Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: I started the week slowly but gradually did more walking as the days went on, probably too much, as my legs became swollen again. I ate out four times, met friends, worked on my website and enjoyed some lovely meals and good company.
Monday, 20th March
I woke at around 07:00 after a good night’s sleep. Amazon were due to redeliver the parcel I missed yesterday, so I had to wait in. I spent the day picking, editing and adding over 30 photos from my visit to Tangier to my website gallery. I also added GPS locations to as many photos as possible so visitors can click the globe icon and see exactly where each photo was taken. It took over seven hours to complete.
The delivery finally arrived at around 19:30. I used the egg poacher immediately and had poached eggs on toast. The new grater looked great on the worktop, but the measuring jug was enormous, a commercial 2‑litre jug. I misread the description. It will have to be returned.
Tuesday, 21st March
I woke around 07:00 feeling good. The first job was to return the oversized measuring jug. Amazon surprised me by refunding the money instantly and telling me to keep it. If anyone needs to make gravy for 5,000 people, I now have the jug for it.
After adjusting my website so image titles and descriptions display correctly, I showered and then went to Buena Vista for a cooked breakfast. I had the medium breakfast, two sausages, two bacon, two eggs, beans, tomato and two pieces of toast, washed down with a lovely coffee. I sat in the sun watching the world go by before heading off on my disability scooter to meet Martin.
On the promenade, I met Dan, who walked with me until he had to turn back to meet his mum. When I reached La Sombre, it was closed. I checked my phone and saw a message from Martin saying he had gone to La Zona bar. I met him there, and Dave joined us. After chatting in the sun, I stopped at Mercadona for milk and rolls before heading home. I realised I had caught the sun and would need suntan lotion next time. I napped in front of the television and had soup for supper before going to bed at around 22:00.
Wednesday, 22nd March
I woke around 07:00, got a ginseng coffee and muesli and worked on my website. I edited a photo of Jean, a lovely 93‑year‑old lady I met on my cruise, and emailed it to her.
Maj dropped off a key for guests staying in her apartment this weekend. We chatted about our recent cruises. Afterwards, I went to see Stuart, who had lemons from his garden. We had tea and a chat, and he gave me some lemons and hot cross buns. Very civilised, tea, lemons and buns instead of our old all‑day beer sessions.
When I got home, I received worrying news: the builder allegedly constructed our apartment block 85 cm too close to the sea, and there is a demolition order for the whole block. Lawyers are dealing with it, and it may take years. There’s nothing I can do, so I’ll leave it in their hands. I did wonder if my apartment at the back might survive and become frontline beachfront.
I spent the afternoon watching television, looking up lemon recipes and placing a food order with a company Stuart recommended. I like having things delivered as I don’t have a car, but I dislike waiting all day with no delivery time given.
Thursday, 23rd March
I slept well but had strange dreams. I always dream in full colour and know I’m dreaming while it’s happening. I can change things in the dream and interact with people, even if they appear in places they’ve never been. Sometimes I wake up, go to the bathroom and return to the dream exactly where I left off.
I got up around 07:00, had coffee and worked on my website. While editing Casablanca photos, Frouk and Reinder messaged asking to meet for lunch. We met at the Royal Bar and Restaurant for their Menu del Día. I had chips with cheese and ham for a starter, lamb bhuna with rice for my main course and tiramisu for dessert. The curry was lovely, and I’ll definitely return. It’s so close to my apartment that it will be ideal when I don’t want to cook.
I walked home along the beach and napped on the sofa. In the evening, I watched Italy vs England. England were excellent in the first half, Italy in the second. England won 1‑2. I still don’t understand how Gareth Southgate keeps his job. He plays favourites who can’t even get into their club teams. On a positive note, Harry Kane became England’s all‑time top scorer. Well done, Harry.
Friday, 24th March
I woke around 07:00, got a coffee and continued editing photos. At around 10:00, I walked along the promenade to Rio Nalon and the Economy superstore for bread. My ankle was throbbing by the time I got there.
I then walked to Punto y Coma for coffee. It was amazing as always, served in a big cup. The staff are friendly, and it’s my favourite coffee place. I walked slowly home and stopped at Chiringuito El Lobo for a pint. It looked like their first day open this year. I had chicken and salad for tea and went to bed at around 22:00.
Saturday, 25th March
I woke early at around 05:30, had coffee and porridge and worked on my website. I charged my mobility scooter and then went for a walk along the promenade to Hotel Narejos Costa before heading to Punto y Coma for coffee. I had two coffees while reading my Kindle.
George phoned asking for help setting up his new phone. We met at the chiringuito, but I couldn’t see the screen in the sun, so we went to my apartment. He didn’t have the passwords, so we walked to his apartment where Yvonne found them. I set up his phone and synced his laptop. Afterwards, we went to Café Avenida for a couple of beers. The temperature briefly hit 37°C before dropping to 33°C.
I then went to La Playa bar and stayed there the rest of the night with friends. My legs were swelling badly after all the walking, so Bob and Connie kindly gave me a lift home.
Sunday, 26th March
I woke at around 10:30, worked on photos and then met June at 11:45 for Sunday dinner at Campbells in Roda. I had roast lamb, and we chatted until around 16:30. June then drove past Otomatua so I could see where it was. It was open, so we went in to say hello to Marco. He remembered me from his old restaurant. He brought us water and beer, then surprised us with two pieces of steak on bread. It was beautiful. He refused payment and told us to remember him when booking a meal. We will definitely return.
June dropped me at La Playa bar so I could watch the England vs Ukraine game. England won 2‑0. Afterwards, Alan Bond did his karaoke show. I sat with friends and had a great night listening to everyone sing, some good, some not so good. People were disappointed they didn’t get to hear my party piece, “I Got a Brand New Combine Harvester”, but I think they were secretly relieved.
Alan dropped me home. I watched a bit of television before going to bed at around 00:00. It had been a great day, but my legs were very swollen and painful.
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