Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week that began with sunshine, swims and simple routines, then turned sharply when I was mugged outside my apartment. What followed was fear, shock, frustration, and then the steady, reassuring support of friends, neighbours and strangers who helped me put things right.
Friday, June 25th
A peaceful day that ended in the worst possible way
The day began beautifully with a long swim in the Mar Menor, followed by coffee and tostada at the chiringuito. I sat in the sun with a large bottle of water, reading my Kindle until it got too hot, then went indoors to cool off.
In the evening I met George and Yvonne at the chiringuito for food and a chat. The bar closed early for a staff birthday, so they headed to a bar near their home while I walked to La Playa bar. I chatted with Emma, then with Shellie, Jim and others. My leg was aching, so I walked home alone.
Halfway home, outside the church, my leg swelled and I had to sit for a few minutes. When I reached my apartment block and went to unlock the door, two young men grabbed my bag from behind. I spun around and threw a punch, but the second one pushed me to the ground. They ran off with my bag before I could get up.
I woke my neighbours using the intercom. They let me in and called the police, who arrived quickly. They found my keys outside but nothing else. I lost my phone, Kindle, sunglasses, reading glasses, wallet, credit and debit cards, driving licence, residencia and various loyalty cards.
It happened so fast I barely had time to react. The police were excellent and told me to go to the station in the morning. I went home and spent hours cancelling cards before finally sleeping.
Saturday, June 26th
Shock, police reports, and friends rallying around
I woke shaken and exhausted. I went to the chiringuito for coffee before John took me to the police station. Andrew met me there to translate. The police were brilliant, they took my statement, gave me a report and told me to claim on my household insurance.
Andrew took me home, where Pat was waiting to take me to the bank. Unfortunately it was closed, so I couldn’t confirm whether everything had been frozen properly.
George came round to check on me, he’d been trying to reach me all morning. He took me for a quick pint, then I went home to cancel my phone and Amazon accounts.
Sheila and Bernard messaged offering Sunday dinner. Jill and Peter came round to check on me. After finishing the last of the cancellations, we all walked to Pyramide bar to meet George for a pint. Jill and Peter stayed for a chat before heading off. George and I had a couple more pints before going home.
I was shattered and went to bed early.
Sunday, June 27th
A quiet morning and a comforting Sunday dinner
I woke very early despite another poor night’s sleep. I had coffee and tostada at the chiringuito, then went home to rest.
At lunchtime Sheila and Bernard picked me up for Sunday dinner at The Lounge Bar. It was my first time there for Sunday lunch, and it was lovely. I saw several friends who offered sympathy and support. After the meal they took me home, where I fell asleep in front of the TV.
Monday, June 28th
Banks, insurance, paperwork, and more kindness
I woke early, showered and took the mobility scooter to the bank. Thankfully it wasn’t busy. A member of staff came straight over when I explained what had happened. She cancelled the debit card I hadn’t been able to cancel, checked that no money had been taken, ordered new cards, phoned my insurance company and arranged for my documents to be sent to me. She even arranged for me to withdraw cash until the new cards arrived.
I then went to Liberty Seguros to ask about replacing my stolen TIE card and driving licence. Jordan said they could help. As I left, I saw Wayne, his car had been broken into over the weekend. It seems there had been several robberies.
Next I went to the ASSSA office to replace my health card. They ordered a new one immediately. I then had coffee with Mike before visiting Jill to collect my spare key. Peter went to get extra copies cut while we chatted.
The last few days had been exhausting. I slept through most of the football, waking just in time for the France vs Switzerland penalty shootout.
Tuesday, June 29th
A birthday meal, good company, and a much needed distraction
Today was Jacqueline Carpenter’s birthday, and she had invited me to Number 6 by Genoa for a celebratory meal. George kindly gave me a lift before taking his wife shopping.
I saw friends I hadn’t seen in a while and met new people. Whether it was the food, the atmosphere, the good looking ladies or the football talk, it took my mind off everything that had happened. I really enjoyed myself.
Pat and Sandra dropped me home in time for England vs Germany. England lifted my spirits further by winning 2-0. I watched the Sweden vs Ukraine match while updating my website, then went to bed.
Wednesday, June 30th
Recycling, ribs, and a mind reading medic
I had tostada at home, then walked to the recycling bins with all the cardboard from recent Amazon deliveries. I stopped at the chiringuito for coffee, but without my Kindle it felt strange, so I went home.
For lunch I had pork ribs, then binge watched a TV series about a Canadian emergency medic who can read minds. The usual formula, misunderstood hero, sceptical leading lady, eventual romance, but entertaining enough.
Thursday, July 1st
A new SIM card, smashed photo frames, blocked sinks, and a deep clean
I slept well and woke at 08,00. After pottering around, I went for a swim, then had coffee and tostada at the chiringuito. I took rubbish to the bins, then went to the Avatel office to get a new SIM card. Thankfully they could keep my old number, a huge relief.
For lunch I had leftover ribs. Earlier I had knocked over some photos and smashed the glass frames, so I cleaned up quickly, the cleaner was coming for the first time today and I didn’t want her cutting herself.
Just before she arrived, I discovered the butler sink in the utility room was blocked and stinking. I took the drainpipe off and unblocked it just as she arrived. The apartment stank, and I tried to explain, but I’m not sure she understood. To make things worse, my cleaning supplies were wrong, but her husband kindly went to buy the right ones.
To stay out of the way, I sat on the balcony doing my next Spanish lesson. At around 38°C, I was reminded why I prefer mornings for anything requiring brainpower.
The cleaners did a fantastic job, the apartment is probably cleaner now than when I moved in six years ago. They haven’t finished the deep clean yet, but once they do, I’ll be spending all day at the beach and eating out so I don’t mess it up.
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