Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A hot, sunny week filled with new gadgets, long swims, good food, live music, reflexology, helpful friends and an unexpected twist when your stolen wallet suddenly reappeared.
Friday, July 16th
A relaxed morning, a trip to Cartagena, and new gadgets at last
I had a coffee at the chiringuito and spent the morning relaxing, knowing Kate was taking me to Cartagena later to replace the Kindle and phone stolen during the mugging. In the afternoon, Kate and little Aria picked me up and we went to MediaMarkt. I quickly found the phone I wanted, plus a new Kindle and case.
At the till, everything slowed down, they couldn’t remove the security box from the Kindle. A manager tried, then a security guard, then someone else who finally took it to an office and freed it. When everything was paid for, the cashier gave Aria a lolly for being such a good girl. We went to a café to cool off, and Aria proudly showed everyone her blue tongue.
Kate dropped me home, and I spent the rest of the day setting up my new phone and Kindle. My legs ached from walking around in the heat, so I took a couple of painkillers and had a quiet evening.
Saturday, July 17th
A lazy Kindle day and the joy of synced pages
I woke late, pottered around, then went to the chiringuito with my new Kindle. I had coffee and a large bottle of water and read until it got too hot. Back home, I spent the rest of the day reading the book I’d started on the Kindle that was stolen. I love that the new Kindle knew exactly where I’d left off, a small but wonderful bit of technology.
Sunday, July 18th
Washing, a pork roast, and live music by the sea
I stripped the bed, put the sheets in the wash, loaded the dishwasher, checked emails, then went to the chiringuito for tostada and coffee. After a second load of washing, I cycled to Campbell’s Bar for Sunday lunch. There was no bike rack, but my heavy chain easily wrapped around a lamp post. I ordered the pork roast, excellent, and had a pint before cycling home.
In the evening, Diana was singing at La Playa bar. I walked down, sat outside with my Kindle and listened to her sing. Rob joined me for a chat, and after a couple of beers I walked back along the beach to my apartment.
Monday, July 19th
An early swim, coffees with friends, and hiding from the heat
I got up early and swam before the hordes of Spanish tourists arrived. After showering, I met Mike for coffee, then went to LA’s Family Bar & Grill for another coffee and tostada. Later I met Martin at La Sombra, and we chatted for a couple of hours before he left with Kate and Aria.
I spent the rest of the day indoors reading. I love the sun, but the heat is getting too much for my old bones, I now understand why the Spanish take siestas.
Tuesday, July 20th
Reflexology, a helpful message, and finishing a trilogy
I had a bacon and egg sandwich, then waited for Julie to arrive for my reflexology session. After the session, I booked another for next week, I’ve only had two, but I can already feel a difference.
After Julie left, I saw a missed call from Sophia. She and her boyfriend had made me an appointment for Thursday to get a TIE card to replace the NIE stolen in the mugging. I messaged them back, then carried on reading and finished the trilogy I’d started before losing my old Kindle.
Wednesday, July 21st
Photos for Cartagena and a day spent keeping cool
I went to get photos taken for tomorrow’s TIE appointment. I didn’t feel brilliant, so while they were being processed I went home, sat on the balcony with my Kindle and tried to stay hydrated.
When I returned to collect the photos, Ed had printed two different sizes, he’d heard they might be asking for a new size. He asked me to let him know which one was correct after my appointment.
Thursday, July 22nd
A cancelled appointment, a surprise visit, and the return of a long lost wallet
I woke early for my Cartagena appointment but had stomach pain from constipation. I messaged Sophia and Carlos to cancel, then went to the pharmacy for laxatives and to the supermarket for apple juice. I took the medicine and settled in for a quiet day.
Then the doorbell rang. A local policeman and my neighbours were standing there. Someone had found my stolen wallet and handed it in at the police station. The officer returned it to me. All my bank cards, driving licence and NIE were still inside, everything else was gone. I’d already cancelled the cards, but having the licence and NIE back will make getting the TIE much easier. A shame the phone and Kindle weren’t dumped in the same place.
I messaged Sheila to cancel dinner with her and Bernard for tomorrow, hopefully we can rearrange when I’m feeling better.
I spent most of the day walking back and forth to the toilet. My step counter said 2,600 steps, nearly all between the living room and bathroom. Not quite the exercise I had in mind.
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