Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of final preparations before your big Hawaii and Alaska adventure. Blood tests, breakfasts out, website work, friends, karaoke ambushes, a surprise wedding announcement, frantic flight‑booking, and the long journey from Murcia to Madrid to begin your holiday.
Monday, 15th April
I woke early for my regular blood test before going away. After coffee, I checked my toe, which had healed well. The swelling and infection had gone, and the pain had disappeared.
I arrived at the doctor’s just before 09:00. The nurse struggled again to find a vein but eventually managed to get enough blood. Back home, I worked on my website until 10:00, when I met Liz at Buena Vista for breakfast. I had a full English as I was running down my food before travelling.
Afterwards, I took my disability scooter to the ATM and then to Eurochange to swap euros for dollars so I wouldn’t need to find cash immediately in Honolulu. I met Martin at the office, where Dave was already waiting. Aria arrived from school, and I took a photo with her as she was wearing her Robin T‑shirt — my nickname in her cartoon‑character system.
Back home, I updated my website and finished season three of Race Across the World. I wasn’t hungry, so I had porridge with walnuts, blueberries and peanuts before bed.
Tuesday, 16th April
I woke at 07:30, had coffee and checked my blood test results online. They were slightly low, probably because I missed a tablet last week, but nothing to worry about.
I somehow ended up having four simultaneous Messenger conversations with four different people who didn’t know each other. I had to be careful not to mix up replies.
June cancelled our planned coffee, so we arranged to meet after my holiday. I indexed more pages on Google, showered, and took rubbish to the bins. At the recycling area, I bumped into Martin, who had wandered into Los Alcázares. We agreed I would help in the office for a couple of hours before I go away.
I went to Economy Cash for food, then to La Sombre to meet Martin. Throughout the afternoon, we were joined by Dave, Sean, Amanda, Dawn and her son, Kate, and finally Aria. Because so many people came and went, I paid for mine and Martin’s drinks separately to avoid being charged for others.
Back home, I cooked a chicken thigh in a cheese roll with grilled onions. It was so good I made a second one later. I spent the evening watching YouTube videos about Hawaii and the NCL Spirit.
Wednesday, 17th April
I woke before my alarm and had coffee at 07:15. I spent the morning watching videos about the NCL Spirit and the places I’ll visit. I ordered a few last‑minute items from Amazon.
At 13:00, I walked to Buena Vista to meet my friend Lisa. We hadn’t seen each other for a while. We shared chilli garlic chicken, mushroom rice and a tandoori grill. The food was excellent, and we talked about travel for hours. We agreed to meet again when I return.
Back home, I had a massage and fell asleep for an hour. In the evening, I watched Bayern Munich vs Arsenal. Arsenal played well but lacked a clinical striker. Bayern were sharper and won 1–0, knocking Arsenal out of the Champions League. Disappointing, but I was proud of the team.
Thursday, 18th April
I woke at 07:00, had ginger lemon tea and updated my website. I’ve emptied my fridge and will eat out until I leave.
At 10:00, I met Liz at Buena Vista for a cooked breakfast. When I got home, Pat messaged to say he had done a trial run to Torre Pacheco station to make sure it existed before driving me there on Saturday. A good friend.
Bob arrived shortly after to give me a holiday haircut. As he left, my Amazon delivery arrived. A busy morning, but productive.
At 16:00, I met Mick and Bryan at Perlitas. We had dinner from Pearles Place, and Alan Bond joined us before heading to his karaoke gig at Las Claras. Later, we went to Las Claras with Lynda. Mick and Lynda sang brilliantly.
Then Mick and Alan handed me a wireless microphone and forced me to sing I’ve Got a Brand New Combine Harvester. My croaky voice sounded like it had been through an actual combine harvester, but the crowd applauded politely.
During the evening, I received a message from Brett saying he and my sister had decided to get married in May. As I’m away for three weeks, I had to scramble to find flights. After getting home, I messaged my friend Chris in Portsmouth, who said I could stay with him. By 01:30, I had booked flights from Murcia to Bournemouth and messaged my sister with the surprise.
Friday, 19th April
I woke at 07:00 to a message from Brett saying they were pleased I was coming to the wedding. I sent flight details to them and to Chris.
I met Mick and Bryan for breakfast at Buena Vista. The wind had picked up, so we sat inside. After breakfast, I returned home to organise my holiday paperwork and pack my clothes, tablets, laptop, phone and camera gear.
I visited Liz for a cup of tea, then returned to my apartment to finish packing. I set my alarm for 05:00 and a reminder to ring Pat in the morning.
Saturday, 20th April
I had a very early start to catch the train to Madrid for the beginning of my holiday.
Sunday, 21st April
I had to get up even earlier to get to Madrid airport for my flights to Amsterdam, Los Angeles and finally Honolulu. A long day of travelling ahead.
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