Dawn

Dawn

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Thoughts from Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain: 3.9.19

Spanish life is not always likeable but it is compellingly loveable.   
                  Christopher Howse: A Pilgrim in Spain
Spain
  • If events in Cataluña weren't already sufficiently confusing, there's the question of what's happening to bullfighting there.
  • This is an amusing A-Z guide to the challenge of teaching English in Spain. By an American lady. Who, of course, doesn't speak it properly.
  • The Pontevedra Sunday Flea Market saga - Chapter 7: The local press reported yesterday that a 'police presence' had ensured all went well last weekend. As in all previous reports, the cause of the problem - the illegal gypsy traders - went completely unmentioned. One wonders why.
  • In the seeming endless cavalcade of camino 'pilgrims' passing Pontevedra railway station this morning, there was a young lady who was both limping and smoking. Which didn't seem entirely appropriate to me.
  • I don't mind admitting this is one fiesta gatronómica you won't catch me at - a Tripe Festival somewhere near Pontevedra:-

  • Talking of local favourites . . .  The Spanish adore hake(merluza) but our Portuguese neighbours favour cod(bacalao).. Someone has compiled the pros and cons of each, which may or may not impact on your eating habits:-
COD
For
- By weight, it is higher in protein than haddock. Protein is essential for growth and repair of the body.
- It contains potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure. It is a source of magnesium, which turns the food we eat into energy.
- It is rich in vitamin D, which is important for strong bones.
Against
- Eating it may be unsustainable. A report published last month by the International Council for the   Exploration of the Sea (Ices) revealed that North Sea cod stocks had fallen to critical levels.

HADDOCK
For
- It contains more vitamin B6 than cod. Vitamin B6 supports the nervous system.
- It is a good source of vitamin B12, which prevents anaemia.
- It is full of vitamin B3, which may prevent miscarriages and birth defects, according to a 2017 study.
 - It contains phosphorus, which is necessary for cell and tissue repair.
Against
- Avoid consuming too much haddock regularly because it is high in sodium. A high-salt diet can increase your risk of having a stroke
  • After a couple of weeks of riding my bike into and out of town, I've concluded that I'm invisible when doing this. At least on zebra crossings.
USA/Nutters Corner
Spanish 
English
  • No time to post Mr Penn's definition of 'Dispatch' today. Tomorrow, I promise.
Finally . . .
  • Yesterday, at the suggestion of my elder daughter, I started tweeting bits of my blog on an (unused) account I've had for over 4 years. I told about 20 friends of this and 4 of them kindly started to follow me. As for the other 16, there are 2 basic explanations for not doing so:- 1. They ain't interested, or 2. They're already reading my daily blog and don't want to see the same comments on Twitter. I prefer this one, of course . . . 
  • If you're one such regular blog reader, this won't be relevant but occasional readers might like to know that my Twitter address is https://twitter.com/pontevedran

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