El País has joined me in querying the trustworthiness of the Inland Revenue's statement that there'd been 'a clerical error' behind the accusation that Princess Cristina had sold 13 properties she didn't own. Turns out that, unlike the 7 numbers the rest of us have in our ID, she only has 2. So, quite a mistake. And made by several notaries on the same day in different parts of the country. Frankly, you have to question the sanity of the person who expects us to believe this. Or the arrogance. But, never mind, the IR is going to have an investigation and give us details of what took place. Possibly.

Spain may be corrupt but she knows a good thing when she sees one. Meaning anyone or anything that displays 'solidarity'. Or, in other words, a willingness to move cash towards the Iberian Peninsula. So the EU continues to command a degree of fidelity. Next year? Who knows.

That said, not all individuals here view the EU through rose-tinted glasses. The ex President of the Andalucian government has recently written:- The Europe we are experiencing is not the one we European citizens want. The uncompromising policies of austerity and compliance with deficit targets above all other considerations, the adjustments to and cuts in the welfare state, the fears raised by the EU rescue of Cyprus are all causing economic stagnation in Europe and causing greater inequality, poverty and social exclusion. Not enough solidarity, then.

Talking about glasses . . . Looking today in the window of a knick-knack shop that's closing, I saw some Kama Sutra Shooter Glasses. Not knowing what these were and wondering why one would wear them when out shooting, I looked them up. Was my face red!

The Queen - or, rather, her horse - won the prestigious Gold Cup race at Royal Ascot today, mid scenes of joy in the stands. Especially on the part of Liz herself. After the race, the trainer of the horse (Estimate) pointed out the young lady, Michelle, who rides Estimate every day and commented she was 'a pain in the backside sometimes'. Which I thought was rather rude, especially on nationwide TV. It wasn't until much later I realised he'd been referring to the horse.

HT to my Ferrol friend, Richard, for pointing me to the news that Galicia's most reckless driver has now had all 8 cases against him tried on the same day. Because his lawyer apologised so eloquently on his behalf - a Spanish speciality - his 10 year sentence was reduced to 15 months. But, additionally, he was deprived of his driving licence for 18 years. Or he would've been if he'd had one. So, for his sentence to be implemented, he has to apply for one. Do they give licences to people convicted of reckless and dangerous driving in Spain? I guess it's possible.

Richard and I also laughed over the story that, up near Lugo's courthouse, residents are having to put signs on their front doors saying "This is not a house of appointments". Which is one way of advertising you're not a brothel. They're fed up of having the city politicians and judges knock on their doors, asking for Lascivia. No, I made that bit up. Apparently, the place next door used to have a sign saying Casa de Muñequas. Which means 'House of Wrists'. Or 'Dolls', as you prefer. Perhaps a very clever pun. But, anyway, Tener muñequa means 'To have friends in right places'. Again, I've no idea why.

Finally . . . Three awful bits of graffiti from Pontevedra's old quarter and then some of the better ones:-