Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of scorching heat, a return to kayaking on the Mar Menor, a coach trip to a Bodega, long afternoons working on my website and a dramatic England victory in the European Championship final.
Monday, 25th July
A flat battery, a flat tyre and a flat-out hot day
I woke just after 07:00 and updated last week’s diary blog. I didn’t swim today as my back was still a little sore from last week’s jellyfish sting, and I had a few jobs to do before seeing Martin at the office.
My delivery arrived at about 12:30, which made me late. When I went to the Sharky Mobile, the battery was flat. No problem, I would take the Sharky Bike instead. Unfortunately, both tyres were flat. The front pumped up easily, but I couldn’t get the pump onto the rear valve. It may have been my eyesight, or the valve may have been different.
I charged the scooter and messaged Martin to explain. He would have to do the work for both of us today. Worried I might try to skive again tomorrow, he offered to come round in the morning to help with the pump.
I went back to my apartment, shut all the windows and put the air conditioning on. Weather warnings were issued advising people to stay indoors. It must have been after 13:00 because Peggy, my robot cleaner, started vacuuming. Bless her, she is a fantastic cleaner.
The afternoon was spent researching my family tree.
Tuesday, 26th July
A windy morning, a sunburnt afternoon and England into the final
I slept well and woke around 07:00. The wind was strong and the waves choppy, making jellyfish hard to spot, so I skipped my swim and worked on my website.
At 11:30 I took a parcel back to Amazon via Euronics. It is very easy, no printing or postage required, and the refund arrived almost immediately.
I then went to the office in Los Narejos to do paperwork with Martin. After a couple of hours I headed home and passed Helena’s café, where I saw my friend Rab. Being a social creature, I stopped for a chat. Several hours and several beers later, I returned home. Only then did I realise my sleeveless T‑shirt had been a mistake. My arms were a deep shade of red. The breeze makes it feel cooler, but the sun here is brutal. Always use sun cream, people. Doctor Sharky has spoken.
In the evening I watched England Ladies beat Sweden 4–0 in the European Championship semi‑final. A cracking performance.
Wednesday, 27th July
Kayaking again and a noisy night
I woke around 05:45 and worked on my website for a few hours, updating photo locations from my 2011 Denver trip. I used my circulation machine while working, and it does seem to be helping with the pain in my legs.
After 3½ hours I took a break and dragged my kayak down to the Mar Menor. I paddled for about half an hour, out towards the buoys and then towards Antonio’s restaurant before turning back. Getting the kayak in and out of the garage is harder than using it. The wheels it came with are useless.
Afterwards I sat in the cool water watching the fish, then returned home for a massage and a coffee before working on my website again.
I went to bed early because I had to get up early for tomorrow’s Bodega trip. That was the plan. At 22:00 I went to bed, and at 22:05 a saxophonist started playing in the square outside. A live show had been organised, and the square soon filled with people. I eventually fell asleep, only to be woken at 01:45 by people arguing outside. Luckily they kept walking and I drifted off again.
Thursday, 28th July
A long day at the Bodega
I was woken at 06:00 by my alarm, the first time in years an alarm has actually woken me. I had a shower, shave and coffee, grabbed my camera and walking stick, and met my neighbour John, who kindly drove me to the Arches for the coach pickup for my dayout and visit to a bodega
After a long day out I returned home exhausted. I turned on the air conditioning and watched television for an hour before going to bed.
Friday, 29th July
A murky swim, long queues and an early night
I woke around 07:00, checked my messages and used the circulation machine before going for my swim at about 08:45. The water wasn’t as clear as usual and was warm rather than refreshing. I cut my swim short.
After a shower I worked on my website. At lunchtime I went to the Chino shop at Euro Roda for sellotape. Big mistake. Fourteen people in the queue and one person at the till. I went to Lidl instead, then tried the Chino again on the way home. The same woman was still four people from the front. I carried on to the Chino near my home, where there was no queue at all.
I fell asleep in the afternoon and woke early evening. My friend Pat messaged asking if I wanted to go out for a meal next Friday. I told him Arsenal were playing in the season opener and I couldn’t go. He guilt‑tripped me, twisted my arm and I agreed. Only joking, Pat. If it’s a choice between a curry with a joke machine or watching Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3–0, the joke machine wins every time.
Still tired, I went to bed early.
Saturday, 30th July
Website work, a 6–0 Arsenal win and the season curtain‑raiser
I woke around 08:00, put washing in the machine and cleaned the kitchen. After two coffees I settled at my computer while the washing was done.
Dermot O’Leary played “You Should Be Dancing” on Radio 2, which woke me up properly. I remembered when I was younger, slimmer and could really dance.
Most of the day was spent working on my website, typing up Thursday’s trip and adding photos. At 14:00 I watched Arsenal vs Sevilla. I missed the first 15 minutes, and Arsenal were already 3–0 up. They went on to win 6–0. I hope they carry this form into the new season.
In the evening I watched the traditional season opener, the Charity Shield, this year between Liverpool vs Manchester City. Liverpool won 3–0. I wonder if City regret selling three of their best players.
Sunday, 31st July
A windy swim, a near‑miss on the scooter and England make history
I woke around 07:00, stripped the bed and put the linen in the wash before going for my swim an hour later. It was windy and the tide was strong. I swam out to the rocks and saw two very large Bass, big enough for a couple of meals.
After breakfast I took my rubbish out and went to Mercadona for groceries. On the way home a woman stepped out in front of my disability scooter without looking. Luckily I was going slowly and stopped a flea’s dick away from her. She apologised profusely. If I had been in a car she would be in hospital.
The afternoon was spent keeping cool and waiting for the England vs Germany final. It was a brilliant match. England took the lead through Ella Toone, Germany equalised through Lina Magull, and in extra time Chloe Kelly poked home the winner. Her celebration will be remembered for years.
This is the first time in my lifetime that an England team has won a major international tournament. The quality of football, the sportsmanship and the atmosphere were superb. Arsenal’s Leah Williamson captained England, and Beth Mead won the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament. Well done, ladies, you did the country and Arsenal proud.
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