Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A strong week of swimming, more than 7 km in total, with hot afternoons, meals with friends, a trip to the Algar Waterfalls and plenty of relaxing time at home.
Monday, 11th July
A late start, a swim and a sunny afternoon with friends
I woke around 06:00 but went back to sleep until just after 09:00. I went for my morning swim at about 10:00, then got ready for work. I remembered I needed to go to the Garden Bar to pay for a trip I had booked, so I went there on my scooter. The lady collecting the money wasn’t there, but someone sent her a message for me. I will try again on Wednesday.
I left the Garden Bar and went to Pizzeria La Sombra for my business meeting with Martin. We chatted for a few hours before he went home. I then headed to La Zona Terraza. While I was sitting at the bar, Martin arrived with his daughter Aria. We sat together and were joined by some of his friends, and later by his wife. We enjoyed the sun, but the kitchen didn’t open until 19:00, so we couldn’t get anything to eat.
When I got home I had a Spanish omelette for tea and spent the evening watching television.
Tuesday, 12th July
A morning swim, CBD oil optimism and a warm evening dip
I woke at 07:30, checked my messages and went for my swim at about 08:30. After my swim I cooked bacon, sausage and scrambled egg for breakfast with a couple of coffees.
Later I found a good deal on CBD oil on Amazon with a repeat order option. I ordered some and hope it will help with my leg pain, weight loss, memory, attractiveness, lottery numbers, humour and every other daily problem.
At lunchtime I met Martin at Pizzeria La Sombra. He wasn’t feeling well and left early. His dad, David, stayed until we finished our beer. For lunch I made a pizza, which was lovely and very filling. I fell asleep afterwards.
In the early evening I went for another swim. The water was warm and not as refreshing as the morning, but I still managed one lap to the rocks and back, another 400 m added to the total.
I sat on my balcony reading my Kindle, but it was too hot, so I moved inside, shut the doors and put the air conditioning on. I watched television until bed.
Wednesday, 13th July
Inspired by Spanish swimmers and an evening swim in warm water
I woke around 08:00 and went for my swim at about 08:45. I managed an extra repetition of my usual route. The Spanish ladies who swim at the same time as me put me to shame. One of them looked like a former competitive swimmer, switching between strokes effortlessly and swimming faster and further than me. When we finished, I was puffed out and she looked ready to go again.
Back home I had a coffee and a rest. I noticed the new chiringuito by my apartment, owned by Estribor, opened for the first time today. I hope it encourages the other one to open earlier and lower its prices.
In the afternoon I went to La Ola bar to pay for my upcoming trip. The organiser was teaching Spanish, so I waited in the courtyard until the lesson finished. I paid for the trip and found out the coach will pick me up at 07:15 near the Arches.
For dinner I cooked turkey fillets with salad. Later I walked back to the Mar Menor for another swim. The water was so warm it was uncomfortable, but I still swam to the rocks and back.
I watched television and waited for the Mo Farah documentary, then went to bed. I set my alarm so I wouldn’t oversleep and miss tomorrow’s trip.
Thursday, 14th July
A day at Algar Waterfalls and CBD oil delivery
I woke before my alarm at 06:45, had a shower, shave and coffee, then walked to the bus stop to meet Diane for our day out at the Algar Waterfalls.
I got home around 21:00 and found my Amazon delivery left outside my apartment. It was my CBD oil, which I want to start taking again for my leg pain. I was in a fair bit of pain when I got in, so I had a large glass of water and collapsed in front of the television before going to bed.
Friday, 15th July
A good sleep, low water pressure and a drink with friends
I woke after an excellent night’s sleep, either from yesterday’s travel or the CBD oil. At about 08:45 I went for my morning swim. The water is always more pleasant in the morning. I felt much better afterwards.
After a shower I had cornflakes with Greek yoghurt and coffee. I noticed the water pressure was low. My neighbour Christine knocked to ask about it, so I went to her apartment. Her landlord confirmed the water was off to the building.
Back home I set up a photo album for yesterday’s trip and added a blog post to the Short Trips section of my website. Just after I finished, my friend Alan messaged me to meet him for a drink. La Playa was closed, so we met at Alaska bar. I had a couple of beers and a good chat with Alan and his wife Diane.
When I got home I cooked a pizza and watched England Ladies beat Northern Ireland Ladies 5–0 in the European Championship. I rested my legs and went to bed.
Saturday, 16th July
A strong swim, new clothes ordered and rugby disappointment
I woke feeling refreshed and went for my swim at about 08:45. The water was calm and I felt good, so I swam to the rocks and back four times. My legs were tired afterwards.
My friend Alan told me about a clothing website, so I had a look and ordered two pairs of shorts and three shirts. I hope they fit.
I watched the Wales vs South Africa rugby match. It was the final game of the series, 1–1 going in, but South Africa were too strong and won 30–14. Wales played well but lacked something going forward.
I wanted to watch the Arsenal vs Everton friendly in the USA, but couldn’t find it on television. I will check the score in the morning.
Sunday, 17th July
A good Arsenal result, a morning swim and a relaxing afternoon
I woke around 07:00 and checked the football. Arsenal beat Everton 2–0, with Gabriel Jesus scoring again and William Saliba helping keep a clean sheet.
After checking the results I went for my morning swim. When I got home I had coffee and scrambled eggs on toast. I stripped the bed and put the linen in the wash, then cleaned the kitchen and emptied the robot vacuum. It had picked up a USB lead which had tangled inside, so I was glad I caught it.
I put on a second load of washing and retired to the sofa to watch the final day of The Open. Cameron Smith put in a superb performance to come from behind and win the 150th Open.
For tea I had turkey fillets with salad, turned on the air conditioning and watched The Shawshank Redemption, one of my favourite films. Morgan Freeman is superb in it.
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