Thoughts from Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain

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'*

Spain; Have Things Changed?

• A November 2003 post: One of the more arresting sights of modern Spain – where Archbishops’ opinions are still sought by TV interviewers - is the number of roadside brothels just outside each major town. These days they are not called American Bars but Clubs and they nearly always have their name emblazoned in garish pink neon lights. I have sought opinions on this from Spanish friends but have never gained a clear view of whether they are legal or not. My guess is that they are but that the employment of foreign workers without papers certainly isn’t. I base this judgment on the fact that every now and then the police raid a local establishment or two and arrest the owners for employing illegal workers. The usual excuse given is that the owner of the ‘hotel’ was simply renting rooms to the 20 or more foreign ladies and had no idea what they were using them for. One strange thing about brothels in Spain is how openly Spanish males talk about them. And about visiting them. This contrasts with my experience of never hearing a single Anglo Saxon friend mention even a massage parlour. Perhaps I have led a sheltered life. Or perhaps it is a reflection of British hypocrisy. Or perhaps there is an absence of shame about the activity in ‘Catholic’ Spain. Quite rum, really.
• One recent change . . .  There's been a 400% increase in the demand for bikes since the beginning of the lockdown. So, does this mean there's also been a massive increase in sales of all the clingy, fluorescent gear that most Spanish cyclists think is de rigeur, even for just going to the shops?
• Here's María's Day 6 of the Adjusted Normal. 

English/Spanish

• Another 3 refranes:-

- Beggars can't be choosers: A mucho hambre, no hay pan duro.
- Better late than never: Nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena.
- Brain is better than brawn: Más vale maña que fuerza.

The USA

• Donald Trump goes after KPOP fans.

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

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