Category: Visits From Friends

Bye Bye Chris and Maria!

12/4/2018

Yesterday we said farewell to Chris and Maria, after spending the day with them in Gran Alacant and Santa Pola. Lunch at Zest, a trip along the old coast road and drinks with Tony and Joan from the Leprachaun. In the evening we popped to Rogers for a few pints and had a lovely meal in the GA Centre!

It was fantastic seeing family in Spain before we leave this beautiful country; it's just a pity we wont see friends and relatives here again. Having said that, our door is always open in Australia, despite the distance.

We will be seeing these two and other members of the family at the end of May, until then we wait with anticipation.....

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Cousin Chris and Maria!

9/4/2018

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Cousin Chris and his wife Maria arrived in Gran Alacant from the UK yesterday. They are staying in Sierra Mar, on a fleeting visit, before we both depart for Australia. I haven't seen my Cousin for about 30 years; a long time by anyone's standards, Despite the years that have passed, it was good to sit down and chat after so long.

What does one talk about after so many years apart, well family of course, what else! I haven't heard much about my kinfolk at all in recent times, so it was good to catch up on how everyone is. Happily they are well, though Christopher's Mother, my Great Aunty Ronnie, sadly passed away this Friday; sad news from back home.

I met Chris and Maria at Zest, a hundred yards from their apartment; we spent the afternoon talking about old times growing up as kids and the success and failures of what at one stage, was the biggest family in Hampshire. It was good to hear, that all my Cousins, Aunts and Uncles are enjoying the success of their labours; even though the same can't be said of me. I have never really been a master of anything, battling and struggling most of my life. Having said that I am still with the person I love, after 23 years; that is all the success I need!

Chris and Maria are here for another three days and I will try and spend as much time with them that I can. I am working tonight at LoungeD, but along with Darrell hope to spend the day with them both tomorrow. We do have a lot to catch up on and very little time to do it. The reality is, I am unlikely to see family again for many years, if ever. This is my last chance to interact with all those who are important and make up for lost time!

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Alicante!

25/1/2018

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Christopher is returning home on Saturday morning, so Darrell and I decided to take him out for the day yesterday. Once again the weather was fantastic, so we hopped in the car and drove to Alicante; a city Chris hasn't seen before.

We had a walk around the rather compact city centre, showing Chris the sites; the marina, castle and beach. We sat outside a local cafe bar and had a few pints, overlooking the sea. It was hot and the beer was ice cold, but expensive. I certainly wont be going back there again. In Gran Alacant, I pay 2€ for a large beer; at this beach side destination, 4.50€; astronomical by Spanish standards, even with the free scraps of Crisps in a bowl. These were British prices, something I am not used to paying, so being presented with a bill for 27€ was rather shocking.

Next it was a stopover at McDonald's on the promenade, for a quick lunch, before moving back to Gran Alacant, for drinks at Roger's. Suitably watered, we headed towards home and the GA Centre, where we had a few drinks at Barloko, followed by an Indian; sat chatting with Paul and Natalie. It was a lovely relaxed evening. The fog was thick on the way home, as the temperature dipped to a rather chilly 8 degrees. Finally through the door I collapsed on the sofa, headphones on, listening to a bit of cheesy pop before bed!

So Chris is returning to the UK, after his three week stay. I know he has relished his time in Gran Alacant and enjoyed meeting everyone here. He hopes to return again in a few months, at which time it should be far busier. It is rather quiet at the moment, so we look forward to welcoming him again in the spring! Both Darrell and I have enjoyed having Chris stay with us, despite the expense. Have a safe trip, see you soon!

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Health, Health, Health Darling!

23/1/2018

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It was another hot day in Gran Alacant. Darrell and I were up early today; I wanted to get a few hours walking under my belt, as part of my new healthy lifestyle. We must have walked about an hour an a half in total, down to Carabassi, stopping off at Molly Malones for a fresh orange juice, half way along. When I got home my blood pressure had fallen to a far more healthy 127/81; slightly higher than it should be, but far lower than what it has been.

