Switching on the TV the other day, I had the misfortune to hit one of those appalling ‘pink press’ shows involving numerous people discussing absolute trivia. Usually at the top of their voices and simultaneously. In this case, it was the relationship between an ageing TV star – Ana Obregón – and her toy-boy partner. Before I could switch off, they’d shown at least 15 times in succession a brief and fuzzy kiss between the lovers as they parted inside a car. I mention this only to highlight a concern here about what will be aired about the sad death of the depressed sister of the Princess of Asturias, wife of the Crown Prince. Grounds for optimism are not high.

After a meeting with the Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs, Spain’s wine-producers appear to be relieved that – in her campaign to reduce adolescent drinking - their product will be treated differently from other alcoholic beverages. We await details of how the acceptance of wine’s ‘singularity’ and ‘socio-cultural support’ will be translated into practice.

Galicia Facts

There are said to be 15-20,000 foreign workers – mainly Portuguese – working illegally on construction projects in the region. There have certainly been several Portuguese men working on the new houses at the rear of mine during the last year. And I think I’ve mentioned they worked very hard, whatever the weather. But they seem to have disappeared from the scene now the basic work has been done and fitting-out is required. In truth, things appear to have ground to almost a complete stop in the last couple of weeks, leading me to suspect these more complicated tasks can only be taken on by Spanish craftsmen, working in their customary way. Sometimes here, sometimes not. So I’ve revised my forecast of completion from 2 to the more normal 3 years.

Talking of TV - Our bare-breasted local heroine – Ana Maria Ríos – has reportedly rejected an offer of 8,000 euros to appear on ‘Island of the Famous’ because she can’t swim. As if. Doubtless something like 20,000 would allow her to get in a few quick lessons.


Everyone will be pleased as me to know that – after 3 days of very high numbers – this blog is no longer being hit by droves of tossers looking for nude photos of a lady with the initials F. A.