Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week that began with no phone, no money and no Kindle, but plenty of determination. Swimming in the Mar Menor, Euro 2020 drama, reflexology, bank frustrations and small victories filled the days as life slowly returned to normal after the mugging last week.
Friday, July 2nd
A borrowed phone, helpful tech support, and Euro 2020 drama
I was up early and had a tostada in my apartment before heading to Martin and Kate’s to collect the mobile phone they were lending me. I arrived just as Martin was leaving for work, grabbed the phone, and then met Mike for coffee at the Oasis in Los Narejos.
Afterwards I went to Power Technology to get the phone unlocked. The man there was brilliant, he explained that this model is never locked to a provider, fitted the Avatel SIM, and let me set it up in case I needed help. They’ve always been helpful, and I can highly recommend them. I went home to finish setting up the phone.
In the evening I watched both Euro 2020 matches. Spain scraped past Switzerland on penalties, and Italy beat Belgium in a fantastic game. After watching Italy, I thought it would take a very good team to beat them.
Saturday, July 3rd
A warm swim, a limited shop, and more Euro excitement
I swam in the Mar Menor this morning. The water was warm, but the green algae is growing fast, making snorkelling less enjoyable. After a shower, I went to Mercadona for a small shop, still no replacement bank cards, so I could only buy enough to get me through the start of next week. If they didn’t arrive soon, I’d have to go back to the bank and ask for cash again.
In the afternoon I did some washing, weekend electricity is cheaper, and watched Czech Republic vs Denmark. Denmark won and continue to impress after their traumatic start to the tournament. Then I watched Ukraine vs England. England played brilliantly and won 0-4 to reach the semi finals against Denmark.
Sunday, July 4th
A swim, a great Sunday lunch, and a small supermarket victory
I swam again this morning, then stripped the bed and washed the linen. For lunch I decided to try The Garrison on Río Nalón for the first time. I had roast beef with all the trimmings, mashed and roast potatoes, peas, carrots, cauliflower cheese, broccoli, and a bottle of San Miguel, all for €10. Very good value, and far easier than cooking Sunday dinner for one.
On the way home I stopped at the supermarket for ice cream. I forgot to put my mask on when I got off the scooter and was rightly told off. I apologised and put it on immediately. When I reached the tills, the same lady opened a new lane and beckoned me through. I’d like to think it was my charm, but it was probably my apology. It always pays to be polite.
The afternoon was spent sheltering from the sun and binge watching a TV series.
Monday, July 5th
Coffee with Mike, a productive meeting, and a great curry
I had a pot of tea and pottered on the computer before meeting Mike at Café Prensa for tostada and coffee. After he rushed off to walk his dog, I had another coffee and then went to La Sombra Pizzeria, The Office, for the weekly meeting with Martin.
It was a good meeting, several strong points raised, and Ray joined us with another good suggestion. Mustafa, a local businessman, came in, and after some high level negotiating, I bought a new leather wallet to replace the one stolen last week.
Kate and Aria joined us for a quick pint before we all headed home. For tea I tried a new chicken curry with basmati rice from Mercadona, small but delicious, and great value at €2.50.
Tuesday, July 6th
Reflexology, relaxation, and a frustrating TV outage
I had a lazy morning with a bacon sandwich, some website work, and an email to the insurance company handling my mugging claim.
Julie, the reflexologist, arrived in the afternoon. She set up in the spare room, explained the process, and asked some medical questions. With soft music playing, she began working on my feet. Some areas hurt, others didn’t, she explained that the painful spots correspond to areas in the body needing attention. It seems I may have an issue in the kidney area, so she’ll focus there in future sessions. She finished by massaging oils into my feet, they felt better than they have in ages. I booked more sessions.
I wanted to watch Italy vs Spain, but the TV wasn’t working all day. It came back just in time for the last five minutes and the penalty shoot out, which Italy won. I went to bed hoping the TV would work for England vs Denmark tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 7th
A refreshed morning, bank frustrations, and England reach the final
I woke feeling more refreshed than I have in ages and went for a swim. Back home I had pancakes for breakfast and checked my email, the insurance company said I could email the police report. I sent it, but I still can’t provide invoices because my Amazon account is suspended due to the stolen cards. I tried contacting Amazon, but the only options are through the suspended account or a Spanish phone system.
I went to the bank after the morning rush to get cash. They told me I could withdraw money using the bank app, stolen, my debit cards, stolen, or at the counter, but only before 11:00. I’d missed the window, so I’d have to return tomorrow.
In the evening I watched England vs Denmark. For the first time in my life, England won a semi final and reached a major final. They won 2-1, but it wasn’t easy. Denmark scored a brilliant free kick, then an own goal levelled it. In extra time England got a very dodgy penalty, Schmeichel saved it, but Kane scored the rebound. The noise at Wembley was incredible.
Thursday, July 8th
A frustrating bank visit, a new health card, and a great night out
I got up early to go to the bank, I’d run out of cash and my replacement cards still hadn’t arrived. I reached the bank just after 08:00 and was seen quickly, only to be told I couldn’t withdraw €300 because the minimum withdrawal was €600. Last week they happily gave me €200, so who knows what rules they follow. I withdrew the minimum and was back home by 08:,30.
After a bacon sandwich, I rode the mobility scooter to ASSSA to collect my replacement health card. From there I popped in to see Mike to make sure he was okay. He always jokes that one day he’ll be found dead on the floor, half eaten by his dog, which worries me more for the dog’s sake than his. Thankfully both were fine.
I then went to the CISSMU in Los Narejos for a meeting about the local padrón, how to check it, and information on digital ID and COVID certificates. I filled in the forms to request both my digital ID and my EU COVID certificate.
In the evening Pat picked me up and we went to Massala Cottage to meet James, Bernard, Bernard and Paul. The food was excellent, the company even better, and we spent the night chatting and laughing.
We’re already planning our next outing, this time to Jardin, the Chinese, Japanese restaurant in Los Narejos.
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