Sunny days and thunderstorms. Continued chaos in the wider world. And problems with plastic.

The sun shone all day yesterday. While Phil played chess I walked up the towards the cathedral, passing interesting bits of old wall as I went. 

It was pleasantly warm. 

In the square by the castle I considered stopping for a cold drink but there were no free tables. A small rock group was playing a medley of loud but not at all bad songs. Lots of tourists, most of whom were old enough to know better, were standing up and “dancing” between the tables. I carried on back down the hill. 

Later there was a fine sunset.

As yesterday’s game began at 2.30, rather than have an early and hurried lunch we decided to go out for an evening meal. As a rule we have breakfast and then only one main meal in the day. It was very quiet in the town. Some restaurants clearly did not open on a Sunday evening. We went back to the Taberna Portuguesa, where we lunched the other day. In one corner a very noisy group  of Spaniards were having a family party of sorts. I recognised some of them from our hotel. Maybe it was someone’s birthday. Maybe they are just noisy people; certainly the matriarch of the group likes to make her voice heard even over breakfast in the hotel. 

When we set out yesterday evening the sky was mostly clear and a sliver of moon was visible. When we left the restaurant it was pouring with rain and there was thunder. Ot’s a good nob I had taken an umbrella with me. As it was, we took refuge in a cafe until the rain eased somewhat!

In the wider world problems continue for Gaza:

“Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza as it demands Hamas agree to a US plan for a ceasefire extension.

The first phase of the ceasefire expired on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Hamas had so far refused to accept a temporary extension under a proposal by Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff.

A Hamas spokesman said blocking supplies to Gaza was "cheap blackmail" and a "coup" on the ceasefire agreement and urged mediators to intervene.

The Palestinian group wants phase two of the deal to go ahead as originally negotiated, with the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.”

And attacks continue on the West Bank.

Here’s a Michael Rosen take on things:

“Newsroom:

Jack: Hey have you seen this pics coming out of Gaza? Sheesh!

Harry: Yeaah but...

Jack: What but? 

Harry: We can't put'em out raw.

Jack: Mm?

Harry: We have to say why.

Jack: Sure. What why?

Harry: Hamas

Jack: Hamas did this?

Harry: They didn't actually do it, but it's because.

Jack: So we show the pics and say, 'Hamas'?

Harry: You gottit. See you later.”

As regards the USA, here’s a comment from Bernie Sanders: 

“It doesn't matter who Donald Trump "nominates."

The next Secretary of Labor,  Secretary of Education, Secretary of Treasury, and Secretary of Housing ... is Elon Musk.”l

And on the environmental front, here’s a link to an article about microplastics and now to avoid them. I think that’s another genie that isn’t going to go back in the bottle. 

Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!