Sunday, 29th June, 2025
There are a lot of things to be grateful for in Life however sad it may seem at times. Weeks abroad in the sun are something I feel lucky for. Living 25 years longer than my Dad I feel lucky for. Never having to worry about my financial and domestic security I feel lucky for. Having my Prostate Cancer diagnosed early I feel grateful for.
Dermot Murnaghan, a television presenter, announced last week that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer and had been discussing it with Chris Hoy who has Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. In both cases, the cancer has broken out of the prostate and entered the bone. Still treatable but both terminal. How lucky was I?
I have many regrets in my life but it has to be seen in the round. I have been very lucky. Even in acknowledging that, I must admit to utter, personal incompetence. In so many areas of life, I am an utter failure and it has hurt me badly. For the past few days, I have been watching a drama series on ITV-X called River. It is six episodes which I finished last night.
River features a clever man with huge, personal flaws. River is an extremely talented detective who is so buttoned-up that he hurts himself and limits his lfe. He wants to say things he cannot find the context, time and place to say. He only discovers that ability when it is too late. It moved me to tears. Exactly the same could be said of me.
Saying the formally unsayable, asking the unaskable, feeling the publically indescribable has come to me too late. Why do I have to be in my 70s before I can acknowledge and act on these things? River only comes to it after his love is dead. It is unbearable. River’s condition means he sees and talks to those missing from his life. He visualises them to the point where they become real in his thoughts and actions. It is a scary situation. You could dismiss it as too far fetched but I don’t.
In the kitchen, Basil has been taken from the garden and is being transformed into Pesto by my Chef.
Basil Leaves, Garlic, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil and Lemon Juice go into the chaos of the kitchen blender and come out as the most magical Pesto known to man. How lucky am I?
While searching for photos of her sister, my Housekeeper found these postcards that we sent from a different time. They fix us in History. I particularly love the Nysiros memory. I had a short wave radio in the years before internet and I sat transfixed on a remote and volcanic Dodecanese Greek Island as I listened to the replacement of Gorbachev by Boris Yeltsin in 1991. Yeltsin mounted a tank and gave a speech which I listened to on short wave radio and in which he took control of Russia and changed the political landscape. I was 40, Dear Reader. Where were you in my life?
Monday, 30th June, 2025
A very warm morning for a travelling day. Up early with so much to do before leaving. Sometimes, I get to this point and then wonder why I’m bothering. I could just stay at home in the ‘normal’ routines or go to Wales for the rain but nothing ventured, nothing gained. (Must stop writing in clichés.) It’s not time for slippers yet. Sun, sea, sex-no-sand, red wine, European voices, European food, new challenges – the key to life long learning.
We have travelling routines for packing and leaving the house. We each have our routines to complete and even then wonder what we’ve forgotten as we drive away. A travelling bag is permanently packed in a cupboard and everything starts from there. It contains flight-appropriate containers for liquids – aftershave, creams and female potions – passports, packs of euros, plug adapters, etc.. My Travel Agent manages all that so I leave it to her. The cases – two, large carry-ons -are already nearly packed with just last minute things to go in.
My job is to make sure the technology is ready. I have to charge and pack the Laptop, iPads, Kindles, smartphones, watches along with my failsafe, Power Bank portable charger. I have a dread of a phone running down before presenting a vital document like a Boarding Pass. Of course, the other worry is about forgetting the chargers for each item. Routines are invaluable in getting all this right.
Finally, I make sure VPNs are installed on everything to look as if we are in London while actually in Spain. Virtual Private Networks are the lingua franca of the technology world. Even the draconian Iranian government are thwarted by their citizens who find social media blocked by the regime can be circumvented with VPNs. Successful technology is the secret to a happy husband.
An additional consideration this time has been the death of Pauline’s sister 10 days ago. She has been agonising for days about whether to cancel our travel arrangements to support M in sorting things out. Ultimately, it was a decision made for us by the hospital who have ordered an a post-mortem examination followed by an inquest which has delayed the funeral. In the past few days, I have been searching the records for photographs and digitising them so that they can be potentially used in a funeral ceremony. Pauline has been searching out a couple of her sister’s favourite songs/pieces of music to play in the crematorium.
Phyllis loved the voice of Alfie Boe & Michael Ball so Pauline has picked the song above and one from Les Misérables. She went to watch the musical numerous times in London and elsewhere. She loved Bring Him Home sung by Alfie Boe. What could be more appropriate?
I’ve just been putting together some notes that might be used at her funeral oration. When I thought about it, I was amazed at her achievements: she was an intelligent girl at Blue Coat School in Oldham but economics prevented her going into Higher Education where she would have done well. She turned her intelligence and strength to creating viable businesses especially a Plumbing Business, a News Agents, a Fish & Chip shop and a Flower shop that she owned and ran in her local area.It was an undeniable achievement.