To be honest I'm not sure what I made today; Lemon Chicken with capers; a dash of white wine, served with noodles. It's the first time I've had capers and I actually quite liked them; salty with a taste of mustard.

Tomorrow, a trip to Alicante, before Chris returns to Britain on Friday!

It was a quick pitstop at Mercadona on the way home, to buy some healthy ingredients, making my own diet meals for the freezer, containing my five a day. There is no point doing exercise, if you continue eating rubbish!

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Goulash!

17/1/2018

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It was a quick trip to Dialprix this morning, to get ingredients for a goulash I was making. Chris popped along with me, mesmerised by the array of English products on Offer. I have to say, Dialprix is perfect for all those British essentials, hard to get elsewhere. He found a few things, he hasn't seen before as well; namely the 'Brocolli Flower,' in the photo above. So it`s been an old fashioned day of cooking for me, as Darrell slept after his night shift. I've got three days off, so can't think of anything better to do; that and writing, of course!

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Roast!

12/1/2018

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Cooked a roast last night; despite Chris only being here for a while, it's been good to cook for someone else other than Darrell and myself. When Chris lived with us ten years ago, I was always looking after his culinary needs; best of all he actually quite likes my cooking!

We were talking last night about various different aspects of life, both Christopher's and ours and I was surprised to hear, Chris is nearly 30 years old now. I think myself and Darrell met Chris in his teens, so we have known him nearly 13 years. Time really does fly so fast, the older you get.

Despite moving to Spain, I am lucky to have so many amazing friends, back home in Southampton; people that visit often, Just like Chris. Yesterday, I crossed off another week on the calendar, as someone else booked to stay with us in June. I am happy that we receive so many guests; they still offer that link to home, which is important for me, living my life as an Expat in Spain! If you fancy a visit, just drop me a line; don't be a stranger!

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It's a quarter past six in the evening and I am finally able to sit down and do some blogging. For most of the day, I have literally been hanging, after popping out for a few drinks last night; a rare occurrence for me, since I am normally working every night.

Darrell dropped us off at Zest in Sierra Mar, on the way to work. He is currently working nights; apparently he enjoys the night shift more than the day. Personally, I couldn't think of anything worse. I have worked nights in the past myself and never enjoyed them. In fact my sleeping pattern is still out of sync now, just because of the job I had at the time!

I haven't been to my old local, Zest in a very long time; I just haven't had the time. Steve was behind the bar, a lovely guy, who comes from the same part of England as me. Gran Alacant has a lot of residents from Northern Britain, so it is great having a chat with someone whose southern credentials shine through. It was a quiet night at Sierra Mar Square; so we decided to have just a quick pint and move on to La Piedra, on Av Escandinavia; one of my favourite bars in Gran Alacant!

Even La Piedra was tranquil yesterday. The evening was colder than usual, as the warm winter nights have given way, to a more chilly hue; not as cold as it was in November, but certainly noticeably colder than it has been for a while.

Like Zest, I haven't been to La Piedra in a while either. Since moving to the bottom of the hill, near the GA Centre, venturing up, especially in the depths of winter can be a bit of a chore, so I do tend to avoid the difficult decent to the strip, at least for now.

I was lucky enough to find Stella on draft, my favourite lager. I haven't had a pint of this since leaving the UK, two years ago.

Funny enough, it actually didn't taste the same as I remember and was rather disappointing. I think to be honest, I have lost my taste for the stuff, oddly preferring Spanish Mahou these days.

Natalee was on shift, finishing at 10.30pm, so we stayed chatting with her and Eduardo late into the night. I actually had a thoroughly great time; relaxed and chilled; finally dropped off home at 2am.

I was rather drunk when I got home, which isn't surprising after a night on stella. Had I stopped there, I would have been perfectly fine this morning.

Sat in the lounge, chatting with Chris and Paul, I decided to open the Christmas bottle of whisky; bad mistake!

