Martín Roberts 🇪🇺 🇪🇸 🇬🇧 🚲
@madridcorro.bsky.social
Best Foreign Correspondent in Spain Prize-winner, roamed the world for @Reuters. @nytimes.com acclaimed translator. Anglo-Spaniard in Madrid. Cyclist. Replies≠endorsements. YNWA.
Premio al Mejor Corresponsal Extranjero en España, traductor literario
Premio al Mejor Corresponsal Extranjero en España, traductor literario
I often wonder.
February 17, 2026 at 10:08 PM
I often wonder.
Someone doesn't understand what a non-executive head of state is.
February 17, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Someone doesn't understand what a non-executive head of state is.
Most countries in Europe have parliamentary systems with non-executive heads of state, most of whom in turn are elected.
February 17, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Most countries in Europe have parliamentary systems with non-executive heads of state, most of whom in turn are elected.
Can't find this on the Pew website.
February 17, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Can't find this on the Pew website.
P.S. Cash has become increasingly obsolete anyway since the pandemic, at least in Spain, where only a few old-fashioned market stall holders still insist on it.
February 17, 2026 at 12:25 PM
P.S. Cash has become increasingly obsolete anyway since the pandemic, at least in Spain, where only a few old-fashioned market stall holders still insist on it.
I meant its face value i.e. 100/(4x240) p, and as you say, even 1p (face value = c. 10 farthings) or 2p coins are now redundant.
February 17, 2026 at 12:22 PM
I meant its face value i.e. 100/(4x240) p, and as you say, even 1p (face value = c. 10 farthings) or 2p coins are now redundant.
Beg your pardon!
February 17, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Beg your pardon!
I fear Ramsden's would be a bit too modern for Hannan.
February 17, 2026 at 12:16 PM
I fear Ramsden's would be a bit too modern for Hannan.
The farthing went out on 1960 and was worth the equivalent of one tenth of a new penny.
February 17, 2026 at 7:07 AM
The farthing went out on 1960 and was worth the equivalent of one tenth of a new penny.
Don't forget rods, poles, perches, chains, groats, hundredweights, furlongs, etc.
February 17, 2026 at 7:03 AM
Don't forget rods, poles, perches, chains, groats, hundredweights, furlongs, etc.
Great minds think alike!
February 17, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Great minds think alike!
P.S. Above all I number myself among the great European family, for after living around the world I know that our similarities are much greater than our differences.
February 16, 2026 at 9:30 PM
P.S. Above all I number myself among the great European family, for after living around the world I know that our similarities are much greater than our differences.
Well she would, wouldn't she? 😜
February 16, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Well she would, wouldn't she? 😜
Could you just imagine dividing the pound today into units worth just 5 p each, and sub-dividing those by 12? When was the last time you could buy anything for 5 p?
February 16, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Could you just imagine dividing the pound today into units worth just 5 p each, and sub-dividing those by 12? When was the last time you could buy anything for 5 p?
The gift that keeps on giving, sigh.
February 16, 2026 at 5:15 PM
The gift that keeps on giving, sigh.
Fair point indeed. While opinions voiced by many of my former compatriots often disappoint those of us who would like to see a fully compliant UK back in the EU, we need to avoid stereotypes and tarring everyone with the same brush.
February 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Fair point indeed. While opinions voiced by many of my former compatriots often disappoint those of us who would like to see a fully compliant UK back in the EU, we need to avoid stereotypes and tarring everyone with the same brush.
While the formative years I spent in the UK have left their mark, but for family and friends I wouldn't bother visiting and it certainly doesn't feel like home anymore. As we say here, "Uno es de donde pace no de donde nace" (Literally, one is from where one grazes, not where one is born).
February 16, 2026 at 11:55 AM
While the formative years I spent in the UK have left their mark, but for family and friends I wouldn't bother visiting and it certainly doesn't feel like home anymore. As we say here, "Uno es de donde pace no de donde nace" (Literally, one is from where one grazes, not where one is born).
Official figures show c. 3,000 Britons acquired Spanish nationality between 2016-24. In my case and after living most of my life outside the UK, Brexit put paid to the last of my misgivings over joining them.
February 16, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Official figures show c. 3,000 Britons acquired Spanish nationality between 2016-24. In my case and after living most of my life outside the UK, Brexit put paid to the last of my misgivings over joining them.
¡Teruel existe!
February 16, 2026 at 11:34 AM
¡Teruel existe!
Mostly true because cycling clothing and footwear are so much better nowadays. However, 18 months ago I slipped off my bike on a wet street and needed five hours' surgery to fix a multiple fracture to my femur so now I either walk or get public transport on wet days.
February 16, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Mostly true because cycling clothing and footwear are so much better nowadays. However, 18 months ago I slipped off my bike on a wet street and needed five hours' surgery to fix a multiple fracture to my femur so now I either walk or get public transport on wet days.
It sounds wonderful but I think I'd be arrested if I tried that where I live!
February 16, 2026 at 11:26 AM
It sounds wonderful but I think I'd be arrested if I tried that where I live!
"Si mi abuela tuviera ruedas sería bicicleta" is most definitely Spanish (and I speak as a Spaniard from Madrid). There may well be an equivalents in Italian but I couldn't say.
February 16, 2026 at 11:26 AM
"Si mi abuela tuviera ruedas sería bicicleta" is most definitely Spanish (and I speak as a Spaniard from Madrid). There may well be an equivalents in Italian but I couldn't say.