Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A festive week of sunshine, Christmas carols, website work, a freezing Christmas swim, football, friends, and finally being knocked flat by a cold on Christmas Eve.
Monday, 18th December
I woke around 07:30, had a coffee and worked on my website until 10:45. The sun was out, so I took my disability scooter for a slow ride along the beach to the office. I left at 11:10 and arrived at 11:45 after riding the full length of the beach.
Rosa brought me a pint as soon as I sat down, and I read my Kindle until Martin arrived at 12:10. We chatted until Aria arrived on the school bus. Martin got a taxi for the three of us to go to La Petit Bistro, where Kate was singing with Spangles.
I met them there and sat next to the group as they sang Christmas carols. One lady had a coughing fit and had to stop briefly, but the rest carried on beautifully. After they finished, we moved outside to sit in the sun. Eventually, everyone drifted off home.
I stayed and chatted with Paul, John and Norma, then with Alan and Jackie after bingo finished. When I got home, I put the heating on, watched TV and went to bed around 22:00.
Tuesday, 19th December
I had coffee and went to Economy Cash for shopping. Back home, I worked on hundreds of photos for my website until 19:00. After that, I watched TV for a few hours and went to bed early.
Wednesday, 20th December
Another full day indoors working on my website. I didn’t leave the house at all.
Thursday, 21st December
I woke around 06:00 and worked on my website. At 10:00, I took a break and saw on Facebook that Tom Jones is performing in Murcia next July. I’ve seen him in Murcia, Orlando, London and Las Vegas, and even had beers sent to me by him in Vegas. I immediately booked a front row seat and a nearby hotel. A great start to next year’s plans.
I met Liz and we walked to Buena Vista for breakfast, chatting for a few hours. I went home to wait for a delivery from Eurodrop Foods, which arrived shortly after. I stocked up on bacon and Cumberland sausages.
I spent the afternoon and evening watching films.
Friday, 22nd December
I woke freezing, even though the warm air had been on all night. My bedroom has two outside walls, so it stays cold. I had coffee and a bacon sandwich, then looked on Amazon for a small room heater. I found one with a swivel function, timer and thermostat for €50 and ordered it, along with a new cutlery basket for my dishwasher.
In the afternoon, I worked on my website and posted links to my new Brazil pages on Facebook. At 18:30, I walked to La Playa bar for some fresh air and to see Alan. I stayed about half an hour before heading home for an early night.
Saturday, 23rd December
I woke around 07:30, had coffee and checked messages. At 11:30, I packed a towel and clothes and walked along the beach to Playa Carrión for the Christmas Swim. Mementos Café was closed, so I went to a chiringuito for an iced coffee, which I won’t be having again.
I returned to the swim area, saw a few people I knew and left my rucksack with Jill. I paddled in the freezing water before the swim started. I chatted with Andy and introduced him to Jacqueline, then stood with Craig, who was also swimming.
Mario, the mayor, dressed as Mario from the video game, jumped in first. I was about 20 minutes behind him. The shock of the cold water was horrible, but I swam anyway because it was warmer in the water than half out of it with the wind blowing.
Afterwards, we were given towels, chicken soup with a dumpling, churros with chocolate and a can of beer. I ate quickly to warm up, then met friends Sean, Michelle, Paul and Clare. Later, Bernice and Sharon joined me, and we moved to another chiringuito for a beer and a chat about our cruises.
We then went to La Encarnación, where they ate and I had an Asiatico coffee. After that, we walked to La Playa bar and sat outside until it got cold, then moved inside. The girls stayed, but I went home for a hot shower and warmer clothes.
In the evening, I walked to Harry’s Bar to watch Liverpool vs Arsenal. I sat with an Irish couple and enjoyed the game. Arsenal drew 1–1, a good result at Anfield but slightly disappointing not to win.
After the match, I walked to The Celt Bar for karaoke. I didn’t see Bernice and Sarah at first, but I sat with Kristin and chatted all night. We talked too long about what song to sing and missed our chance. When the bar closed, I walked home, glad I had left the heating on.
Sunday, 24th December
I woke with a horrible cold, blocked nose and constant sniffing. I had nothing planned, so I spent the entire day under a blanket on the sofa watching rubbish Christmas TV. I went to bed around 21:00.
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