Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain.
Summary: A week of long walks, kayaking, bike rides, breakfasts with friends, gardening projects, and the usual mix of football frustration, sunshine, and neighbourly chaos.
Friday, April 30th
A beach walk, curried salmon, and another VAR‑ruined match.
I walked along the beach to La Encarnación this morning for a tostada with tomato, coffee and orange juice, then continued for another 3 km. On the way back, I stopped at the doctor’s to make an appointment for my regular blood test, then returned to the chiringuito by my apartment to read, enjoy the sun, and drink some water.
Lunch was my new favourite, curried salmon with rice, followed by a siesta. In the early evening, I wandered back to the chiringuito for a cheeky gin and tonic.
At night, I watched Southampton vs Leicester and was once again left shaking my head at the refereeing and VAR. Southampton had a player sent off for a tackle that wasn’t even a foul, and VAR somehow didn’t overturn it. A travesty.
Saturday, May 1st
A 03:45 wake‑up call, kayaking, swimming, and Baileys Asiaticos.
The day began far too early when drunks on the beach woke me at 03:45. They eventually wandered off, but sleep didn’t return, so I pottered on my laptop until morning.
At 09:30, I took my kayak out on the Mar Menor for the first time this year. It felt great to be back on the water, even if the young girls racing past on paddleboards made me look like I was anchored. I paddled about 3 km, then dragged the kayak onto the beach and went straight back in for a half‑kilometre swim. The water was clear and full of fish.
After showering, I returned to the chiringuito for water and marmalade pancakes. I read until Mike arrived so I could show him, again, how to post on Farcebook. He managed it this time, but I’m expecting the “It’s not working!” message any day now.
In the afternoon, I met George, Yvonne and Jim for a beer. When the bar closed at 17:30, we moved on to an Asiatico, this bar swaps the brandy for Baileys, and it is absolutely gorgeous. After three of those, food and bed were the only sensible options. I sat on the sofa for five minutes and promptly fell asleep, waking later only to go to bed properly.
Sunday, May 2nd
Breakfast with Lottie, football with George, and a sleepy evening.
I cycled to La Zona bar to return Lottie’s Spanish books and arrived early enough for a big breakfast. Lottie joined me midway through, and we caught up. She’s fascinating; she lived exactly where my apartment now stands when she was a girl, and has shown me lovely old photos of the original building.
After cycling home and resting, I met George at La Playa to watch Rangers vs Celtic and then Newcastle vs Arsenal. Celtic lost, and Arsenal actually played well and won 0–2, so I was the happier of the two of us. After the games, George headed home, and I stayed to chat with Shelly before going home for dinner.
I tried to watch a film afterwards but fell asleep almost immediately. I woke just in time to watch Arsenal on Match of the Day before heading to bed.
Monday, May 3rd
A blood test, a garden‑centre trip, and a much‑needed rest.
I was up early, showered, and walked to the doctor for my blood test. I was the first person there, and the nurse took my blood while the receptionist was still checking me in. Afterwards, I continued walking into Los Alcázares, past the town hall where major courtyard work is underway, and on to La Encarnación.
I sat inside the covered area because of the strong wind and had my usual café bonbon, tostada con tomate and orange juice, all for under €2, with the view of the Mar Menor thrown in for free. Then I walked back along the promenade.
At home, Mike messaged to say Farcebook wasn’t taking his posts again, quicker than expected. Theresa also messaged asking for help with her printer, and I agreed to help once the wheelchair I’d loaned to Janet was returned.
The wheelchair came back at lunchtime, and George called asking if I wanted to go to the garden centre today instead of tomorrow. I met him at Rocco’s, and we drove to San Javier. I bought compost, four flowering hanging plants, two lavender plants and two mosquito‑repelling plants I’d never seen before.
By the time we got home, I didn’t feel great, probably all the walking and lifting, so I rested on the sofa.
Tuesday, May 4th
A bike ride, printer problems, and planter trouble.
I went for a bike ride this morning, then stopped by Mike and Theresa's for coffee. I checked Theresa’s printer but couldn’t fix it; she’ll likely need a new one. I then went to Mike’s and showed him, once again, how to post on Farcebook. It won’t be the last time.
In the afternoon I planted the flowers I bought yesterday. Unfortunately, the wooden planters were too heavy for the flimsy hangers, so I had to place them on the floor. I contacted my friend Wayne to ask if he could build something to raise them. He’ll pop in tomorrow to measure up.
I spent a few hours at the chiringuito, reading my Kindle and basking in the sun.
Wednesday, May 5th
Travel documents, lamb curry, and a Pina Colada at sunset.
Wayne rescheduled his visit for tomorrow. Theresa came round so I could print her travel documents. We chatted for hours, and she left with everything printed. Like me, she prefers paper copies. I once travelled to America with only electronic documents, my phone battery died due to delays, and I’d have been in trouble without paper backups.
I had a very late lunch, homemade lamb curry with basmati rice and chips. Afterwards, I went to the chiringuito for a Pina Colada and a chat with Jo, Michael, Russ and John.
Thursday, May 6th
Trellis plans, shopping, beers before the quiz, and Arsenal heartbreak.
Wayne came this morning to measure up for trellis tables to raise my plants and for two balcony shelves. After he left, I shaved, did some washing, updated my shopping list, and went to Mercadona. I had pizza for lunch when I got home.
In the afternoon, I walked to La Playa bar for a few beers with friends before the quiz started. When the quiz crowd arrived, I left and walked back to the chiringuito for a beer before heading home to watch the football.
It was Arsenal’s most important match in years; they had to win to qualify for Europe next season. They hit the post twice but couldn’t score, and the 0–0 draw meant they lost 2–1 on aggregate. For the first time in 25 years, Arsenal won’t be playing in Europe.
The squad needs a major overhaul. Too many overpaid, underperforming players are still being picked because of their history. With four games left, I hope youngsters like Folarin Balogun are given a chance. Results no longer matter, development does.
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