Last post (before visitors)

I have been here a little over 5 weeks, and have appreciated almost every minute of it. I suppose you could call it a sabbatical, where 6 months away from normal routines not only recharges the batteries, but throws ones everyday life into relief, and I can start thinking about what/who I miss back home, and what I don’t miss.

The impact of daily sunshine is huge. I spend half the year at home enduring the winter, and half waiting for summer. It is not fair, we have a lousy climate which impacts on most aspects of life. It is possible to take a rose tinted view of life here. There are problems with drug trafficking, unemployment, robbery with violence , there are low life people among expats, the same as most places. Generally I find spanish people friendly, good humoured, animated, and extremely sociable with each other, on street corners, in bars and cafes, and just going for a walk. Some of the supermarkets still close on Sundays, every day there is a siesta period between 1 and 4.30 to 5p.m, and then the shops,most shops open until 9 or even later. Children stop up at night, and probably sleep during the siesta. I don’t ever feel alone or lonely, I didn’t feel lonely at home, but I really thought that privacy was essential, quiet cul-de-sac, uninterrupted views. I find I can live without curtains, and with a constant view of my neighbours salon, and the night school below, except when they put the shutters down.

Judy arrives tomorrow, and it will be lovely to reconnect with her and hear all the news. I have been imagining what her reactions will be,when she gets used to the euphoria of sun in November. It will be visitors all the way now with a couple of weeks free before Christmas.I am very happy to offer a bed , actually have 4 beds, and 3 bedrooms, so could easily sublet. Interestingly some of the women on their own out here, are talking about the future need to share apartments, so that they can continue to live  here when things get even tighter.

Today has been eventful. I finally found a foolproof way to drive to the villasol solo club, without having to cross any main roads. .The campsite is within walking distance of the famous Benidorm market, where amazing bargains are to be had. I was determined to visit the fruit and veg part, to purchase 5 kilos of oranges for 2 euros ,in order to complete the continental atmosphere in the apartment for tomorrow.I was not put off by tales of pickpockets in the market, or brutal robbers in Altea, or Guardia removing anyone who works without declaring it,or the weather about to turn cold; this person was having a bad day, relieved only by the thought of a sociable lunch later on.

I had promised to give Saleema (who is 7 and speaks arabic and spanish) an english lesson. She was very quick to learn, although a bit shy about pronouncing english words.Her family live upstairs and run the internet shop accross the road. They come from Morocco and are very pleasant and welcoming. The big challenge was to drive to Sue’s house in the dark to pick up another chair, so we can all sit at the table, when Kath arrives on Sunday. I felt very pleased with myself that this journey went without a hitch, and I came home with pomegranates, lemons, oranges and pears from her garden.Sue has lived in Spain for 40 years, and is well used to visitors eulogising over her lovely house and garden, she is very hospitable, and we may well all have a night out on Friday…………..to be continued