Finally I staggered upstairs to bed at 3.30am, where I spent the next two hours listening to cheesy pop songs, something I only tend to do, when I am in this state. I woke up at 10am, laptop still on my stomach, earphones on, Cher blaring away; which explains why I drempt about her, wearing a tight black leather mini skirt, walking down the red carpet with me at 'The Golden Globes;' go figure!

I felt rough alright, rougher than usual, not wanting to get out of bed. Darrell had just finished his night shift; bad tempered as usual; I thought it best to go down stairs instead!

After a morning of feeling sorry for myself, I finally left the house this afternoon; showing Chris around the Gran Alacant Centre, as well as getting some shopping. Chris certainly knows how to eat me out of house and home.

Initially I went to Mercadona; I wasn't in there too long; the prices were far too expensive for my liking. 3'49€ for 3kg of potatoes, was daylight robbery, when Lidl had the same ones for 1'69€. It really does pay to shop around in Spain; never pay over the odds for anything!

I've just cooked dinner; Hungarian Goulash, Darrell is just off to work and I am going to have an evening in front of the TV. Whatever you are doing, have a lovely night!

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Visit From Home!

7/1/2018

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For the first time, in a long time, I haven't blogged for twenty four hours, I left that pleasure, to my Scottish friend Rab and his thought for the day. I have been busy myself; it was Dia De Los Reyes (Three Kings Day) yesterday, in Spain; traditionally the time, when Spanish Children are given their Christmas presents, in complete contrast to Britain's Christmas Day, on 25th December.

The Monte Mar Bowls Club, also had a fun day in Gran Alacant on Saturday; LoungeD was the venue for drinks and refreshments, during their breaks from the various activities, taking place at the bowling green opposite Plazor Mayor, where LoungeD is situated. It was a long day for me, arriving at work at 8.45 am and eventually getting home at 9.30pm. It was, however, lovely to see one of my favourite customers, David at LoungeD, with his son, who had returned briefly this new year. One of the most difficult aspects of life living in Gran Alacant, is the transient nature of those who come and go; David returns home today and I am looking forward to seeing him again in February. After work, a large bottle of Rioja was due and duly drunk. I had a slight hangover this morning but slept like a rock; the end of a successful day!

On 5 January, Christopher, a close friend from Hythe in Southampton arrived for a visit. His brother Kiefer had stayed with us in the summer and we were more than happy to welcome Chris after two years. Chris has lived with us in the past, all of us having a close bond, formed over many years. He seems delighted to be here. The weather in the UK has been particularly bad and with most of the news travelling across the continent also downbeat, depressing and frustrating, Britain doesn't seem to be a great place to be at the moment. In fact, I have just been looking at the news from back home on the television, this gorgeous Sunday morning. The newscaster was talking about the winter Hospital crisis in the UK, bed closures and lack of investment in the British National Health Service. This is a regular occurrence at this time of year and one reason I am happy living in Spain. The NHS crisis highlights everything that is wrong with my old home and why Chris is eager to spend time away this winter. He isn't the only one; a lot of Brits, Expats and otherwise, choose to spend time on the Costa Blanca during the winter months; I'm sure Chris will enjoy the welcome change in temperature.

With yesterday being 'Three Kings Day,' it was a Red Day or Bank Holiday here in Spain. Darrell and Chris drove into Elche, while I was at work, forgetting what day it was; everything was closed. As one resident told me: 'The Spanish are very militant about their holidays; nothing, absolutely NOTHING will be open.' After a drive back, they both spent the day in the square at Plaza Mayor, drinking cocktails at 'Rogers.' Still it was a great way to get Chris acquainted with Gran Alacant and meeting new people.

It is good to have Chris here; I know he does find it difficult at home sometimes, so he can use his stay as a much needed break, from the drudgery of life. Chris is also writing a book, so he can use his time to finish it, something he has been wanting to do for a while. Gran Alacant, is a great introduction to Spain; he may decide to go further afield and explore the glorious topography, this country is famous for; equally he made decide to return to the south coast of England!

