Rant ahead. Driven by economic necessity rather than by overcoming the crisis, many European countries have now started easing the lockdown. The need to restart the recovery is of course paramount, but what has anybody actually done to claim it’s now over? Well, fuck all, really. Every self-taught constitution expert (and football commentator on weekends) … More 135 – Lockdown Walks
Another week’s gone by and nothing much happened, as you’d expect in a worldwide standstill. I am pleased to share that the neighbour who was listening to Miserere non-stop last week now switched to the aria of the Queen of the Night from The Magic Flute, informing the entire building that Hell’s rage is now … More 134 – Barcelona Chapter 2 – Catalan Gothic
As promised on several occasions, I finally got to sorting out the photos from the times when travelling was still possible and I took my Mum to Barcelona. This first part is dedicated to some of the works of the genius modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. Ladies and Gents: to you, first batch of shitloads of … More 133 – Barcelona Chapter 1 – Modernism
Today marks 212 years since Madrid’s uprising against Napoleonic occupation and under normal circumstances there would be a big party in Malasaña, the part of town where I live, and where the rebellion started in 1808. Festivities were cancelled this year, but today remains special nonetheless, as we were finally released, if cautiously, from our … More 132 – Dos de Mayo / Almost Free
Sixth week into lockdown and the light at the end of the tunnel nowhere to be seen. We can hardly expect any easing of the measures with several thousands of new cases a day in most countries. Which makes me curious, because we’ve really been in isolation here since six weeks (including exercising outside alone) … More 131 – Beware of Greedy Leaders, They Take You Where You Should Not Go
I must have been 15 or thereabouts, because I was already attending high school. There’s a theatre in the provincial town where I grew up, but it doesn’t have a permanent company, therefore the programe consists of performances of companies on tour from the capital or other bigger theatres. I was of course an annoying … More 130 – Kacenka’s Unconventional Guide to Opera (for Curious Beginners)
Today marks the fourteenth day of almost total curfew in Madrid. So how bad is it? Actually, not that bad at all. Sure, it would have been better if my small flat had a terrace or at least direct sunlight, but you can’t always get what you want. However, I must admit I have never … More 129 – How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
My dear readers, I hereby present a few photos from what is likely to be my last hike for a veeeery long time. Hence the title of this entry. You can google it and maybe even work out the subtle irony. Alternatively, should you wish to broaden your cultural horizons with least possible effort, click … More 128 – Non Più Andrai, Farfallone Amoroso, Notte e Giorno d’Intorno Girando…
May you live in interesting times, goes the old Chinese curse – which is of course neither that old, nor Chinese, but it’s common western misconception that anything vaguely clever must be a traditional Chinese proverb. But, misquoted and misunderstood pearls of wisdom look great on Instagram. But don’t we just live in exciting times? … More 127 – Don’t Worry, It Does Get Better…
Madrid is not a city where your average tourist could admire wonders of old architecture. There is no medieval city centre. There is no breathtaking cathedral. Well, there is Almudena, but the only reason it takes your breath away is its sheer ugliness. There are many precedents in Spanish history that demonstrate certain resistance to … More 126 – Brutiful Madrid
