Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of early morning swims, sunshine, football, unexpected visitors, long walks, good food, and the steady rhythm of life by the Mar Menor.
Friday, June 11th
A morning swim with crabs, a fresh haircut, and the start of Euro 2020
I woke early to a beautiful morning, bright sky and no wind. After a pot of tea and two chocolate pancakes, I headed out for a swim. I swam to the rocks in the Mar Menor with my snorkel, watching fish dart around the reef. For the first time, I saw two crabs about the size of my fist. I swam the length of the reef and back, then stopped at the chiringuito for coffee and some Kindle time.
After a shower, I took the Sharky Mobile to get my hair cut. I usually do it myself, but fancied a bit of pampering. The Indian barber near me speaks perfect English and shaved my head for €5, a bargain. I picked up a few bits at the supermarket, drove back along the beachfront, and had curried salmon and rice for lunch.
In the evening I had a quick pint at the chiringuito before watching the opening match of Euro 2020. I cheered on Italy, my Italian heritage obliges me, and was delighted with their 0,3 win.
Saturday, June 12th
Another swim, a terrifying moment in football, and a day of sport
I swam again this morning, spending ages watching the fish and crabs. Afterwards I had breakfast at the chiringuito, then popped to the pharmacy for my monthly tablets.
I watched Wales vs Switzerland and was pleased to see Wales get a draw. The Denmark vs Finland match will be remembered forever, not for football, but for Christian Eriksen collapsing. The referee and players reacted instantly, forming a protective circle while medics performed CPR. After he was stabilised and awake in hospital, the teams finished the match. Finland won 0,1, but the score hardly mattered.
Later I watched Belgium beat Russia 3,0, but again, the day belonged to Eriksen’s survival.
Sunday, June 13th
An early swim, a long lost car reappears, and an evening of football
The road sweeper woke me early, so I went for a swim at 07,30. The chiringuito wasn’t open yet, so I had chocolate pancakes at home.
I was expecting an Amazon delivery, and when the buzzer went I opened the door to a Spanish lady. In broken English and with photos, she explained that the car I sold 14 years ago, the one I’ve been trying to get removed from my name, had been dumped on her late husband’s farm. She thinks Moroccans used it for scrap and abandoned it years ago.
I took her to the chiringuito, where Andrew translated. She needed my permission to scrap the car. After checking the paperwork, I signed it, took a copy, and gave her copies of my denuncia. Hopefully that’s the end of it.
In the afternoon I watched England beat Croatia 1,0, their first ever opening game win at a European Championship. In the evening I met Sheila and Bernard at the chiringuito for drinks and laughter, then watched the end of Holland vs Ukraine, the best match so far, ending 3-,2.
Monday, June 14th
A lazy morning, afternoon waves, and a day of Euros football
I had a lie in until 10,00, yesterday’s early swim, sun and beer must have worn me out. I sorted through my Amazon deliveries, put up new hangers, placed my bread bin and chopping board, and generally organised things.
In the afternoon I went for a swim. It was harder work than in the morning, the wind was stronger and the waves bigger, but still enjoyable. I spent the rest of the day watching the Euros.
Tuesday, June 15th
A morning swim, recycling, and planning for a Guinness World Record attempt
I swam at 08,00, following my usual route around the rock reef. After a shower, I took a mountain of cardboard and plastic from recent Amazon deliveries to the recycling bins, then stopped at the chiringuito for coffee.
A few weeks ago I signed up for a Guinness World Record attempt, the most people worldwide walking or running 10 km in 24 hours. I used Google Fit on my mobility scooter to measure a 10 km route. My estimate was only slightly short, so now I know the route I’ll train for.
In the afternoon I watched a film, then both football matches in the evening. It was my first time watching Kylian Mbappé properly, now I see why he’s so highly rated. I just hope he quits his current team and signs for Arsenal.
Wednesday, June 16th
A 5 km walk, a brilliant lunch, and a long day of food, football and friends
I planned to start my walking training this morning, but just as I was leaving, Keith messaged saying he was at the chiringuito and asked if I wanted coffee. I joined him, and he mentioned he was meeting Steve and Dave for lunch. I decided to go, but walk the 5 km to his house first.
I walked along the beachfront and up towards Keith’s, managing about 4 km before needing a rest. I stopped at Wayne and Marie’s for water and a breather, then continued to Keith’s. After a rest, we drove to El Mojón for lunch at Pizzeria Trastevere. The Menu del Día was brilliant, and we sat chatting for hours.
Afterwards we walked to The Border bar to watch the end of Turkey vs Wales. Wales were 0,1 up when Gareth Bale took one of the worst penalties I’ve ever seen, blasted high and wide, but he redeemed himself with a superb assist for a second goal.
Keith dropped me at the chiringuito, where we’d had coffee 12 hours earlier. I had a pint with him, then a gin and tonic with John before heading home. After all the walking, food and drinks, I knew I’d sleep well.
Thursday, June 17th
Thunder in the distance, a sore leg, and a bloodthirsty film
I slept well but woke at 07,00. After checking emails, updating my website and having a bacon sandwich, I looked out at a bright blue sky, yet I could hear thunder somewhere far off. After yesterday’s long walk, my leg ached, so I planned a quiet day.
I walked to the chiringuito for coffee and Kindle time, then went home to read. In the afternoon I watched Spiral: From the Book of Saw. It’s bloodthirsty in parts but very good, a detective hunting a serial killer with plenty of twists.
In the evening I watched Denmark vs Holland. Holland won 1-2, becoming the second team after Italy to qualify for the next round.
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