Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: This week I kept busy with early mornings, bank appointments, lunches with friends, endless genealogy research and the final preparations for my long‑awaited holiday to Japan. I also dealt with frustrating phone calls, enjoyed some good meals and watched Arsenal win again before finally setting off on my trip.
Monday, 7th October
I woke several times in the night and finally got up at 05:30. I made a coffee, cleaned the kitchen counters and sat at my computer to check messages and do Wordle. My first word gave me the last three letters in the correct place, and I solved it on my second attempt.
After a shower, I left for my bank appointment. I took the long route along the beachfront, watching ducks waddling along the sand and the council workers clearing weeds from the sea. At the bank, Dolores checked that my card would work in Japan and confirmed my investments were fine. I signed the usual paperwork to prove I am still alive and living in Spain.
I went to Buena Vista for coffee and a tostada, then remembered I had forgotten to get my tablets. I went to the nearest pharmacy and picked up my Sintrom and Omeprazole. They only gave me a box of 14 instead of 28 again, so I will avoid that pharmacy in future.
I met Martin and Dave at La Sombre. The beer measure was terrible, almost half head. After Aria arrived, we went back to Martin’s house, where I collected some sausage rolls. I ate one on the way home and saved the other for later.
Back home, I did more genealogy and watched TV. Lottie and Alison messaged to arrange lunch tomorrow. I binge‑watched Star Trek Voyager and went to bed at 22:00.
Tuesday, 8th October
I woke at 07:30, had coffee and was working on my website when PayPal UK called. They said Nationwide was blocking a payment, but PayPal would not accept a card payment from me either. I had to call Nationwide, and after being passed between five people over two hours, someone finally transferred the money. At least it is sorted before my holiday.
I showered and walked to meet Dave before going to the office. Martin, Kate, Sean and Lou joined us for a while. Alison and her brother Chris arrived to pick me up for lunch. We waited for Aria’s bus, then left.
We met Lottie at Buena Vista and had a lovely meal. I had lamb Rogan Josh with pilau rice and an ice cream sundae. After a few hours of chatting, I walked home and fell asleep in my chair. I watched some TV and went to bed at 22:00.
Wednesday, 9th October
I woke at 04:15 and could not get back to sleep, so I got up at 05:00. I had coffee, checked emails and attempted Wordle. I failed and broke my 61‑day streak.
I spent the afternoon and evening doing genealogy before going to bed early to rest before my holiday.
Thursday, 10th October
I was up early to begin my journey to Japan, a trip that has been on my bucket list for years. I travelled to Madrid and spent the night there.
Friday, 11th October
I was up very early to catch my flight from Madrid to Paris, then my connecting flight to Tokyo.
Saturday, 12th October
Today I landed in Japan and began my escorted tour of this beautiful country, it didnt start well.
Sunday, 13th October
I woke up in Tokyo and went on an escorted tour of Japan’s capital city.
View my photos from Tokyo.
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