In later life, Phyllis was Registered Blind but she made so little of it that you would be forgiven for not knowing her problem. She just got on with things and didn’t expect the world to owe her a living.
Tuesday, 1st July, 2025
Happy July, Dear Readers. New month in the sun. No escape at the moment. Wherever you are, it’s going to be hot apart from in Wales and Scotland. It’s certainly hot in Spain and I am a Spanish Virgin …. well, a Spain virgin anyway.
Hot, Hot, Hot. This is my sort of weather although I should probably take a bit more care in my 75th year. I wear a cap outside and drink more water. Still do my walking but I intend to do it early in the morning and later in the evening.
I was responsible for this booking. I chose the place, the property, the flights. If it was going to go wrong, I was concerned that I had chosen the wrong airport. In the event, Murcia International was very impressive. It is small, intimate and modern. We were off the plane and through passport control in minutes in spite of being designated Third Country Nationals because of the idiots of Brexit. They thought they’d get their country back but just got economic impoverishment and long queues.
We had already arrived 30 mins early and we went for coffee before contacting the property managers. They are lovely, young people who say, Are you on Whatsapp? I’ll send you the details. Fortunately, I am and they did. I contact Jennifer, a beautiful, young Belgian who manages our property. Few Jennifers can be trusted but she agrees to meet us at the property.
The taxi driver struggles to find the property. There are so many looking the same outside. Eventually, he gets us there and Jennifer ensures we have everything we need.
The property has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine. The lounge has satellite TV and the internet delivery is excellent. The property has dining outside on a large balcony and a private, full sized rooftop solarium which has shaded areas and a barbecue but is currently too hot to use.
It could have been a bad area but we are in a gated community of modern, well serviced villas with two pools and manicured grounds. If you have to slum it, there are worse places. I think I will survive for two or three weeks.
Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025
Went to bed early after a long and demanding day. Woke at 5.00 am (CET) and listened to Yesterday in Parliament and the debacle of of last night which I had been too tired to concentrate on yesterday. At 8.00 am, the temperature here is 28C/83F so we will be going out early to walk and explore the local area. First though, will be a trip to the local Supermercado to stock the fridge/freezer
Interesting walk at 9.00 am in 32C/90F with burning sun on our back to a supermarket chain we’ve never heard of – Consum which means Co-Op. Perfectly acceptable. We were able to source fresh fish – Tuna Steaks for Supper to be served with salad. Gorgeous Mediterranean Tomatoes and Antipasti Olives and Garlic and Red Peppers.
I love Spanish wine and I’m particularly on Rioja Blanco at the moment. In this heat, it oils every wheel. Fish and white wine go so well together as all those without a chip on their shoulders would acknowledge. And it is so cheap in Spain. This bottle is just €3.75 in Supermercado Consum and tastes delicious when chilled.
Been for a walk around the quiet, privately owned area this morning. Nobody seems to have visited Torrevieja recently and no one professes to even have heard of Benidorm other than in a cheap, failed television comedy.
I am so relieved that our property has proved to be exactly what I expected. The sun terrace upstairs is large and useful but currently too hot in spite of the canopy cover for Dining. It is also much more than we require. We have two sun balconies attached to our Lounge and our bedroom but the sun terrace is huge with lots of sun loungers, two dining tables, a barbecue and a covered pergola.
It looks out to Torrevieja and the sea side. It only takes about 20 mins to walk there but I doubt we will be going. Everything we need is here … with one or two notable exceptions.
Last year, with temperatures in the 40Cs/100F+s, tourism was put under pressure. The Telegraph this morning has an article to that end:
A decade ago, I was warning people in the Greek Tourist Industry of this possibility. It is coming home and will bite them unless they readjust their offering. Winter in Greece. You never know.
Thursday, 3rd July, 2025
A night of wide divergence with the UK. In Northern England, temperatures fell to single figures – 8C/46F – whereas I was on the roof terrace at midnight in a wall of 29C/84F of warmth.
I know from experience that it can feel suffocating but up here it feels delightful, looking out over the Development, urbanisation, Torrevieja and the sea. I know I am odd but I always find the bright lights of civilisation both exciting and frightening in their potential. They offer the chance for pleasure and threat. Here, from the enclave of a gated, middle class indulgence, they look attractive but distant and other. I have no desire to go there.
Back inside, the air conditioning units are set to permanent cold. I’ve paid for it so I feel justified in using it fully. My travelling companion actually complains that the bedroom is too cold. I suggested some remedies but she couldn’t find a blanket.
Our enclave development is called Oasis Beach 8 and it is on Avenida Espuña which literally translates to Foam Avenue. Well, it is certainly a quality environment, an oasis of calm. I was warned that Torrevieja, was half a step up from Benidorm and wouldn’t suit my cultured palate. Well this does, Dear Reader. It is home from home with new influences. Yesterday was walking, swimming, politics – PMQs and all that – writing, eating gorgeous, pan-fried fresh tuna and drinking ice-cold white wine.
