Thoughts from Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain: 15.11.20

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'*  

Covid  

It’s a tad worrying that the Pfizer vaccine is reported to give you a bloody huge ‘hangover’.

Better news - albeit from the notorious tabloid Daily Mail - is that an arthritis drug might significantly cut Covid deaths.

Living La Vida Loca in Galicia/Spain

Unlike in the Anglo world, Spaniards don’t have freedom to leave their assets to whomever they wish. There are laws which compel bequests to spouses and kids. But this wouldn’t be Spain, if the law were consistent throughout the 17 Autonomous Communities of this de facto federal state. A few even allow total disinheritance and Covid has driven up this testamentary element. At least where it’s possible.  Sharper than serpents’ teeth, ungrateful parents . . . . 

Flashback

March 2004: The Spanish government have confirmed it was probably Al Quaeda who set off the bombs, as I had always thought. This is a potentially catastrophic admission for them on the morning of the general election and it will be very interesting to see how today goes. No one gave the Opposition much of a chance until this happened. 

I attended the big demonstration of solidarity in the town on Friday evening. It was probably the biggest gathering in the history of the town and it was very dignified and impressive, one of many which took place throughout Spain The one here, though, was very quiet - as befits a very conservative town. There was no chanting and little movement around the crowded streets. ln fact, it was rather like the usual evening paseo but on a massive scale. People indulged in what they normally indulge in here, showing off their fur coats and talking to their friends and neighbours. 

The USA 

Yesterday’s MAGA march on Washington seems only to have been a success in the eyes of Mr Trump. A man who's gone grey overnight.  Stress, no doubt. Or fear of prison.

The Way of the World

MacDonald’s - ‘just in time for Christmas’ - have introduced their biggest ever burger.  What we were all waiting for.

Here’s an interesting article on rights.   

  

English/Spanish

Etymology 1: To ambush: Emboscar. 1. An ambush: Una emboscada.  3. Wood/forest: Bosque.  Or a lot of bushes . . .

Finally . . .

Etymology 2: My birth town of Birkenhead is so called because it was once covered with birch trees and the name means ‘the birchen headland’. Possibly of even less interest that my note yesterday about The Wirral.

 

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