Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of early swims, scorching heat, a new circulation machine, a painful jellyfish sting and a busy weekend catching up with friends around Los Alcázares.
Monday, 18th July
A windy swim and ordering a circulation machine
I woke just after 08:00, updated and published last week’s diary blog, then went swimming at about 09:20. Because I went later than usual, the wind had picked up and the waves made swimming harder, but I still managed three laps to the rocks and back.
After a shower and coffee I searched online for an electric circulation stimulator. My calf muscles have been hurting a lot recently and my circulation is poor, so I ordered one from Amazon. It wasn’t cheap, but the reviews were excellent and I am fed up with not being able to walk far. Hopefully it will help with the cramps and allow me to increase my exercise.
The rest of the afternoon and evening were spent trying to keep cool with the air conditioning on.
Tuesday, 19th July
An early swim, blood test and unbearable heat
I woke before 07:00 and went swimming straight away. I was in the Mar Menor by 07:30. The water was beautiful, calm and clear, and I had it all to myself. I swam three laps before heading home for a shower.
Just before 09:00 I went to the doctor’s surgery for a blood test to check my coagulation levels. It took a couple of attempts to get blood from my arms, so I left with pads on both. Afterwards I went to La Encarnación for breakfast. Even in the shade it got very hot very quickly.
I met Martin at the office, but because of the heat I swapped my usual beer for a bottle of water. At 14:00 Kate and Aria joined us. Aria wandered off to sit with a lady who had brought her caged bird out for a walk and a coffee.
Back home I had a tuna sandwich and spent the afternoon indoors. The nights have been too hot, barely dropping below 26°C, so I put the air conditioning on early. While watching TV I saw that Arsenal have signed Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. A great signing.
Wednesday, 20th July
New circulation machine and excellent INR results
After my morning swim I returned home for coffee and a protein shake. While I was at my computer the apartment bell rang. My Amazon delivery had arrived two days early. The driver checked my TIE carefully before handing it over.
I unpacked the circulator machine, plugged it in and used it while working. It sends pulses through my feet into my legs, making my calf muscles contract. It feels strange but not unpleasant, and I can imagine it helping with the cramps.
At lunchtime I checked my blood test results online. My INR was 2.4, almost perfect. I usually have big fluctuations, so I was delighted. I must be doing something right with my diet and exercise.
Later I found an app that tracks INR readings and Sintrom dosage. It cost less than €3, so I bought it and entered my results for the last year.
In the evening I watched England Ladies play Spain in the European Championship.
Thursday, 21st July
A massage, a swim and some shocking driving
I woke around 07:00, checked Arsenal’s result from their match in Orlando, a 3–1 win, and put the circulation machine on while reading the report. I then had a massage in my chair before going swimming at about 08:20.
The Spanish ladies arrived shortly after I started, but I managed to weave through them and complete three laps. After a shower and coffee I had another session on the circulation machine, then went to see if I could find my friend Mike. He wasn’t in the mood for chatting, but at least I knew he was alive.
I went to Taberna del Sol for breakfast. While sitting there I saw some of the worst driving I’ve ever witnessed. One woman drove the wrong way down the road, reversed back onto the roundabout, then drove the wrong way around it before exiting correctly. If she ever reads this, please give up driving.
At Mercadona I saw another driver parked directly outside the entrance with the engine and air conditioning running, blocking the car park. The sun must be affecting people.
In the afternoon I watched the Tour de France. There was an incredible moment of sportsmanship when Jonas Vingegaard waited for Tadej Pogačar after he crashed, then shook hands before continuing. A lesson many politicians could learn from.
My friend Bob came round and gave me a haircut. Later I ordered a new magnifying glass because my old one was useless. I also fitted the spare watch strap on my watch, although it looks awful.
Friday, 22nd July
A slow swim, a disappointing magnifying glass and a quiet afternoon
I woke around 08:00, updated my website and went swimming at about 08:45. I did my usual three laps, but it took longer because palm trees were being trimmed along the beach and I kept watching the workers throwing branches down.
After a shower I went to the chiringuito with my Kindle and stayed until about 14:00. Back home I had a protein shake and used the circulation machine.
My new magnifying glass arrived, but it was terrible. The 3x lens was fine, but the 45x lens was crooked and mirrored everything. I repacked it immediately and arranged a return, then ordered a different 10x lens instead.
I spent the afternoon and evening on my patio reading my Kindle.
Saturday, 23rd July
A painful jellyfish sting and a night out with friends
I woke around 07:00 and went swimming at about 08:00. On my second lap, swimming on my back, I felt a strong sting across my shoulder and back. I had swum straight into a large barrel jellyfish.
I crouched under the beach foot washer to run cold water over the sting, then went home for a cold shower. I asked my neighbour John to apply the cream the doctor gave me last time. The red mark was clearly visible. I took a painkiller and considered getting liquid painkillers later.
In the evening I jumped on the tourist train run by my friends Bob and Connie. I got off at Rio Nalon and went to the Celt bar to see my friend Wardi perform. I chatted with Kristin and John while he set up his equipment. Wardi didn’t start until 22:55, despite being advertised for 21:30.
I listened to his first two songs, then left to catch the last train. I was stopped by Linda and David at Zarcos for a quick chat before the train arrived. I got off near La Playa bar and went in for a pint. It was quiet, but I chatted with Sophia, Ady and Willy before walking home along the beach.
The Arsenal vs Chelsea match was on at 02:00. I tried to stay awake to watch it.
Sunday, 24th July
A big Arsenal win and a quiet day at home
I managed to stay awake long enough to see Jesus score the first goal, then fell asleep. When I woke the match had finished. Arsenal beat Chelsea 4–0, with goals from Jesus, Odegaard, Nelson and Lokonga.
I woke properly around midday and found the match being shown again on a Spanish channel. I watched the second half in full.
This afternoon I washed my clothes and spent the day watching films with the air conditioning on. For dinner I cooked a small chicken in the air fryer. What I didn’t eat will be used for sandwiches tomorrow.
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