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'
Cosas de España/Galiza
Covid: The overall incidence rate has risen to 470 per 100,000 inhabitants for the past 14 days - way over the ‘extreme risk’ level of 250. It’s highest in Cataluña, Castilla y León, and Navarra. It's sad - and worrying - to relate that, with 279 Covid cases, Galicia has entered the ‘extreme risk’ box. Fortunately - as elsewhere - hospitalisations and deaths aren't growing at the same rate as cases. Which, again as elsewhere, are very largely among the unvaccinated young. Some restrictions are expected to return. Unlike a lot of tourists.
So, 6 of the 11 judges on the Constitutional Court have opined that the lockdown of March 2020 - under a State of Emergency - was illegal, as it should have had parliamentary endorsement under a State of Exception. Theoretically, then all fines should be repaid, but I would advise victims of this illegality not to hold their breath. Unless a US-style 'class action' has a chance of success.
Listening to a podcast on 16th century England yesterday, I was struck by something that's still true in Spain - too many bloody women named 'Mary'. That said, not just one but three of Henry VIII's six wives were call Catherine. . .
told my visitor about my decision not to signal both before roundabouts or when I was on them. He asked me if I was also going to adopt the uniquely Spanish custom of only using the outside lane. I said this would take a few more years. Meanwhile, I'd rely on my mirror and 6th sense to avoid being side-swiped from the right.
Quote of the Day
There can be no doubt that penalty shoot-outs are dramatic. But equally true is Simon Jenkins' comment that they involve the ritual evisceration of young players’ emotions on the altar of entertainment. And that: A penalty shootout is staged cruelty that should be beneath the dignity of team sport. It degrades a noble game to the toss of a dice.
The UK/The Way of the World
A ludicrous English lout who, before the final Euro game on Sunday, stuck a lighted flare up his arse, was wearing a (stupid) bucket hat that sells at £545/€640. Presumably to people who have a lot of money but not much below their headwear.
English
I guess most readers will know that 'vaccination' comes from vacca, Latin for 'cow', as the substance injected originally came from cowpox, not human smallpox.
Spanish
'Cow' is vaca in both Spanish and Portuguese. But is pronounced baca in Spanish, of course.
And a ‘Basque cow’ is a vaca vasca/baca basca . . .
Finally . . ,
My daughter talking to her husband:-
Daughter: I think you have ADD
Husband: What's that?
Daughter: Attention Deficit Disorder. When you lack attention.
Husband: Well, I definitely don't have that. I could sit in a room all day with a coffee and wouldn't be at all bothered if no one gave me any attention.
Note: If you’ve landed here looking for info on Galicia or Pontevedra, try here.