airports. Podcast

Spanish

• Vaya!: Tone dependent. Surprise =Wow! Disappointment/grief = Oh no!
• Espeluznante: Creepy, spooky, scarey, etc.
• Chupinazo: Loud bang. Rocket.

Did you know?

Fun facts about different animals’ history.

Finally . . .You Have to Laugh

Sparkling wit . . . Economics is useful only as a source of employment for economists: J K Galbraith.

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

The Usual Links .

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I can also be read on X at Thoughts from Galicia. And on Substack here. I no longer post on Facebook.

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.