I am happy to keep good links to the past and mine and Darrell's life in Southampton. Not everyone I knew back then are on my priority list of friends to remain contact with. I got an email the other day, from someone I knew back home; someone I wasn't entirely comfortable with. They wanted to come out and stay; probably to get a free holiday; needless to say I am not replying to the message. I am very choosy who I keep in contact with these days. My absence from those in Britain has fortunately allowed me to reassess situations, circumstances and people. Two years ago I had very clouded judgement about those who were supposed to be close, believing people to be friends when they weren't; moving away from these influences has shown me, who they really are.

Chris has just popped up to meet Natalee before she starts work, if he manages to find where she lives, which gives me time to cook dinner and get ready for my shift. Darrell is still in bed; he has work tonight and Mollie and Wildling are in hiding, not happy with our new guest. It is another glorious day today; this winter really has been warmer than usual, perfect for Chris to have a wonder around Gran Alacant, getting to know the place. Tomorrow is another Red Day in Spain, even more time to chill and discover, just what this place has to offer!

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Year In Review - Feliz año nuevo!

31/12/2017

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This will be my the final ‘year in review’ blog entry, also looking forward to the new year, as we head into 2018, after another challenging twelve months. I began 2017 in negative mood, focusing on returning to the UK, during a particularly bad winter in Spain. The house I was living in was cold and damp, rain water was slowly seeping through doors and windows, I had a severe chest infection and Jamie had left, returning home to the UK. With Darrell still living in Australia, I felt very much alone in the World, ready to call time on my adventures in Spain. I rarely left the house, staying in bed as often as I could, depressed and without hope. If I thought 2015 was bad, 2016 was even worse, I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, 2017 was going to just be another year of hardship and difficulties and I wanted out. Of course the reality of my situation was such, that returning to Britain was impossible. I had no money at all, certainly not enough to relocate to another country, twice in a year. Deep down I knew I was backed into a corner, again at the mercy of events and circumstances. The one thing I hate, is not being in charge of my own destiny. In January 2017 my mind was in a dark place; I had been here before, but never 1500 miles from home. I had no back up plan and was very much swimming blindly in a sea of contention.

Well of course I am still in Spain and despite wanting to return home, I never did. 2017 has had its ups and downs for both Darrell and myself; we do however remain resolute in our belief, that this place offers us the best chance for new opportunities and a future untainted by the past. Spain was never the easy option we had imagined, the opposite is true. We have struggled at times to keep our head above water and have had to negotiate a system that is unforgiving, unrelenting and merciless. You either survive in Spain or you don’t, there is no middle way. We have learnt to keep very much to ourselves and live a very frugal, self serving and private existence, the one aspect of life we never had in the UK. As a blogger and columnist, my life is an open book, but I am able to distinguish between professional and private when referencing mine and Darrell’s relationship here in Spain. I have made a few close friends in Gran Alacant, but have learnt not to live in and out of each others pockets; after previous experience living in the UK and all the hardships that brought. I am comfortable with my lot now, without the stresses of the past, but still not completely comfortable with my new life. I still have tension from time to time, but it is born out of life experience, not what others leave at ones door.

So 2017 was another roller coaster year, one I have managed to get through relatively unscathed. Darrell and I are both Spanish residents, pay our taxes and have been talking about buying somewhere to live permanently; life is very much rooted in Gran Alacant for now. I hope 2018 will finally be a good year, after all the hard work both of us have put in. like most people I have hopes and dreams and a few options to consider, following very much the same path, I am travelling now. As I become more settled in my new role, I am conscious that I can not take anything for granted. 2015 was littered with mistakes, missed opportunities and dubious characters, never again will I allow a recurrence of the difficulties I endured back then. Today I am very aware of what I have to do, in order to lead a successful life. I judge people everyday; if there is the mere hint of conflict, I will walk away. I have enough baggage, without taking on other peoples. In 2017 I have learned a lot About the character of those around me. I know who to interact with and who to avoid. It may well have taken 46 years, but I am finally able to walk away!

