Dawn

Dawn

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Pontevedra Pensées: 27.9.16

LIFE IN SPAIN

Banking: I went to my bank on Monday to make the simple transfer I hadn't been able to make on the internet. The pleasant lady couldn't explain why this had happened but gave me an envelope containing my new username and access code. Need I say that, when I opened it, I couldn't read the former.

The Tax Office: So, I went there yesterday and again went through the security check. But things had changed since my visit there 3 weeks ago. There's now a small waiting room at the side of the large room where the clerks are. Directed there by the security guard, I tackled the machine which would give me a number later than those of the 2 people already waiting. But it wouldn't. The chap at the adjacent desk, once informed what I was there for, told me I had to get an advance appointment. This was something that hadn't been necessary the last time and which hardly seemed necessary now, as the people in the waiting room were outnumbered by the clerks in the main room, who weren't actually talking to anyone. But this is Spain and logic isn't always a clincher here.

Getting the Appointment: So, I went on the net last night and, of course, immediately ran into problems. Firstly, the computer told me the service wasn't available and I should try later. Then, my ID number wasn't in their system. I wish! These problems resolved, I then ran into the usual challenge of which of my 2 names and 1 surname the computer considered my 'First Surname'. Spanish bureaucracy, after 30 years of EU membership, still has to come to terms with the fact that no other European country except Portugal operates the same naming system. But, anyway, after 6 attempts, I finally got an appointment for 12.30 today. When I anticipate further problems in processing my complaint. More anon.

SPANISH SOCIETY

Wine: Here's The Local's list of 10 things you might not know about this wonderful stuff here in Spain.

Corruption: Here's just one of the endless cavalcade of trial reports.

GALICIAN STUFF

Sunday's Parliamentary Elections: This is a conservative region and it was to be expected that the right-of-centre PP party would again get the most votes. And it duly did, retaining all its seats on the Xunta. But the left-of-centre parties – as usual – split their (larger) total vote between the newish Podemos-based party, En Marea, and the traditional party of the Left, the PSOE. The former did rather better than the latter, meaning big problems for the national PSOE leader ahead of a strategy meeting with his regional presidents. Or 'barons' as they're called here. In fact, the Left got 53% of the vote, against 47% for the Right but it's the PP which will stay in power. All of which will give at least moral support for President Rajoy as the national parties continue to try to work out how to avoid a 3rd stab at a successful general election in December. Meanwhile, it's noteworthy that the Galician National Block got fewer votes than last time and lost one of of its handful of seats in the regional parliament. Here's the NY Times with more details, if you're interested.

LOCAL STUFF

Pontevedra's New Museum: As I've mentioned, John Brierley was not impressed by this newish and ugly granite and glass building and felt that he couldn't recommend a visit to it in his popular guides on the Portuguese and Spiritual caminos. For me, the irritation was that they've introduced a security check. So, now there are not 4 but 5 people sitting or standing around the lobby doing very little, as visitors are very few: 2 at the Information desk; 2 at the main desk for recording where you've come from; and now the security guard. Who had the decency to blush when I joshed him about the place now boasting security at the entrance. Ironically - as John later noted - there was nothing in the galleries to prevent us doing whatever we wanted there. Say with a sharp implement made of wood or plastic. But, as I often say, I guess this makes sense to someone.

PERSONAL STUFF

Not a good week so far . . . 
  • I left some onions to cook slowly in advance of making a curry. And then forgot about them, as I feared I would.
  • The €2 glasses cord that rose to €5 broke after 3 days. I'll be returning to the shop today.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

TV ADS: Driven to distraction by an ad for credit checks on Sky, I researched the availability of an ad blocker like the one I have on my computer. And, yes, there is one. I'll now investigate further.

FINALLY

Napoleon: There are some - not even French - who persist in holding him in high regard. Well, there's at least one nasty act he and Hitler had in common - stealing the Ghent altarpiece.

THE GALLERY

More examples of Finnish/British nightmares:-



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