TE19 Iberian Adventure

Passing Time in Portugal

ventured far from the recent recession, felt particularly acutely in this impoverished corner. The debt crisis had left Iberia on the brink, two of the largest banks had been running losses for years - bad investments, embezzlement, and accounting fraud. It was 2010 and the IMF bailout was still a year away. “Until 200 years ago we were independently governed.” Vitorino chewed. “Politicians promise change and greater autonomy, but really we’re under the thumb of the banks.”

“Even now the light skinned, and brown-haired Portuguese don’t consider the Alvorians compatriots.” Grandad later explained.

“Alas, our fate is sealed with Europe.” Vitorino sighed. “One of our writers imagines the Iberian Peninsula breaks off along the Pyrenees to become an island. We float southwest, coming to rest somewhere between Africa and South America.”

“We’ve always felt more affinity with the south.” Maria smiled, “It’s in our blood.”

Perhaps she was right about the Western dichotomy, power, prosperity, colonialism, and exploitation.

“I thought we were the black sheep of Europe.” Judy laughed.

“The sooner we leave the EU, the better.” Grandad mused. Maria returned from the kitchen with homemade Chorizo, fatty meat seasoned with garlic and paprika, fava beans and local asparagus.

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