Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of bank frustrations, football highs, sociable evenings, Christmas preparations and the steady rhythm of coffees, strolls and website work, all wrapped in the familiar warmth of Los Alcázares life.
Friday, December 17th
A beachfront breakfast, another failed bank visit, and a great night at La Playa
I woke around 7:00, had a coffee, showered and walked along the beachfront to La Encarnación for breakfast. I enjoyed a coffee, tostada and orange juice while reading my Kindle before heading to Caixa Bank for my 10:30 appointment.
The bank was busy, but I was seen quickly. Unfortunately, the computer system had apparently started its Christmas holiday early. Nothing worked, and for the second time in three days I left without my problem being solved. My new account manager was helpful, but she was working with a system that clearly hadn’t been tested properly. It wouldn’t have happened when I was testing systems.
In the afternoon I cooked chicken with roast potatoes, peas and carrots, lovely. Following advice from my old mate Pete King, I walked to La Playa Bar for a few beers. It turned into a great night, chatting with locals, catching up with people I hadn’t seen for months and laughing at the more boisterous drinkers as they slipped into oblivion.
Saturday, December 18th
A day of football and a dominant Arsenal win
Today was all about football. With matches being cancelled due to COVID, the schedule was shrinking by the hour. By the time Leeds vs Arsenal kicked off, it was the only Premier League game of the day.
Arsenal played brilliantly and won 1-4, with all four goals scored by players under 21. After the match I watched a film, then watched the game again on Match of the Day. A very satisfying evening.
Sunday, December 19th
Website work, football, and a night with Diana’s singing
I did some washing, had porridge, tidied the kitchen and worked on my website. In the afternoon I watched Newcastle vs Manchester City, a 0-4 win for City.
Later I walked to La Playa to watch Tottenham vs Liverpool while listening to Diana sing. The TV sound was off, so I watched the game out of the corner of my eye. It finished 2-2, a better result for Spurs than Liverpool. How Harry Kane stayed on the pitch after that tackle is beyond me.
Diana was excellent as always, and I had a great evening.
Monday, December 20th
Still no bank access, a sociable afternoon, and a long evening at Juniper
I waited for a message from the bank, but none came. Still no access to my account or the app. Thankfully I’d made sure I had enough money for Christmas.
At lunchtime I met Martin for a drink. On the way I saw Mike and invited him along, but he made excuses again. He’s becoming more of a hermit than ever. I hope he has a good Christmas and feels more sociable next year.
After the weekly meeting with Martin, I visited my cousin Jill for tea, then went to Mercadona for Christmas supplies and a cheeseburger, which I ate on the way home. Passing Juniper bar, I saw Colin and stopped for a beer. Soon we were joined by Janice, Andy, Elaine and Sandy. My quick hello turned into a couple of hours.
Back home I had a small pizza and fell asleep watching a dull film.
Tuesday, December 21st
A quiet morning, coffee with Liz, and a big Arsenal win
After a restless night, I got up at 7:00, had coffee and worked on my website. With nothing planned, I expected a quiet day unless the bank contacted me.
Mid morning I met Liz for coffee at El Delphin, a lovely little Spanish bar tucked away in the back streets. We walked home along the promenade, and just after I got in, the bank messaged me. I had an appointment tomorrow.
In the evening I had meatballs for tea and watched Arsenal beat Sunderland 5-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter finals. Eddie Nketiah scored a hat trick, and young Charlie Patino scored on his debut. A great night for the youngsters.
Wednesday, December 22nd
Bank success at last, new investments, and a lovely dinner with friends
I was up early for my bank appointment. After showering, shaving and updating my website, I walked to Caixa Bank for 10:00.
This time it wasn’t busy. My account manager was outside helping Keith and told me to come in when ready. She deleted my old internet account and created a new one, still no luck. The bank manager joined in, deleted everything from my phone and their system and reinstalled it all. Finally, after new passwords and a new login ID, everything worked. I could access my account again.
I asked to book an appointment to discuss investments, but she had a gap at 11:30, so we did it immediately. With her help and the bank manager’s suggestions, I invested in three different bonds: one linked to communication companies, one to medical companies and one to climate related companies.
Back home I had coffee and a small pizza, then watched a Christmas film on the sofa.
In the evening Sheila picked me up for dinner with her and Bernard. We had a lovely meal and chatted about travel, British soaps and mince pies. I even took one home. I’ll miss them when they go to New Zealand.
I got home in time to see the end of the football and the Carabao Cup semi final draw: Arsenal vs Liverpool, Tottenham vs Chelsea. Then I went to bed, exhausted but happy.
Thursday, December 23rd
A slow morning, checking on a friend, and a fun night at La Playa
After yesterday’s excitement, I slept in until after 9:30, unusual for me but deserved. I had coffee and updated my website. It was cold and cloudy, and I didn’t plan to do much.
I saw a post encouraging people to check on friends over Christmas, so I dragged myself out to Los Narejos to see Mike. I had a coffee at his local café, wished him a happy Christmas and headed home.
Back at my apartment I had another coffee and a chicken burger sandwich for lunch. In the evening I walked to La Playa Bar and spent the night drinking, chatting and laughing with the regulars.
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