Thoughts from Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain: 24.11.19

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

                  Christopher Howse: A Pilgrim in Spain

The Spanish Economy/Spanish Life

• Despite claims to the contrary from the then (right wing) PP government, after the 2008 crisis Spanish banks were bailed out - possibly illegally - to the tune of almost €66bn, little of which has been returned to taxpayers. 
• As I've said, these banks have now expressed their gratitude - not to mention their inviolability - by raising their charges by 50%. 
• But at least some of the top bankers might yet get a slap on the wrist for an infamous black debit card rip-off of their customers.

Galician Life 

• When talking to the clerk at the Irish Embassy, I asked if her if she knew that Galicians proud of their Celtic heritage claim that the Book of Invasions (Lebor Gabála Érenn) proves that Ireland was settled by Gallegos. She admitted she didn't and seemed unimpressed by my knowledge of Galaico-Irish myths. As everyone is, I find.
• You'll be as thrilled as I am to know that they've begun to assemble the (horrible) railings on the O Burgo bridge in Pontevedra city. Foto tomorrow.

The UK

• I have to admit to never having heard of the Celtic Sea. But I suspect that Galicia nationalists think it's the one off our coast.
• Do you remember the 1970s? asks someone who does. And who fears returning there. Though not because of a Brexit.
• A nice cartoon, which might be accurate as regards politicians elsewhere/everywhere:- 

The USA

• Guess which cretin said this: Kellyanne is great. She is married to a total whack job. She must have done a number on him. I don’t know what she did to that guy He’s got to be some kind of a nutjob. She must have done some bad things to him, because that guy is crazy.  Pot and kettle. Sexist nonsense. As usual, an accusation from Ffart is also a confession.
• Could Perry be wrong about Ffart's chances of staying as the Republican candidate and being re-elected next year? A small cloud on the horizon, no bigger than a man's hand, as they say?
• Second question . . .  If Perry had to choose between Ffart and, say, Attila the Hun, which one would be plump for? 😀😀😀

Finally . . . 

• I recently lost my water for a few days. Putting it back on, I was confused that some taps had great pressure and some hardly any at all. Checking the filters in the latter, I found this stuff in all of them:-

So . . . WTF is it and, more importantly, where does it come from and go to when the water is flowing? Bits of plastic tubing and into us? Non-food for thought . . .