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Published: March 16th 2019
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Hi,
Well despite my good intentions I have not written a blog since before Christmas.
This is just a quick update and then as we are of on our Southern Africa adventure on Wednesday I will be blogging weekly.
So Christmas was fine, all of my planning worked out and Chris, Adam, Barry and I had a lovely meal together on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day we were joined by Amy, Imogen, Keith and Finn. I had a lovely day out with my girls seeing the new Mary Poppins.
Pat's house was finally all cleared with the last of the furniture going to charity and we locked up on 2nd January and stayed at the Hilton at the airport before flying back to Spain. It had been a difficult time for Chris and the end of a part of his life but filled with happy memories.
We were soon back in the swing in Spain, we did a recce of a walk with our walking friends Martin and Jessica. Then a fabulous walk on the very edge of Murcia in Otos, where we ate delicious food in the restaurant in the village. A week later we
lead the walk which included a visit to a local Roman site and a meal afterwards. We had a group of 44 , which we thought was large till the next day when we went with a Spanish group and there were 300 people. (It was a special inauguration of a new route but still a very different experience)
We also finally got our residencia sorted, in preparation for Brexit ! Chris also got his health card but my hope that I could have one too were scuppered as we are not married or living in a civil partnership.
February started with a fabulous trip to Alicante old town for my birthday, despite driving dozens of times to the airport it is the first time in the town. It is beautiful with a fabulous castle, beach and interesting buildings. I chose an Indian meal for my birthday as we don't have one anywhere near us. From there I went straight back to the UK for a week with the family and Chris picked up his son Adam and they spent a great week together in the village, walking and generally enjoying Spanish life. Adam left on 12th and
Idg, Finn and I arrived. Huge thanks to our neighbour Juana Marie who lent us a cot and other baby bits. This was a planned visit but it was extended as there was building work afoot in Jarrow and Keith came out at the end for a few days. We had a great meal down at the bar, sat in the sun, (as the salon was full) and it felt like old times. We had a nice time , we took Finn swimming twice and he was a real hit with the elderly Spanish women at aqua fit !! Although most of them were intrigued at such a young baby in a pool.
We then had another quick change round as Idg and co left at 7.30am and Chris' mate Dodd arrived at lunchtime. They have been friends for 50 odd years and like to reminisce. They did a bit of walking together and although his time was short it was good to see him. We finished the visit with a delicious meal at the hospederia.
March has been a much quieter month and we have chilled and enjoyed the fabulous weather. Last week we had four nights
down at the coast at Isla Plana in the motorhome, cycling, walking and enjoying the swimming pools. A real contrast to Casas Nuevas and my favourite part of the coast. We managed to catch up with Karen and Richard from the walking group and ate a great Chinese meal together. We were meant to be walking today but it will be 21c by 10am and 27c by the end and there is not much shade. The weather peaks tomorrow at 28 and then drops to 18 with rain on Monday.
I have continued with my English doing an hour with the two boys in the class, Samuel and Salva, half an hour with Fran, aged 6, my neighbours son. I have an hour of conversation with Irina and Inma who are preparing for their English exams before university. I still go into school on Thursday for the English class and work with Teresa.
So we are packed and ready to set off on Wednesday for Southern Africa, first stop Johannesburg.
Till next time
Norma x
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