Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of calm morning swims, balcony gardening, football relief, hospital updates, neighbourly chats, lift malfunctions, long walks and the steady comfort of chiringuito coffees and Kindle reading, all under the returning blue skies of Los Alcázares.
Friday, September 17th
A peaceful swim, balcony gardening, and a relaxed day in the sun
The sun was back after a few days of clouds and rain, so I went for my morning swim just before 08:00. The water was calm, the birds were singing and it felt wonderful to glide out to the rocks and towards the nets. After a shower, I headed to the chiringuito for my coffee.
In the afternoon I removed a few plants from my balcony that clearly weren’t enjoying life there. I replaced them with a large Sansevieria Trifasciata, which I divided and spread through the big wooden trough. In the other trough I planted several small cacti. If they take, the balcony will look great. The rest of the day was spent reading on my Kindle.
Saturday, September 18th
Another early swim, photo sorting, and a much needed Arsenal win
Another early swim, followed by porridge and banana. I spent a few hours on the computer continuing to delete unwanted photos and add location tags to others.
In the afternoon I watched Arsenal grind out a hard fought 0-1 win against Burnley. The defence is finally starting to gel. VAR overturned a penalty decision, and Arsenal held on for the win, lifting us clear of the bottom of the table.
Sunday, September 19th
A windy swim, a home cooked dinner, and a quiet evening
Despite strong winds and choppy waves, I went for my morning swim. It left me puffed out, but I felt better for doing it. I’d planned to eat out, but after losing track of time reading, I settled for steak, egg and chips at home, very nice.
The rest of the day was spent switching between football and Below Deck before heading to bed early.
Monday, September 20th
A hospital visit, good news, and a stress free afternoon
After my morning swim and coffee at the chiringuito, I waited for Lesley to pick me up for my hospital appointment in Cartagena. The gastroenterologist gave me the all clear to proceed with my hernia operation and told me I now need to see the laparoscopist who will perform the surgery.
The appointment was quick and straightforward, and having Lesley there made everything much easier. I spent the afternoon watching TV and went to bed early.
Tuesday, September 21st
Windy weather, a broken lift, and a helpful neighbour
I skipped my swim, it was cooler and very windy, and the nets have now been removed for the season. I set off on the disability scooter to Dial Prix but stopped to chat with my neighbour Elizabeth on the beachfront.
Seeing the weather turning, I headed to the shop before the rain started. The deli counter was closed, so I bought what I could and went home, only to find the garage lift jammed open with an alarm sounding. I left the scooter by the apartment door and took my shopping upstairs.
After a second shopping trip to La Plaza de Dia, the lift was still broken. I reported it again, then sat at the chiringuito with a bottle of water. When the maintenance company still hadn’t arrived, I called Mark, who kindly let me store my scooter in his garage. Thankfully, just after 18:00 the lift was repaired and I could put the scooter away. Thanks again, Mark.
Wednesday, September 22nd
Blood tests, café hopping with Elizabeth, and a narrow escape from a local nuisance
I went for my anticoagulant blood test at 08:00, then walked to La Encarnación for coffee and tostada. After reading in the sun, I walked back along the beach to meet Elizabeth.
We had coffee at the chiringuito, then moved on to Bar Espejo, and finally to El Callejón de las Brujas so she could try more local Spanish cafés. On the way home we stopped at the pharmacy for tablets.
Back at the chiringuito, I saw Matt and Mark and joined them for a while. Later, while I was reading with a pint, I saw Lilly, Janice and Andy and stopped for a quick chat, until the local drunk who always tries to get people to buy him drinks sat next to me. Luckily I’d just finished my beer, so I made a swift exit. Sorry for the short chat guys, we’ll catch up properly next time.
In the evening I tried to watch Arsenal vs Wimbledon but couldn’t find it on any channel. I listened to the commentary on the Arsenal website instead. Arsenal won 3-0, expected but still a relief.
Thursday, September 23rd
A long walk, a cheap breakfast, and a disappointing takeaway
The wind was still strong, so I skipped my swim and went for a walk instead. I haven’t walked far recently due to shortness of breath, so I took a slow, winding route through Los Alcázares to La Encarnación. I had tostada, coffee and orange juice, all for 2€, with a beautiful view of the Mar Menor.
After finishing my Kindle story, I walked home along the beach. By the time I got back, I’d walked 4.7 km and was shattered. I updated my website and rested for a few hours.
In the evening I went to the Hong Kong Chinese restaurant for a takeaway. The squid dish was rubbery and not very good, but the prawn fried rice was very nice.
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