Thoughts from Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain: 8.8.20

Night’s candles are burnt out, and jocund day stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops.

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

- Christopher Howse: 'A Pilgrim in Spain'*  

Living La Vida Loca in Spain 

• In some parts of Spain, tourist numbers are said to be at the disastrously low level of only 5% of normal. Here in Galicia - where we benefit from hordes of Spaniards fleeing the heat of Madrid and the South - it's hard to believe it's down by as much as 5 or 10%. But I could be very wrong on this.
• On this subject, a knowledgable commentator thinks a swift end should be brought to the 'tourist-saviour-complex'. My guess is that Lenox Napier of Business Over Tapas would wholeheartedly agree . . .     
• The town of Aranda del Duero is considered here to be in central Spain. Perhaps, at a pinch, north central. But in the UK press it's invariably referred to as being in ‘north western Spain’. So, where does that leave us, here in Galicia? Mid Atlantic?
• News of a Madrid project which has been on the hot plate for more than 20 years. Rather like the AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Galicia.    
• The FT had a nice article this week on the the monarchy and the need for constitutional reform here. Extracts: The troubles of Juan Carlos and the monarchy are symptomatic of a deeper crisis of the modern Spanish state. The great achievements of the democratic era — the state structures that served Spain well after the return of democracy - are in need of reform. Very true, IMHO. As is: At national level, party corruption scandals, the eurozone debt crisis and the Mediterranean refugee and migrant emergency have blended with the Catalonia crisis to destroy the post-1978 system under which the Popular party and Socialists used to alternate in power.   
• So, said ex-king came to Galicia, stayed in Sanxenxo (“The Marbella of the North”) and flew in a private jet from Vigo to Abu Dhabi. Where he's staying in hotel costing £10,000 a night. I wonder what on earth you get for that. Flunkeys and beautiful 'escorts' in every room? Or is that just my personal ilusión. 
• There’s a lot of placards down near the reformed O Burgo bridge, on the history of its predecessors:-

 I’m betting I’ll be one of the few to read them. They’re all in only Gallego, of course. As is the way of things these days.

• María's Day 54.  Some excellent advice, if you live here.

The Way of the World

• A big day is coming: Today is International Female Orgasm Day. It’s also International Cat Day, so someone’s having a laugh. IFOD was launched by a Brazilian politician in 2007 to “reduce stigma” and repay a “sexual debt” to his wife. Crikey, I’m sure a bangle would have done. Now that we have National Lost Sock Day (May 9) and National Ballpoint Pen Day (June 10) can we agree we have reached peak “Day”? But how to celebrate today now it’s here? I shall go round saying: “I threw a party for International Female Orgasm Day. Nobody came.” Then if they laugh, accuse them of faking it.

English 

• This sentence contains, I believe, one word that doesn't (yet) exist and another which I've never seen used in the way it is. Has it been translated from the Spanish original, I wonder?? . . . Whatsmore, during the construction of the Madrid Nuevo Norte project, 63,000 direct jobs will be generated, 31,000 indirect jobs and 23,000 induced jobs.

Finally . . . 

• A German friend tells  me that, understandably but amusingly, it was impossible to buy brown shirts in Germany until the late 60s.
• Advice: If you go through the security machine at Schipol airport in trousers that have 8 pockets each with a zip, be prepared to spend quite some time in it.

 

* A terrible book, by the way. Don't be tempted to buy it, unless you're a very religious Protestant.