Thoughts from Galicia, Spain: Thoughts from Galicia, Spain: 5.8.17

Spanish life is not always likeable but it is compellingly loveable.

- Christopher Howse: A Pilgrim in Spain.

If you've arrived here because of an interest in Galicia or Pontevedra, see my web page here. Garish but informative.

Spain

Life in Spain

A warning: At least 10 Britons have died and more than 100 British and Irish expatriates and holidaymakers have suffered devastating side effects after taking the drug Nolotil (metamizole), one of Spain’s most popular painkillers. The medicines regulator in Spain confirmed last night it had launched an investigation into concerns that northern Europeans may be more at risk from the drug, which is not licensed for use in many countries, including the USA, Britain and Sweden, because of a side effect which can lead to blood poisoning and death. The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices said it was gathering more evidence. Boehringer Ingelheim, the inventor of 'Nolotil', said: This medication is not patent protected and so is available in many generic forms, not only in Spain but also in other European countries. 'Nolotil' must not be given without prescription."
Another warning: It seems that kamikaze drivers going the wrong way are not the only danger on Spanish motorways. This, incidentally, is the motorway/'autovia' where I recently got done for doing a mere 90kph.
Here's Eye on Spain with an account of what foreigners most like about the country. Nothing novel though.

The USA

Here, according to the author, is what liberals still get wrong about Fart's core supporters.
Another laugh-out-loud comment from one of the satirical shows last night: Trump accuses all the media of being the enemy of the people, with the sole exception of Fox News. This is so far up his arse, they are the enema of the people.
Would you believe . . . Hitler spoke of building an ‘Eastern Wall’ along the Urals as a barrier against sudden inroads from the ‘dangerous human reservoir’ in Asia. Great company.

Which reminds me . . .

Nutters Corner

Fart claims that his row-back on car anti-pollution standards will save many lives. A safety measure, in other words. As for me, words fail me this time.

Galicia and Pontevedra

As regular readers will know, there are some very odd fiestas in Spain. Here's an account of one recently enjoyed here in Galicia. I attended it once. Quite bizarre.
Talking of things bizarre . . . In the same week, both the place at which I take a coffee on my way into town and my regular bar where I take my claras and wines have decided to install new tables and chairs. What were the odds on that?
More new beggars in evidence yesterday. My assumption is that these folk move to the coast for their annual holidays as well.
Lots of moaning about the very warm weather. And it is a bit uncomfortable just sitting on a terraza under a temperature of 35-37 degrees. But I've experienced worse. Even though the humidity here is relatively high – 78% as I write – it's nothing like that of Jakarta, for example. Where it's so high the water drips from the leaves and you can't raise your drink to your mouth without bathing yourself in a huge sweat.
But no one is complaining about the temperature of the sea water, which has reached an unprecedented 25 degrees. Almost bearable. Without risking the loss of your manhood.
The sins of the children . . . A young man of 17 was convicted in Vigo of several motoring offences. And so was his passenger. Because she was his mother and, therefore, a presunta cooperadora necesaria del delito and regarded as responsible for his actions. Does this happen in other countries?

Finally

My car in the sun at 3pm – 42 degrees

My car in the supermarket carpark at 3.45pm - 33

Driving home – 37

Outside my front door at 4pm - 38

Outside my front door at 11.30pm - 30

My bedroom at midnight - 27

My bedroom at 8.30am – 28, up on midnight.

Outside my front door at 11.30am - 30. But the sun hasn't got round to that side of the house yet

Today – 36

Tomorrow - The temperature to plummet to a mere 25. Blessed relief.

Thoughts from Galicia, Spain