Spanish life is not always likeable but it is compellingly loveable.
Christopher Howse: A Pilgrim in Spain
Spain- Today is the International Day of Women and here's some info on planned marches. Yesterday, it was reported that, at the current rate of progress, it'll be 615 years before the salaries of men and women in Spain are equal . . .
- I might well have said this before but the annual cycle of fiestas here - meaning endless occasions for fun (and cross-dressing and clergy-baiting) - was also a feature of England during its Catholic years. Interrupted in the 16th century by her Protestant episodes and then finally abolished by the victorious heirs of John Wycliffe and Martin Luther. Which is why it's now a duller place.
- Brexit: More good news.
- Not sure whether this is good or bad news but Belgium has overtaken Spain as the leading European country when it comes to hauls of cocaine. Followed by France, Germany and then the UK.
- As for heroin, Spain comes 4th, after the UK, Bulgaria and Italy. As these rankings are defined by drug seizures, underlying importation numbers could well be very different.
- Local News 1:- I've mentioned, I think, that the storm, Laura, has mucked up all the festivities for this week. Some of which have taken place indoors and some postponed until next week. But I think Ravachol was presented to the populace last Monday evening, in between showers. And here he is. He will be immolated tonight:-
- Local News 2: I can't say I was surprised to read that Pontevedra province has more accident black spots than any other in Spain. Which must partly explain why our car insurance premiums are the highest in the country. The worst road is the N550, running from Portugal to La Coruña. My guess is that most of the accidents on it occur because drivers are distracted by the ever-changing speed signs that I've banged on about.
- The Eurozone economy is deteriorating rapidly, says Don Quijones, and the ECB is reacting wrongly. See here for his rationale.
- A more famous commentator than DQ claims that Europe's leaders are actually aiding Italy's populists. Thanks to the eurozone’s faulty architecture and the [German] priority of fiscal austerity. Not to mention 'political choices' that override sensible economics. See here.
- Britain has, says this chap, cut itself off from Europe and might well sink. Needless to say, there are others with the polar opposite opinion. We'll know the truth by around 2029.
- Richard North today: For all the noise, a no-deal Brexit remains the direction of travel.
- I can't say I believe it but it's claimed that the use of cash will plummet to almost nothing over the next 15 years, leaving 8 million people struggling to cope. See here.
- One in 3 Brits are said to trust in guardian angels. And 1 in 10 say they've 'felt their presence'. Dear dog.
- Words of the Day:-
- Rezagado
- Un flexo: A table lamp with a flexible arm. Like the wonderful Anglepoise of my studies. And well before these, it seems. Now made in China, of course.
- Odd old word:- Beadsman: 1. One who devotes himself entirely to prayer. 2. One who undertakes to pray for another.
- Some Greek doctors tell us they've established that a siesta helps to keep blood pressure down. So, I'll be continuing with the custom, in an attempt to ward off the day of tablets. And because it makes me feel good, having 2 bites at the day. And less sleep at night.
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