Capes, fountains and a popular young man

 It is a five things day.  We will pass the Fuente del Ladrillo.  Jose gives us the knowledge.  ‘The Brick Fountain is a historic architectural feature notable for its unique traditional brick construction. This fountain represents a testament to the area's popular hydraulic architecture and is part of Fuente Palmera's cultural heritage. Its design reflects the importance of water to rural communities and the construction techniques of the time. It is an ideal place to learn how water supply needs were met in times past. A charming spot that deserves to be preserved and appreciated. ‘






Tariq-ibn Ziyad was the general who decided to bring irrigation and Islam to Spain in 711.  His origins are debated but he seems to have been a berber.  He appears to have been appointed governor of Tangier after its conquest in 710-11.  In April 711 the Muslim Army landed and finding the Visigoth Armies of no great shape, Tariq pushed on, overrunning all of Spain.  He died about 720.




The tallest building in Spain is the Torre de Cristal, in Madrid.  It was built in 2008 and is 70cm taller than the neighbouring Torre Cepsa. The Torre de Cristal is Europe’s 5th tallest structure. It was designed by Cesar Pelli and built by Dragados.




Spain’s best selling single, shifting 1,140,000 copies, is La Bachata, by Manuel Turizo.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiM_TFpT_DE  The song was released in May 2022 and, apparently, about a breakable heartbreak.   Young Manuel [he’s 26] was born in Colombia and seems to be quite popular.



The most easterly point of Spain [on the mainland] is the Cap de Creus.  It is a peninsula in the far northeast Catalonia and is about 25km of the French border.  Fans of geology will wish to visit to see the Variscan intrusions.




The Black Iberian pig is thought to be the product of swine, brought in by the Phoenicians, getting up close and personal with local wild stock.  The Iberian porkies roamed around the south-west in large herds, grazing on the sparse oak and cork oak. Their dark skin helped them  deal with the high summer temperatures. They have suffered since the 1960s because of outbreaks of swine fever and the demand for less fatty pork.





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