Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A slow, gentle start to the week that quickly turned into a whirlwind of hospital appointments, paperwork, errands and football, with plenty of Kindle reading, neighbourly chats and the familiar rhythm of life by the Mar Menor.
Friday, October 8th
A lazy morning, balcony reading, and a Marvel film to end the day
I got up late and spent the whole morning working on my computer. In the afternoon I sat on the balcony reading my Kindle until it became too hot, then moved indoors to continue reading. In the evening I watched the original Venom after seeing the trailer for Venom: Carnage at the cinema last week. It was surprisingly funny for a Marvel action film, and now I’m determined to see the sequel.
Saturday, October 9th
A long walk, a cup of tea, and a film filled afternoon
I woke around 08:00, updated my website, had porridge with banana and then went for a walk along the promenade. I walked about 5 km and was puffing like a steam train by the time I got home. I popped in to see Elizabeth for a cup of tea, then spent the rest of the day with my feet up watching films.
Sunday, October 10th
A full English, a shopping trip, and a night of laughter at La Playa
I cooked myself a full English breakfast before heading to the chiringuito for coffee. Elizabeth arrived to take me shopping at Carrefour in Cartagena. I looked in Primark but, as usual, couldn’t find jeans that fit, Spanish skinny legs strike again. I did manage to get a few things in Carrefour.
In the afternoon I watched Arsenal Women beat Everton 3-0, then walked to La Playa to hear Diana sing. Emma and Gina were there, and their dancing had everyone laughing. A great night all round.
Monday, October 11th
Beers with Martin, cinnamon tea, and enough Chinese food for a week
I had a lazy morning before meeting Martin at La Sombra for a few beers. His wife, daughter and sister joined us, and we stayed until just before 15:00. On the way home I stopped at Bernard and Sheila’s, where we sat in the garden drinking several cups of tea, the cinnamon tea was especially lovely. I picked up a takeaway from the Hong Kong restaurant on the way home. I ordered far too much, so reheated Chinese would be on the menu for days.
Tuesday, October 12th
A quiet Caldero Day and an evening of football
Caldero Day arrived with no beach celebrations again due to COVID restrictions. Restaurants offered special menus, but no big events. My leg was aching and I had a hospital appointment the next day, so I stayed home reading and watching films. In the evening I watched England vs Hungary. It wasn’t England’s best performance, but at least they didn’t lose, the 1-1 draw probably disappointed Hungary more than us.
Wednesday, October 13th
A busy morning, a crucial hospital appointment, and a surgery date set
I woke early, showered and took the scooter to the bank. After withdrawing money, I stopped at a shop selling SOS Mar Menor items and bought a nice polo shirt for 10€. Then I went to La Encarnación for breakfast, coffee, tostada and orange juice.
After a coffee with Andrew at the chiringuito, I went home, emptied the dishwasher I’d forgotten about, tidied the kitchen and worked on my computer.
At 15:45 Lesley picked me up for my hospital appointment in Cartagena. The laparoscopist examined my hernia and said it was large enough that they wanted to operate quickly. It isn’t causing much pain, but it could strangulate, which would be serious. He explained the steps, blood tests, anaesthetist appointment, COVID test, then surgery. He offered two dates, one in October and one in November, and I chose the October date.
Lesley helped arrange all the appointments: Anaesthetist: 19th October COVID test: 22nd October Operation: 25th October.
I was told to get the blood tests done locally and bring the results to the anaesthetist.
Afterwards we stopped at a small café for coffee and empanadas, then Lesley dropped me home to sort out her own appointment clashes.
Thursday, October 14th
Paperwork, queues, forgotten documents, and a helpful insurance agent
Lesley messaged early to say she’d rearranged my TIE appointment for Monday, after my anaesthetist visit. She also sent me the form I needed to take to the bank to pay the TIE fee.
After a pot of camomile tea, I went to the bank. There was a queue, but I chatted with an English couple while waiting. Restrictions have eased, more people are allowed inside now. The lady at the till stamped my paperwork after taking the 12€ fee.
My scooter didn’t have enough charge to get me to the ASSSA office, so Elizabeth kindly drove me. Unfortunately, I’d left the paperwork at home, so we had to go back and get it. At the ASSSA office, Sofia was extremely helpful, she sorted through everything, made copies, sent it all off and even booked my blood test appointment for tomorrow at my local clinic.
Elizabeth and I then had a coffee at Café Prensa before heading home. A hectic morning, but everything got done.
In the evening I watched Arsenal Women beat Hoffenheim 4-0 in the Champions League. The score flattered us, Hoffenheim were excellent, but Arsenal’s finishing was clinical. I went to bed early, ready for my blood tests in the morning.
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