Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain; Valencia; Mediterranean Sea
Summary: A week of deliveries, errands, cruise preparations and plumbing frustrations. I spent time with friends, sorted out travel documents, fixed (and failed to fix) leaks, and ended the week by beginning another Mediterranean cruise.
Monday, 15th May
I woke around 07:30 because my new washing machine was being delivered anytime after 08:00. They phoned at 08:30 to say they were on the way, and by 10:30 the machine was installed and my old tumble dryer taken away.
At around 11:00, I set off on my disability scooter to June’s house. She had given me a bag of power leads to try on a hard drive, but none of them fit, so I returned them on my way to the office. I met Martin just before midday, and we sat drinking and chatting until around 14:30. Before leaving, I ordered a pizza to take home.
When I got home, I started eating my pizza, but Bob arrived to cut my hair and trim my beard. It didn’t take long, and I was soon looking irresistible to women, which could be a problem on my cruise at the end of the week.
In the evening, Vince came round to watch the Leicester vs Liverpool match.
Tuesday, 16th May
As soon as I got up, I phoned Costa Cruises because I couldn’t download my cruise ticket. The man said he would investigate and call me back.
After my morning coffee, I went to see Mike. On the way, Costa Cruises phoned again and said I needed to add my passport details and Spanish NIE number. He said he would call back after 15:00. I met Mike for coffee, then went to the office to see Martin and Dave before heading home at 14:15 to wait for the call.
For lunch, I had sausage, bacon, fried eggs and mushrooms. Just after I finished, Costa Cruises called back, took my passport details, updated the system and emailed my cruise and baggage tickets. I printed them, downloaded my train ticket and hotel booking for Valencia, and packed everything into my man bag.
In the evening, Vince came round to look at the leak under my sink. He thought it was a washer that wasn’t sealing properly. Later, we walked to La Playa bar to watch AC Milan vs Inter Milan. We talked with Paul the barman more than we watched the match. I got home around midnight and ended up chatting with an old friend in the UK until nearly 03:00.
Wednesday, 17th May
I woke around 09:00,very late for me. I had a coffee and went to the hardware store on my disability scooter to buy the washer Vince recommended. I also bought a new toilet seat, something I’ve been meaning to replace for years.
On the way home, I stopped at the pharmacy for Omeprazole and paracetamol for my holiday. I dropped my shopping at home and saw a message from Jim saying he was at Buena Vista having breakfast. I messaged him back and joined him for coffee and a tostada.
After breakfast, we walked back to my apartment, and Jim helped me carry old furniture to the rubbish bins. By the time we returned with the second load, the nested tables from the first trip had already been taken by someone waiting nearby. I still have one cupboard left to get rid of, but it can wait until after my holiday.
Back home, I replaced the washer under the sink and tested it. It still leaked, but as it only leaks when the sink drains, it can wait until I return from my cruise.
Thursday, 18th May
Today I travelled to Valencia to begin my Mediterranean cruise. It was an early start, but I was ready for it.
Friday, 19th May
Today I boarded the Costa Diadema in Valencia to start my cruise around the Mediterranean.
Saturday, 20th May
Today the Costa Diadema docked in Marseille, France, and I visited Aix‑en‑Provence.
Sunday, 21st May
Today the ship docked in Savona, Italy, and I went on a coach tour to the towns of Noli and Finalborgo.
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