Spanish life is not always likeable but it is compellingly loveable.
Christopher Howse: A Pilgrim in Spain
The Spanish Economy - The technocrats who rule Europe these days are not happy with Spain's status quo/stasis.
- Here's The Local's useful advice on winter ailments and remedies. I should perhaps note that I've read that all cough medicines are no better than a drink of hot water, honey and lemon. Traditional stuff, in other words. Don't be fleeced.
- I passed a marijuana shop in Malasaña yesterday. I thought it was called something like Medigrass but perhaps it was this place. Looks like it's very easy to get these days.
- The pavements of Madrid and Pontevedra are very wide. Although probably not planned, this has 2 immense benefits:-
- It reduces the number of times Spanish people invade your personal space, having no concept of this, and
- You can easily walk a metre away from the doorways, meaning you won't be hit by folk exiting without bothering to see if the coast is clear. That: No hay moros en la costa.
- WTF are 'organic Galician mussels', seen on a menu in Madrid? From the rafts in the sea rather than a farm?
- The horrible railings are finally going up on O Burgo bridge in Pontevedra but it doesn't look like the works will be finished by the end of October . . .
- Compare the sentences given here with those dished out to corrupt Spanish politicians who pocket (and keep) millions. Reader María's comments on this theme can be found at the end of this post.
- The UK's favourite Spanish white wines. Well, those of the pundits. For me, nothing beats NZ whites from the right valley. Here in Galicia, I favour the local godello grape over all others. Very difficult to get in Madrid. Spain can be so effing parochial.
- The view from my new country, Ireland. The pressure is ramped up further by the tight timetable. Without a deal ready on January 1st, 2021, Britain risks a no-deal exit with the sudden imposition of tariffs and regulatory barriers on EU-UK trade, something economists warn would have a seismic effect on British business. Ratification of any deal by the EU promises to be a complex and lengthy process – although there will be scope for at least provisional application of the core parts of a trade agreement once the EU Council and European Parliament have given it their blessing. The full article here. I get the impression this morning that the stark reality described here is finally beginning to be observed beyond Richard North and one or two others.
- However bad it gets for Ffart and however despicable he's proved to be - either by himself or by others - reader Perry is very probably right - the Republicans are never going to allow him to be impeached. If he's voted back into office, I vow here and now to give up on the USA and eliminate this bit of my posts.
- If only German had English grammar and syntax rules . . . Nice video from a talented (and pretty) German lady. Male readers should try hard to concentrate on what she's saying.
- Renfe . . . The return trip last night:-
- Left 30 minutes late.
- Involved us being woken at 6.15 for a 3h45m coach ride to Pontevedra.
- But was compensated for by a repayment. Not!
- My funny younger daughter and: 1. Her Cartoon Life and 2. her vlog on managing a house and kids. 'Assisted by' a standard husband . . .
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