Wonders of Spain; Guiri students; Puzzling Spain; New word; & A mental challenge.

Spain's Sights: Miffed at not having any Spanish item in the list of global natural wonders, someone has produced this list of 7 wonders of Spain. I have to say I'm surprised none of them made it into the worldwide list.

There are said to be more than 425,000 foreign students in Britain but only 75,000 in spain. One reason has been the typically Spanish requirement that they pass the domestic Selectividad, an exam in Spanish based on Spanish history and culture. Belatedly, the government has realised this is a 'huge barrier' to attracting foreign students and has announced it'll be abolished for them. So, vamos a ver. Will we now see a deluge?

The Madness of King Spain: As David Jackson says, if you live in Spain, you sometimes have to pinch yourself. In the Balearics, an important decision is in danger of being annulled simply because there wasn't a picture of the right monarch on the wall. Though perhaps a foto on the President's desk will prove to have been enough. More on this (Franco relic?) madness here.

English: Another new word for me today . . . mansplaining. I think this means a man explaining to a woman his (patronising?) view on issues of particular relevance to women. Isn't language wonderful?

Finally . . . I bought a new BBQ today. And then wasted more than 2 hours of my life putting it together. I had, of course, realised from the flatness of the pack that it needed assembling but I hadn't expected the number of screws, washers and bolts to run into the hundreds. The instructions, of course, were purely pictorial and predictably indecipherable. Common sense was called and this is something I lack. However, I ploughed/plowed on and was finally rewarded with something that might just do the job tomorrow.

House for Sale in Pontevedra

My neighbours are moving to Madrid and selling their lovely house. Lots of pictures here. Brief description: South west orientation. Completely renovated. In a development with swimming pool, extensive green areas, place for parties, excellent community environment. €395,000.

Details

4 floors

322 sq m constructed, 283 sq m usable

5 double bedrooms

3 bathrooms

Plot of 336 sq m

Terrace of 336 sq m plus

Garage

Completely furnished

Excellent condition

5 built-in wardrobes

Lumber room

Covered laundry room

Central heating

Private garden