Dawn

Dawn

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Pontevedra Pensées: 11.1.17

Like the British, the Spanish are not good learners of foreign tongues, relying on the fact they also speak a global language. In addition, they're hampered by a belief that they're somehow genetically disadvantaged when it comes to this challenge. This bit of nonsense is probably enhanced by a traditional emphasis on grammar rather than oral communication. Which leaves Spaniards nervous about trying to talk in a foreign language. But, anyway, the reality is that the statistics are not good as regards the learning and speaking of English specifically. As you can see here.

Where would we be without The Local's endless lists? Here's another one, plus a specific example:-
I've mentioned a luxury jail where Spain's accused or convicted politicos tend to spend a few months or even years during and after their trials. This is in Soto de Real in the north of Madrid and you can get more info on it here, here and in a video here, all in Spanish.

The TV series set in fictitious 11th. century Galicia – El Final del Camino - begins tonight on Spain's TV. At 10.40, which is peak viewing time in Spain, of course. 

The fascinating thing about the latest Trump allegations – about his Trumpy-rumpy-pumpy in Moscow – is that - true or not - they're totally plausible. Everyone but everyone is going to be tempted to believe they really are true. This, of course, might not matter much to those who see him – despite everything we know and will know about him – as the saviour of the USA. How future generations will laugh at all this! Which might compensate for the current weeping.

Sad to see that Spain's second large lottery, El Niño - like its big brother, El Gordo - left only crumbs in Galicia. A very small percentage of what our hopeless optimists wagered.

Almost every year sees a new Camino de Santiago. We now have 3 passing through Pontevedra city – the main Camino Portugués plus 2 variantes of it. And then there's the one that goes from La Guardia, at the estuary of the river Miño, along the coast to Vigo and then either further up the coast via Villagarcia or inland to Pontevedra and said Camino Portugués. Not much to do with pilgrimage, of course, as opposed to wealth creation. Not that that's a bad thing. Anyway, here's an article – in Spanish – on what might be the coastal route from La Guardia(A Guarda/A Garda in Galician) or possibly a new one which runs parallel but involves more walking on earth rather than tarmac. I will investigate further!

Meanwhile, it's good to know that the kind folk who subscribed me to Asian Date have now signed me up for African Date. And 'Virgin Media' are still trying to get me to click on one of their several links. As if.


Finally . . . Today's cartoon:-


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