Things going on in the avenida. Flea markets. Continued chaos in the wider world.

There was a flea market on the tree-lined avenue this morning. 

The normally quiet and peaceful alameda has amused me on odd days with views of cyclists riding alongside each other spread over the breadth of the avenue and yesterday with a a bunch of young people and their organiser, possibly doing a bit of the Camino de Santiago. Their rucksacks were stacked to one side as they received instructions. And they all wore matching T-shirts with the slogan “Se faz o caminho ao caminhar” - you make the path by walking it. I was reminded of a poem by Antonio Machado, put to music by Spanish singer Juan Manuel Serrat, with a chorus of “Caminante, no hay camino, se hace el camino al andar” - same message: Wanderer, there is no route, you make the route as you walk. 

 

Anyway, this morning there was all the bustle of a huge flea market, everyone busy setting up their stalls. 

Everything from a wedding dress to weapons (well, antique pistols),

 

 

 from a sewing machine to sailboats. 

 

Displays of glassware sparkled in the sunlight. 

 

Whenever I see displays like that I am reminded of the scene in the film “Empire of the Sun” where they arrive at a sports stadium full of confiscated good - cars, chandeliers, luxury goods of all kinds.

 

When I got back to the apartment I noticed a small crowd gathered in one section of the carpark, being addressed by someone with a megaphone. Was it a political meeting, a religious meeting, some kind of ramblers association? I’ll never know. After some time they dispersed, got into their cars and drove off in convoy. Strange! 

Out in the wider world Iran has taken retaliatory steps against Israel. One commentary suggests that this is a warning measure, telling Israel to cease and desist. Let us hope that this does not escalate into a wider conflict!

Life goes on, stay safe and well, everyone!