One of the great enigmas of this summer in Spain, apart from the future of the economy, has been the country’s performance at the Olympics, belying the received wisdom that it is a world power in sport. As I write this, Spain sits 21st in the medal table, having finally won a gold, in the women’s windsurfing, 11 days into the Games, followed by a second in taekwondo. The medal haul so far of two gold, six silver and one bronze is puzzlingly poor. Spain is the reigning football world and European champion, the current Davis Cup champion (its fifth title in the last decade), its cyclists have won the Tour de France three times in the last five years, and its basketball players, many of … [Read more...] about Spain and Sod’s Law
Archives for August 2012
A life in song
Chavela Vargas, who attained legendary status through her renditions of Mexican ranchera music throughout much of the Spanish-speaking world in her final years, died on August 3, at the age of 93. Born Isabel Vargas Lizano in Costa Rica, before being abandoned by her parents as a child, she moved to Mexico aged 17, in 1936. Her arrival coincided with the rise of ranchera music, which like country music in the United States, was initially a celebration of rural values, but soon became a format to explore themes such as the hopelessness of love, the sorrows of which are best drowned in the bottle. Vargas soon became part of the circle of artists and hangers on associated with painters … [Read more...] about A life in song
Euro slides as ECB disappoints
Welcome to my account of what’s affected the euro exchange rate this week, covering the 27th July to 3rd August 2012. This is intended as a brief guide to the latest movements in the euro, to help you decide the best time for you to change currencies. Rate changes this week: Euro to pound: 0.7828 to 0.7851 (+0.294%) US dollar to pound: 0.6359 to 0.6434 (+1.179%) US dollar to euro: 0.8123 to 0.8215 (+1.133%) What’s affected the euro exchange rate this week? 1. The European Central Bank shoots and misses. As we can see here, the US dollar was the comeback kid this week, stealing more than 1.0% each from the pound and euro. What explains this revival in the buck fortunes? Well, it … [Read more...] about Euro slides as ECB disappoints
A dilemma for Spain’s Socialists
Leading an opposition party during a time of economic crisis should, in theory, be a straightforward job, with none of the worries and responsibility that governing in such times entails. But in Spain, that’s not the case for Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, who was chosen to continue heading the Socialist Party earlier this year, despite losing the 2011 general elections. Rubalcaba is one of Spanish politics’ canniest figures. Critics confer on him the sinister powers of a Rasputin, due to his alleged ability to manipulate issues and people behind the scenes. But his gift for communicating also puts most of his political colleagues in the shade. One television reporter tells of how, when making … [Read more...] about A dilemma for Spain’s Socialists
New rules raise requirements for applying for residency in Spain
Although the intention was clear, the exact means by which this would be proven, was not. The central Spanish government makes national policy but this is often interpreted at a regional as well as a town hall level. So what we are beginning to see is this latest dictate being interpreted in different ways in different parts of the country. In order to give some indication of what might be asked for if you do want to apply for Spanish residency we selected three areas local to our offices to illustrate. Murcia: Is not currently issuing residency certificates at all. The regional authorities are waiting for further national guidance. Torrevieja: In addition to the usual documents you … [Read more...] about New rules raise requirements for applying for residency in Spain