Gib. v Spain; Delightful Debs: Life in Spain: Toe nail query; & Costly comics

I mentioned recently that the result of an EU investigation into the Gibraltar situation was 2:1 in favour of the Rock against Spain. The latter finding has naturally been rather more covered in the Spanish media. Indeed the Gibraltar First minister has described reports here as 'sensationalist' and has complained about one TV channel portraying as real 'smuggling scenes' which it had set up itself. But all's fair in love and war. And this particular war is now more than 300 years old.

The institution may have died decades ago in the UK but Pontevedra still has its annual Debs' Ball, when 16 or 17 young beauties in virginal white are presented to society by their fathers or, in a couple of cases, by their grandfathers. Quite quaint. And it fills several column inches in the local paper.

Life in Spain

• Frighteningly, 10,000 random tests have shown that 36% of Spanish drivers have been taking drugs, presumably hash for the most part. At a crash scene it's 50%. Something else to worry about.
• Spain has a child poverty rate of 27% and the government has been criticised by several charities for not doing enough to reduce this. Unicef has said that Madrid is putting up only €17m of the €9.4bn necessary for vital medicines, clothing, food and toiletries, meaning that millions of youngsters are being left at risk. When times are tough, they're always tougher for the poor.

I took to wondering yesterday how people in societies which hadn't yet invented small scissors got to trim their toenails. Did they get someone else to bite them? Or did they just file them against a handy rock? Seems more likely.

Finally . . . British comedians - some of whom make me laugh - are said to earn up to 20m pounds from touring the UK. Laughing all the way to the bank, then.

House for Sale in Pontevedra

My neighbours are moving to Madrid and selling their lovely house. Lots of pictures here. Brief description: South west orientation. Completely renovated. In a development with swimming pool, extensive green areas, place for parties, excellent community environment. €395,000.

Details

4 floors

322 sq m constructed, 283 sq m usable

5 double bedrooms

3 bathrooms

Plot of 336 sq m

Terrace of 336 sq m plus

Garage

Completely furnished

Excellent condition

5 built-in wardrobes

Lumber room

Covered laundry room

Central heating

Private garden