Thoughts from Galicia, Spain: Thoughts from Galcia, Spain: 17.9.18

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.

Matters Spanish

Good to know that Spanish companies are not behind the ball when it comes to intrusion into our lives . . .

Spanish farmers are getting into almonds bigly, as Fart would say.
Which reminds me . . . A relative of mine who recently arrived for 10 days with 33 kilos of baggage decided that 35kilos was too much to take home. So she left me 2 Tartas de Santiago. But I notice that they're not called this on the box – but Tarta de Almendra. So, is there the equivalent of a DOC operating here?
The appalling Franco family say they'll take every legal measure open to them to stop his body being moved from the Valley of the Fallen. In other countries, I suspect they'd keep a much lower profile.

Matters European

The EU, it's claimed, is risking chaos around the clock after next March, when states will be free to choose from several options.

Matters USA/Global

Here's one of the many articles published on the 10th anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers. It's as horrifying as it is fascinating. The writer is not alone in thinking we're on the verge of another global crisis, as bad habits have returned.
And here's another article which is less than congratulatory about what was done 10 years ago to save the global banking industry. And the salaries and bonuses of bankers. At the expense of just about everyone else. It's enough to make anyone a socialist. Almost.

Matters Galician and Pontevedran

I've received by Messenger confirmation of an appointment with someone in Santander bank later this week. I have no dealings with Santander and never have. A possible virus if I respond to the message? If not, how come Santander have my phone number? The branch is more than 130km from me, in Monforte de Lemos.
Blimey . . . There's a toll road in Norway which is 40% more expensive than our AP9 between Pontevedra and Vigo. But, then again, salaries are probably at least 50% higher there.
A body was found in the river on Saturday, said to be of a 'resident of O Vao'. We all know what this means – a gypsy. BTW: It's always O Vao in the newspapers but the road sign says O Bao. I guess the latter is in Gallego.

Finally . . .

My thanks to the ever-reliable María for proving me wrong in forecasting that no one would give me any pluses and minuses about Spain over the last 18 years.

Thoughts from Galicia, Spain