Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of late mornings, bus adventures, swims, meals with friends, genealogy work, Amazon deliveries, football, karaoke, and celebrating Arsenal’s Community Shield win. I also helped neighbours, sorted tech issues, and enjoyed the Mar Menor whenever the waves allowed.
Monday, 7th August
I woke at 11:00 after celebrating Arsenal’s win a bit too enthusiastically. After coffee and checking my messages, I walked to the bus stop to meet Martin in Los Narejos. The bus was late, and I thought the timetable had changed, but eventually it arrived.
On the way, a boy at the back told the driver he’d missed his stop. Instead of dropping him at the next one, the driver turned the bus around, went back two roundabouts and dropped him exactly where he wanted. I’ve never seen anything like it.
I met Martin and Dave at Pizzeria La Sombre. Amanda arrived and wanted a drink, so Dave drove us to Rio Nalon. We walked to Rocco’s but it was empty, so we continued to Le Petit Bistro. On the way, I spotted the con man who has been threatening people. I got a photo with him and uploaded it to several Facebook groups and the police page.
At Le Petit Bistro, I ended up chatting with lots of people I hadn’t seen in a while. Anne, the owner, was celebrating becoming the sole proprietor and handed out finger food.
Later, I walked back to Rocco’s but refused to pay the new price, it had gone up 50 cents again. I went to Harry’s bar instead, then caught the tourist train to see the new route. On the way home, I stopped at the chiringuito for a beer and ended up chatting with three ladies. When I asked for my bill, the staff told me the ladies had already paid for my drink. I owe them a thank you.
Tuesday, 8th August
I woke at 10:30, had coffee and orange juice and edited videos before catching the bus to meet Martin. The bus was late again, and full of Spanish ladies blocking the aisle seats. A kind American‑sounding lady gave me her seat, thank you, whoever you were.
I chatted with Martin and Aria at La Sombre. Kate later gave me a lift home. Aria is such a lovely little girl, she noticed my leg was bleeding and kept checking I was okay, even taking my hand to help me across the road. She reminds me of my niece Holly when she was young.
Back home, I got a Chinese takeaway and arranged to help my neighbour Liz with her internet tomorrow. After so many late nights, I went to bed early at 22:00.
Wednesday, 9th August
I woke at 08:00, had coffee and finished editing my Simply Red videos before uploading them to YouTubeChannel. My leg had bled on the bed again, so I ordered spray cleaner and washing tablets from Amazon.
At 10:00, I visited Liz, but she had already contacted her provider and someone was coming to fix it. We sat chatting for an hour and a half.
In the afternoon, I published last week’s journal on my website and watched TV while keeping an eye on Arsenal transfer news. Matt Turner has gone, and David Raya is coming in, a great signing.
Thursday, 10th August
I woke at 07:15, had coffee and checked all the Arsenal news. The Raya deal is even better than expected, a loan with an option to buy.
I spent the morning indexing my website pages on Google and Bing. In the evening, I finished reading my book on the balcony. Even at 21:00, it was still in the high 30s. I went to bed at 22:30.
Friday, 11th August
I woke at 08:00, had coffee and went to Economy Cash for a few bits. My delivery arrived mid‑afternoon, the cleaner for removing dry blood. I treated the marks on my bed, and it worked well. I’ll try it on the linen next.
In the evening, I watched the opening Premier League match: Burnley vs Manchester City. City won 0–3, Haaland scored twice, but Burnley played very well. The scoreline flattered City.
Saturday, 12th August
I woke at 07:00, got a drink and put washing on, then remembered my washing tablets were being delivered today. I waited until they arrived, then ran both the washing machine and dishwasher in a race. The dishwasher won easily.
I watched Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest. Arsenal scored two great goals but tired in the second half, letting Forest score. They held on for the win. My Fantasy Football team, Sharkys Gooners, went top of the league, the first time in eight years. I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.
Sunday, 13th August
I woke at 07:30, had coffee and mango tea with my tablets, then did some family tree research before going for a swim. I swam around the rocks and saw a few jellyfish, but far fewer than before.
After a shower, I worked on genealogy until June picked me up at 12:30. We went to San Javier for my tablets, then to Campbells for Sunday lunch. I had lamb, June had chicken, both excellent.
Back home, I watched football but fell asleep during Tottenham’s match. I tried Chelsea vs Liverpool but couldn’t get into it, so I watched Jonathan Creek instead, easy and enjoyable.
I meant to have an early night but ended up watching the whole first series of Jonathan Creek until 01:00.
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