Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: I began the week meeting friends and finally got my push bike working again. Midweek I welcomed an old friend who stayed for a couple of days, and the week ended with me waiting to hand over keys to a neighbour’s apartment.
Monday, 27th March
I had arranged for Dave to help me take my bike and pump to the local bike shop. I bought the pump there last year when the tyres went flat, and the owner pumped them up for me. Because of my swollen legs, I hadn’t used the bike much, and when I tried again, the tyres were flat. I couldn’t work out how to use the pump. I asked four different people to look at it, but no one could help.
When Dave and I got to the bike shop, the owner fixed the problem in seconds. A small piece was missing from the pump, which meant it couldn’t work. He repaired it and got it working properly. Feeling relieved, we left the shop and went to Pizzeria La Sombre to meet Martin for a couple of beers before Dave took me and the bike home.
Tuesday, 28th March
I debated going out on my bike now that the tyres were inflated, but I hadn’t checked the battery, and it was completely flat. Without the battery, the electric assistance wouldn’t work, so the bike stayed locked to my kayak in the garage. I took my disability scooter to meet Martin at Pizzeria La Sombre instead.
We chatted for a while and were joined by June, Dave and Viv before heading home. On the way, I stopped at Rocco’s bar to see Rachid and tell him about my trip to Tangier, which I loved, and Casablanca, which I didn’t enjoy as much. After chatting, I went home to prepare the spare room for my friend Chris, who was arriving tomorrow.
Wednesday, 29th March
Chris arrived for a couple of days. I had tidied the spare room so he could get in, and he arrived just after 14:00. We chatted for a while before going to Buena Vista on the promenade for a meal. It was very good. Afterwards, we sat at Chiringuito El Lobo next to my apartment for a couple of beers in the sun.
In the evening, we walked up to Rio Nalon for a pizza, but most restaurants were closed. We ended up at The 19th Hole for a pint of Guinness. On the way back, we stopped at Buena Vista again for a pint and a pizza. Once again, the food and service were excellent.
Thursday, 30th March
We went to Buena Vista again for breakfast. The large breakfast and coffee were excellent. In two days we had eaten there for breakfast, dinner and supper, and it was good every time.
After breakfast, Chris drove me to Mercadona for groceries and then to the Unica Garden Centre in San Javier. I bought a new Yuca plant for my balcony and a Lampranthus to trail over the edge of a pot.
In the afternoon, we sat in my apartment chatting and drinking. Chris had brought a bottle of pink gin, which was very nice. We drank most of it and finished a bottle of red wine I had left from a Bodega tour. We toasted his wife, Carol, who passed away last year. I had worked with her for several years at British Gas, and that connection is how Chris and I became friends.
In the evening, we walked to Rio Nalon and went into Rocco’s for a pint. We stayed until closing time chatting with friends including Amanda, Marie, Paul and Wayne. When we left, The Square bar was closed, so we all headed home.
Friday, 31st March
We went to Buena Vista again for breakfast. After breakfast, we returned to my apartment, got some stale bread and sat in the Mar Menor feeding the fish from our hands. The water was very cold, but I sat in it up to my chest for about an hour. Afterwards, we sat at the chiringuito for a drink before Chris left for Benidorm for the last few days of his holiday. I wished he and Carol could have shared the trip, but I enjoyed his company.
After Chris left, I ate something and went back to the chiringuito. Later, I walked to La Playa bar for a quick pint. As I got up to leave, my friend Paul passed by on his daily walk, so I dragged him in for a pint. After he left, I chatted with lots of people I knew, Derek and Janet, John and Mags, Gary, Ady and Carla, Shelley and others. By the time I left, it was very late. My legs were aching badly, but I walked home and had a sandwich before bed.
Saturday, 1st April
Today was a washing and football day. I stayed home doing laundry and watching football. Manchester City beat Liverpool 4‑1, cutting the gap to Arsenal to five points.
Then I watched Arsenal vs Leeds. Arsenal won 4‑1, restoring the eight‑point gap. It was great to see Gabriel Jesus playing and scoring again. He lifts the whole team when he plays. He scored from the penalty spot and from open play before being substituted after an hour.
Sunday, 2nd April
I woke early and finished the washing I started yesterday, including stripping my bed and the guest bed. The guest room is now ready for the next visitor.
I had to wait to hand over a key to guests arriving at a neighbour’s apartment, so I couldn’t go for Sunday lunch with June. They were supposed to arrive at 14:00, so I stayed home. I planned to have steak after they arrived.
By 17:45 they still hadn’t arrived, so I cooked my steak. Naturally, as I was plating it, they turned up. I showed them around the apartment and garage, then showed them my apartment in case they needed anything. Afterwards, I reheated my meal, steak and crab salad, and it was still lovely.
In the evening, I binge‑watched Alaska Daily. It’s a good, easy‑to‑watch series. Give it a try if you haven’t seen it.
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