Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A difficult week physically, with leg pain, medical appointments, scans and antibiotics, but also a week of friendship, football, website work and the lively San Juan festival outside your apartment.
Monday, 17th June
I woke around 06:15, got coffee and porridge, and checked my messages. My legs were still very sore, and I decided it was time to take my own advice and see a doctor.
I arrived at the surgery just before 09:00 and was seen immediately. I had typed and translated what I wanted to say, which helped. The doctor examined my legs and called in the nurse, who cleaned an old wound and took a swab. The doctor arranged two more appointments — a Doppler scan and X‑rays — and prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.
Afterwards, I met Mike and friends at The Oasis for coffee, then went to La Sombra to see Martin and Dave. I told them I wouldn’t be joining the curry night because of the antibiotics. I also heard the sad news that Roxanne had passed away. RIP Roxanne.
Back home, I watched the Romania vs Ukraine match. I slept through most of Belgium vs Slovakia but watched Austria vs France. During the evening, I received more sad news — my good friend Alan Bond had passed away. He had been very ill, but it still hit hard. RIP Alan. Later, I also heard that Keith, Debbie’s husband, had passed away. RIP Keith.
Tuesday, 18th June
I woke at 07:30, had porridge and coffee, and spent the day working on my website, adding photos from the Marrakech Medina.
At 16:30, I returned to the surgery to see another doctor who deals with arthritis and bone issues. He agreed with the first doctor about the Doppler scan and X‑rays. The receptionist couldn’t book both appointments together, so she gave me a phone number to call. I wasn’t impressed.
At home, I messaged my health insurance company and asked Lisa if she could take me to San Javier on Friday. Thankfully, she could.
In the evening, I watched Turkey vs Georgia (3–1) and Portugal vs Czech Republic (2–1). Portugal were lucky to win. I went to bed as soon as the match finished.
Wednesday, 19th June
I woke at 06:45 and had scrambled egg on toast. My accountant messaged to say my tax return had been submitted. I went to the ASSSA office in Los Narejos, and Sofia sorted everything out — she booked the missing appointment and arranged the Doppler authorisation. I left feeling much better.
I met Mike for a quick coffee, then went to Buena Vista to meet Lynda, who wanted advice about visiting Marrakech. It was lovely to see her again.
Back home, I had a salad and watched the football. Scotland managed a point, but qualifying will be difficult.
Thursday, 20th June
I had porridge and coffee, then went to the pharmacy for tablets. I visited the town hall about a bill but was told it was handled in a new building next door. The disability ramp was too narrow for my scooter, and the sign said I needed a translator. The bill was worth less than the translator fee, so I left.
I went to my bank, but my account manager wasn’t there. Later, I received a message saying she had left the branch.
I watched Slovenia vs Serbia (1–1), then Denmark vs England (1–1). England were dreadful. Spain beat Italy 1–0 and qualified early.
Friday, 21st June
I skipped breakfast in case I wasn’t supposed to eat before the Doppler scan. Lisa picked me up at 11:30 and drove me to San Javier.
After some confusion between the new and old buildings, I checked in and waited for my X‑rays. The nurse took several images of my knees and hips. She was very cheerful and had a sense of humour, which made the process easier.
Next was the Doppler scan. A nurse applied gel to my legs, and a male doctor scanned the veins. They gave me printed images to take back to my doctor next week.
Lisa and I went for coffee afterwards, then had Menu del Día in the square — cold soup, pork fillets and chocolate sponge. All very good. We stopped at Iceland for shopping, and when Lisa dropped me home, I showed her my apartment.
I watched the football but kept falling asleep. France beat Holland 0–1, though Holland had chances.
Saturday, 22nd June
I woke early, had coffee and worked on my website. I got caught up in editing photos until the football started.
I had a chicken salad and watched the matches, drifting in and out of sleep. Portugal beat Turkey 0–3, though the score flattered them. Belgium beat Romania 2–0. I went to bed afterwards.
Sunday, 23rd June
I woke early, had coffee and continued writing up my Marrakech trip for my website. I finished the pages about the hot‑air balloon flight and the Agafay Desert day.
Outside, the Plaza de Espejo was being set up for the San Juan festival. By afternoon, thousands of people had arrived. I went out before the Scotland vs Hungary match and saw lots of friends — Lesley and Gordon, Jacqueline, Stuart and Jordana, Peter and Jill, and many more.
The bonfire was square this year, decorated with wooden seahorses and a guy on top. I still don’t know why the seahorses were there.
I returned home to watch the football, but it was boring, so I binge‑watched the final season of Sweet Tooth. I flicked back to the match just in time to see Hungary score in the last seconds to knock Scotland out.
The festival noise continued late, so I watched TV until 01:30 before going to bed.
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