Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain & Murcia City
Summary: A week of swims, website work, Amazon deliveries, financial advisor frustrations, meals with friends, concerts in Murcia, and celebrating Arsenal’s Community Shield win. I also continued my genealogy research and enjoyed evenings at La Playa bar.
Monday, 31st July
I woke around 07:30, had a coffee and updated my website. I left my apartment at 11:40, took rubbish to the bins and continued to Los Narejos to meet Martin at Pizzeria La Sombre. Dave joined us for a few quiet beers before Viv and her family arrived, turning our office meeting into a crowd.
When the meeting ended, I went straight home. At 18:00, I got something to eat and then spent the evening on the sofa watching Yellowstone. I’m slowly working my way through all the episodes.
Tuesday, 1st August
I woke at 07:30, had coffee and orange juice and worked on maintaining my indexed pages on Bing and Google. After that, I updated my family tree, adding death dates to many ancestors.
At 14:00, a delivery arrived, two pairs of swim shorts with seahorses on them, very appropriate for my Mar Menor swims. I had a pizza for lunch and continued my genealogy work.
At 16:00, another delivery arrived, my San Miguel Radler beer. Later, a third delivery arrived: an Arsenal‑themed shirt. I like Amazon because at least you know the day things arrive, but the other two deliveries weren’t even announced. I need to stop buying things when I’m bored.
I waited for the Arsenal game, only to discover it kicks off tomorrow. I watched TV until 23:00 and put the dishwasher on overnight.
Wednesday, 2nd August
I woke at 07:00, had coffee and worked on indexing my website pages. At 09:30, I had cereal and got ready for my 10:00 appointment with my financial advisor.
By 11:15, he still hadn’t arrived, so I sent a concise email questioning his lateness. At 15:00, his clerk phoned to apologise, he had forgotten to pass my details on. They only do phone or Zoom meetings now, not in‑person visits. For the money they take, I expect better. When my plans mature, I’ll close my accounts and manage my own investments.
I couldn’t watch the Arsenal game, so I watched Yellowstone instead. I’m nearly through all five series.
Thursday, 3rd August
I woke at 07:30, had orange juice and went for my swim. The water was cloudy and there weren’t many jellyfish. I only swam one lap before returning home for toast and coffee.
I spent the day updating my website with genealogy research. At midday, the financial advisor finally phoned. He apologised and explained my plan runs until 2024, but I can withdraw or cancel at any time. After it matures, I can leave the money where it is without paying fees. I’ll review it next year.
At 15:00, I had cream cheese and salmon on crackers. At 17:30, Sara and Maj knocked on my door and we walked to Buena Vista. I explained the AGM demolition confusion, which reassured Maj. We talked about snorkelling, and they offered to take me to Cabo de Palos or Portman Beach next time they go.
I watched TV in the evening and went to bed at 23:00.
Friday, 4th August
I woke at 07:30 after a strange dream, I was a Whitney Houston tribute act, lost my wig, and Tina Turner lent me hers. We duetted on “Rolling on the River” before fans stole the wig again. If Whitney and Tina want to perform with me, they’ll have to wait a long time.
The wind made the Mar Menor too rough for swimming, so I worked on my website until 13:00. Then I packed a bag and got ready to go to Murcia to see Simply Red. At 14:00, I walked to the bus stop.
Saturday, 5th August
I got off the bus from Murcia at 14:00 and walked to La Playa bar for a pint. I sat reading my Kindle for a few hours before heading home.
I turned on the air conditioning and cooked trout fillets in a sandwich with creamed Camembert. In the evening, I watched The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry , a brilliant but very sad film.
I messaged Jacqui, an Arsenal fan, to see if she wanted to watch the Community Shield with me tomorrow.
Sunday, 6th August
I woke at 08:00, stripped my bed and put the linen in the washing machine before getting a coffee. I spent the morning reading my Kindle, The Illiterate Prince has me hooked.
At 16:15, I walked along the beach to Rio Nalon and then to Harry’s Bar to watch the Community Shield with Jacqui. Arsenal beat Manchester City on penalties after a 1–1 draw. A great game, and in my slightly biased opinion, Arsenal deserved the win.
After the match, I took the tourist train to La Playa bar to meet Alan Bond. Diane was running karaoke, and in my slightly tipsy state, I got up and sang a couple of times, horrifying the locals. Bob and Connie arrived after their last train run and kindly gave me a lift home.
I went straight to bed, very happy after celebrating what I hope is the first of many Arsenal wins this season.
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