Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of early swims, new furniture, apartment jobs, jellyfish stings, a curry night, a Madness concert in Murcia and booking a weekend away for later in the year.
Monday, 20th June
Early swim, bank success and chocolate tart rewards
I woke early and went for my swim in the Mar Menor before the birds were awake. I swam out to the rocks about 200 m from the beach and did my water aerobics, lifting each knee 50 times slowly, then 50 times quickly, then 50 slowly again. After swimming back to shore I repeated the whole routine twice more. I think the swim is closer to 250 m each way because I never seem to swim in a straight line.
After a shower I headed to the bank for my 12:00 appointment. I was seen at 12:15. I wanted a quote for travel insurance, and although online prices were high, the bank gave me the exact same cover for €25 instead of €70. Very happy with that.
I reached the office at about 12:40, just in time to hand in this week’s spreadsheets before the boss left. It will be a short work week as he is closing the office tomorrow for a day off.
On the way home I stopped at Mercadona for food, then at D’Pollo for pork in pepper sauce with chips. I treated myself to a three layered chocolate tart, justified by this morning’s extra exercise.
The evening was spent surfing football gossip online. Apparently Arsenal are buying every Brazilian footballer who isn’t already signed, and half of the ones who are.
Tuesday, 21st June
A double swim, Guardia Civil drama and pizza perfection
I went for my morning swim at about 08:30, swimming to the rocks and back twice with two sets of aerobics. While drying off on the wall, the Guardia Civil arrived to question two men who had turned up on ladies’ bicycles. They searched their bags, the bikes and the nearby bins. I don’t know why, but it looked like they knew them. When I checked from my balcony later, both the police and the men had gone.
After a shower I worked on my website, restructuring some galleries and sections. In the evening I used my new oven and air fryer to make a pizza. It cooked far better than my old oven, and being on the counter makes it easier to use. I buy cheap supermarket pizzas and add my own toppings, quicker and cheaper than making one from scratch.
Wednesday, 22nd June
A new sofa, a haircut and chicken wings done right
I swam at around 08:00, then had honey cornflakes and coffee while browsing the stock at ATime4AChange. They had a sofa that looked perfect, so I messaged them and they reserved it.
Bob was due to cut my hair today but messaged to say it would be this evening instead. I walked to the shop to see the sofa, tried it, liked it and bought it. It will be delivered next Tuesday.
On the way home I stopped at Chiringuito El Lobo for a large bottle of water and some Kindle time. The second chiringuito opposite is being rebuilt and should open this weekend.
For lunch I had a potato and onion Spanish omelette with salad. At 17:00 Bob arrived and gave me a much needed haircut. I feel better as soon as my hair is short again.
In the evening I air fried chicken wings for tea. The new air fryer cooks everything quicker and better than the old oven.
Thursday, 23rd June
A morning swim, microwave on the wall and curry night
I woke to the road sweeper passing by. After some computer work I went for my swim at about 08:45. After a shower and breakfast I waited for Reinder, who arrived to fit the microwave bracket to the kitchen wall and help move a heavy sideboard in the lounge.
After he left I went to ATime4AChange to help Kerry with a computer issue on her new website. One problem was fixed immediately and another should be sorted later today.
I had salad and Spanish omelette for lunch, then relaxed so I’d be fresh for curry night. At 19:20 Pat picked me up and we met Bernard, Gary, Paul, James, Peter and Mike at Marinocio before heading to Gurkha Durbar.
Unfortunately I had a bad bout of acid reflux after my starter and couldn’t eat my curry. It wasn’t the restaurant’s fault, it just happens sometimes. I had it boxed up to reheat tomorrow. Apart from that it was a good night, though I prefer Massala Cottage for the round table and space.
Pat dropped me home and I went to bed early, surprised I managed to sleep with all the fireworks for San Juan Day.
Friday, 24th June
Jellyfish stings, blood tests and Madness in Murcia
I woke early and went swimming. For the first time ever in the Mar Menor I got stung by jellyfish, twice. I cut my swim short.
The first was a Fried Egg Jellyfish, harmless to humans. The second was a Barrel Jellyfish, moderately venomous. The sting felt like a strong stinging nettle rash, painful but not dangerous.
After a shower I went for my regular blood test. The nurse struggled to find a vein and did a little vampire dance when she finally got some blood. She noticed me wince when she touched the sting and sent me to the doctor, who prescribed a cream and advised rinsing stings with fresh water mixed with a little ammonia. Sadly I don’t carry a bottle of ammonia water in my swimming shorts.
I picked up the cream, then went to Chiringuito El Lobo for coffee and water while reading my Kindle. Back home I worked on my website and reheated last night’s curry for lunch. It was excellent.
At 18:00 I walked to the coach pickup for the Madness concert in Murcia. The coach was late, then overbooked, so we had to wait for a bigger one. When we reached the bullring the driver didn’t know where to park and had to ask the police.
The concert was brilliant. Madness were superb and the venue is perfect, close to the stage even with a cheap ticket. I got a bad leg cramp early on, so I moved to the bar and leaned on it for the rest of the show. The staff were kind and kept me hydrated. I actually had a great view and avoided being bumped around.
After the show I returned to the coach and the journey home was much quicker. I walked home and went straight to bed.
Saturday, 25th June
A lazy day, sore leg and protein powder delivery
After last night’s late return I didn’t wake until after 11:00. I skipped my swim because I had a parcel due. I had coffee and watched some of the video clips from the concert.
The cramp left my leg sore, so I spent the day with my feet up, binge watching Hart of Dixie and checking Arsenal transfer rumours. My Amazon delivery arrived around 17:00, chocolate and hazelnut protein powder for my milkshakes.
I watched TV until bed at around 23:00.
Sunday, 26th June
A snorkel swim, booking Texas tickets and a Kindle walk
I woke around 08:00 and went for a swim with my snorkel mask so I could spot jellyfish. I saw four Barrel Jellyfish but avoided them all.
After a shower I cooked a full English breakfast and had it with coffee. My leg was still a little sore so I took it easy. While browsing online I saw that Texas are playing in Albacete in September. I love Sharleen Spiteri’s voice, so I bought a ticket, booked a train and a two night hotel stay. Something to look forward to before my cruise.
In the afternoon I walked along the beachfront with my Kindle. I stopped at La Playa bar for a pint and some reading, then at the chiringuito outside my apartment for another pint before heading home.
For tea I had chicken with melted Brie. I watched more Hart of Dixie before bed, but couldn’t sleep, so at 01:00 I got up again to finish this post on my website and watch more television. Hopefully I’ll fall asleep in front of it.
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