This only our third day here and I feel like I’ve been living here for ever. Chatted to a lovely girl on the Checkout at the Supermercado. I noticed her name badge said Ashley which struck me as odd. Turns out she was of Nigerian origin but born in UK and had been living in Spain since the age of 3. She was keen to sell her adopted home to us.
We were there to buy things for Supper. The savages may turn their noses up but this is the food of the gods. Octopus which has been boiled in brine and now will be served as octopus salad – sliced, marinated in olive oil and lemon juice and eaten with green salad. It was a favourite in Greece – Octopodi Salata. I now know that it is called Pulpo in Spanish. Here it is Pulposur – Octopus from the South of Spain.
Already, I love this place. It is my sort of property and renting instead of laying out hundreds of thousands of euros to buy a property with all the add-on responsibilities makes so much sense. It is beautifully designed constructed and maintained. The Development is for people like me – people who respect each other’s privacy, autonomy and relaxation. I am definitely coming back here – maybe for a couple of months next time.
Friday, 4th July, 2025
Out walking in the slightly cooler air last night as the sun went down, we talked – as you do – about whether this was a place to buy a property.
It really is incredibly cheap compared to Greece or Italy and the quality of the properties is generally better.
Admittedly, we had drunk a bottle of wine and optimism was high but these things are always worth considering and not automatically dismissing. If ISA levels are cut, would a Spanish property offer an alternative investment outlet. Of course, I had the voice of reason walking at my side ….
All lifestyle experts recommend the Mediteranean diet and, largely, we have been eating that way for years. Every morning, my Chef prepares the juice of two freshly squeezed oranges for my Breakfast. I just wish Sainsburys had one of these machines for making your own in store. I’ve seen them before and used them in hotels but to have one in every supermarket would be great. I filled a litre bottle with fresh orange juice and they charged me €4.85/£4.18 and it tastes wonderful.
Fish has dominated our main meal diet for quite a long time now. We have a wonderful fish supplier on the South Coast but this Co-op/Consum store has an excellent supply with knowledgeable staff serving. So far, we’ve eaten fresh Tuna and cooked Octopus. Today we bought Swordfish steaks and Sea Bream.
Well, we thought we had bought swordfish steaks because that it exactly what the looked like. Actually, we have chosen a Spanish delicacy called Emperor Fish. I’m going to have to book another month to try all this fish.
Saturday, 5th July, 2025
Up early and looking out across the Development – quiet and a relatively cool 24C/75F – as the sun came up. The only person out was a woman sweeping the lawns with a brush and dustpan. Haven’t seen one of those for a long time.
Yesterday was screaming hot as I walked down to the local beach just for the walk rather than for the beach itself. By the time I got back to the house, my shirt was heavier than me. How is it possible to lose so much moisture? Must drink more water.
We cooked and ate the Emperor Fish along with asparagus and red & green peppers. Absolutely lovely. The whole day was delightful. These are days one needs and should remember for life. I bought some postcards and sent one to myself amongst others yesterday. One for the records.
Who knows what today will hold ….
…. well, a hot walk – 29C/84F at 9.30 am -to the supermarket. My housekeeper is addicted to them. Tonight, Supper will be Grilled Chicken & Salad or Baked Sea Bream & Salad or Sweet & Sour Pork or Pan-fried Shark Steak. Choices, choices.
Actually, normal life continues and we need Dishwasher Tablets & Washing Machine Tablets. Looking for those brings endless fun. We seem to be living at the Co-op/Consum.
There are only two double bedrooms in this property with two, large bathrooms. Feasibly, it will only accommodate 4 adults but it has 4 separate Dining areas each with its own Dining Table and Chairs. We have one in the Kitchen-Diner, one under the awning covered patio outside the Lounge. We have two more huge ones on the Rooftop terrace with a barbecue and views over the sea. It has been so hot that the closest we have got to eating outside was under the awning but all the air conditioning units are in use 24hrs a day and indoors is the most comfortable place to eat.
In our down time we have two tasks to complete. As soon as we get home, I have to order a new tumble dryer and a washing machine because we have a fitter booked to redesign the Utility Room. The current machines still work fine but are 9 years old and need readdressing. Now is the time to buy to take us in to our 80s. (Aghhh!) The final decision is left to my Scullery Maid but I’m pushing for Samsung machines because the are the most technologically advanced. The other task I have to complete is to decide where to move our ISAs – 6 of which come to the end of their fix after two years of earning.
There are two, large infinity pools with Jacuzzis attached to each on this Development. They serve only a small number of people which means we can go down to swim any time. They are heated to an incredible temperature. I swam this evening as the sun went down and the air temperature was 29C/84F. The pool enveloped me in soft warmth as I swam just as the Jacuzzi pummelled my tired muscles after a hot day of walking.