Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week marked by sunshine, swimming, football, small daily routines, and the heartbreaking loss of my friend and neighbour, Russ Morgan. A kind man, a loyal friend, and someone whose favourite saying, “It’s nice to be nice,” summed him up perfectly. RIP Russ, you will be missed.
Friday, 21st May
Photos for friends, snorkelling in the Mar Menor, and a painful knee.
I got up and printed two photos I’d taken at the chiringuito yesterday, one of Matt and one of Victor, who works behind the bar. I kept a copy for Matt and took the other down for Victor. Maria and Victor loved it, and it was soon hanging behind the bar. After a coffee and tostada, I went back up to my apartment, got my trunks and swimming mask, and went snorkelling for about an hour and a half. Watching the fish around the rock reef is always relaxing. Afterwards I sat at the chiringuito with Matt, Russ, John and a few others.
Later in the day, George rang and I went to meet him and Yvonne at Piramide bar. We chatted for a few hours before heading our separate ways. I returned to the chiringuito, where Russ was still sitting, and after a drink we walked along the beachfront to La Playa bar. On the way home, my left knee popped out, something it hasn’t done for a while, but it’s always painful. Luckily, I’d had plenty of “painkilling liquid” throughout the day and managed to struggle home and go straight to bed.
Saturday, 22nd May
A swollen knee, Eurovision, and baffling voting.
My knee had swollen up like a football this morning and was very sore, so I spent the day resting it. For dinner I had a very large steak with mash, fried mushrooms and pepper sauce, meant for two meals, eaten in one.
In the evening I watched Eurovision. Many of the songs were rubbish. My favourite was the Portuguese entry, which didn’t even make the top ten. The UK scored zero points, which seemed harsh, it was better than some of the songs that did well. How the Russian song made the top ten, I’ll never know.
Sunday, 23rd May
A grey day, football drama, and torrential rain.
The swelling in my knee had gone down this morning, so yesterday’s rest helped. A possible Dana weather system was forecast, and the morning was overcast with light rain. I rested again and prepared for the final day of the Premier League season.
Arsenal had a slim chance of European qualification, and I clung to it until the end. Arsenal won, but Tottenham also won, taking the final European spot. I spent the evening watching the PGA tournament. I was amazed by the behaviour of the fans, especially on the final hole when Phil Mickelson was mobbed before he’d even finished. Golf needs better security, fans need better manners. Late at night the rain became torrential, so loud I had to turn up the TV just to hear the commentary.
Monday, 24th May
A quick fix at the optician, a worrying absence, and a quiet evening.
This morning I went to the optician to get a lens popped back into my glasses. He did it in seconds and showed me how easy it was. I then took my scooter to La Sombra to see Martin, had a glass of water and a chat, then headed back along the beach.
I stopped at the doctor’s to make an appointment for my INR test, then went to the chiringuito for water and a chat with Andrew. Andrew was worried about Russ, he hadn’t seen him for a few days. I told him I’d seen Russ yesterday when he answered his door. Later, Christine asked if I’d seen him today. I hadn’t. We knocked on his door, no answer. Christine contacted the management company to get a key.
Tuesday, 25th May
The day we lost Russ.
I went to the doctor for my blood test, then to La Encarnación for tostada and coffee.
On my way home, Andrew told me they had a key for Russ´ apartment and asked me to go in with him. When we entered Russ’s apartment, we found him in his bedroom. He was grey, with no pulse. He must have died sometime between Sunday afternoon and this morning. The police and emergency crews were called, but nothing could be done. I spent most of the morning at the chiringuito with Andrew, letting some of Russ’s friends know. The afternoon and evening were quiet at home.
Wednesday, 26th May
A difficult morning, coffee with Mike, and remembering Russ.
I didn’t sleep well and woke around 10,00. Mike came to meet me at the chiringuito, and we had coffee. I spent the rest of the day at the beach bar, talking with old friends and meeting new ones. Much of the conversation was about Russ. We toasted him with his favourite vodka. Rest in peace, Russ, save me a spot at the bar, but don’t expect me anytime soon, mate.
Thursday, 27th May
Deliveries, coffee with George, and a ticket to see Bonnie Tyler.
I was expecting an Amazon delivery today, tea for Bernard, and it arrived at midday. I dropped it off to him and then went to Mercadona for some shopping. On the way home I stopped at Piramide bar for a coffee with George, but didn’t stay long as I had frozen food.
Later I saw a Farcebook post from the town hall announcing that Bonnie Tyler would be performing in Los Alcázares in August. After many attempts to get onto the website, I finally managed to buy a ticket for €25. I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully, as more people get their COVID jabs, more events like this will return. I spent the evening watching TV and checking football websites for Arsenal transfer rumours.
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