To end this entry, I want to talk a little about home, Southampton. I need to return for a short visit in 2018. The circumstances behind my leaving were extreme, consequently, I wasn’t able to say goodbye to many of those I still hold dear. As I approach my third year in Spain, I am confident enough, to tie up the loose ends, without the fear of not returning to Spain. I miss Britain everyday, but it really isn’t my home any more. A trip down memory lane, is just what the Doctor ordered, to finally lay the ghosts of Southampton past to rest, a final farewell, before I walk quietly into the sunset!

A very Happy New Year to all my friends and family, both here in Spain and abroad in the UK. Don’t be strangers, pop on a plane and come for a visit. In 2017 we were lucky enough to have many familiar faces coming through the door, we want this year to be equally rewarding.

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Year In Review - Visits From Friends!

17/12/2017

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In this new section of my blog, I want to talk about the events and occasions that together made 2017 the memorable year it was, directing me to where I am today. 2017 has been a year of ups and downs, as has often been the case in my life, especially in recent times. Without the support of readers of 'Spanish Views', this year would have been immeasurably harder. Thank you to everyone who played their part in making this blog the success it is, please enjoy reading this first chapter of my 'Year In Review!'

We have had a lot of visitors this year; people who have taken the time to pop on a plane and come and visit us in Spain. I was once told, when you move away to pastures new, you will really find out who your friends are; the ones who stay in contact and the ones you visit from time to time. Myself and Darrell are lucky enough, to have been blessed with having some wonderful characters in our life, people who have been with us through some difficult and challenging times, as well as sharing the important milestones in our life together. As a couple we have been partnered for nearly a quarter of a century and have picked up a few waifs and strays on our way, people we regard as close and have left a lasting impact on our life.

In June we received a visit from Justin, a friend I have only known for a short time, on the grand scale of things, but someone who has left a lasting impression on me. Our friendship hasn't always run smoothly, we have shared some fantastic times together and suffered a few bad ones also. Since moving to Spain I have discovered that many friends I had in the UK, have grown closer, Justin being one. When we lived in the same city, we did clash terribly, but we also had an enduring bond that made us very similar in many ways. He was a rock to me on various occasions, a bad influence on many more and a delight to have in our Spanish home this year.

We had a wonderful time, during Justin's week long stay, during a period, when myself and Darrell were going through difficult circumstances in Spain. Justin was a breath of fresh air, who helped both Darrell and I forget our woes for just a while, a link to the past that we so firmly want to keep alive and kicking and a personality like no other.

In the middle of July, always a joy to be around, Gemma arrived, a girl I have known for seventeen years. In the year 2000 myself and Darrell started our own business in the small village of Whiteparish, on the Hampshire, Wiltshire border; Gemma was our first employee. She is one of the funniest people I have ever met, always a pleasure, fun, opinionated and a lass with a big heart, who was always there for me at low points in my life. Gem is a typical village girl, into country pursuits and horses, regularly riding her horse up to the garage we used to run in the village, tying her up to the petrol pumps, causing havoc in her wake. She was there for our Wedding and always has a special place in my heart.

We had a great week with Gemma, walking in the Spanish countryside, spending time at the beach or just chatting in the lounge of an evening, watching British television. We hope to see her again very soon!

Kiefer arrived towards the end of July, a young lad myself and Darrell have known for about ten years. We have spent many happy times with him and indeed his brother, who Darrell used to work with in Southampton. I suppose my enduring memory of Kiefer, is him turning up drunk at our home in the city centre, at all hours of the night an early morning, unable to get the ferry back home to Hythe, across Southampton Water!

I saw a very different side of Kiefer when he came to stay, enjoying the week he spent with us. I don't mind admitting, I was surprised he came over, expecting his brother Chris to arrive first, but very pleased he did. It was good to see him, and everyone else for that matter in a different setting, which does tend to bring out a more positive, favourable side in those who visit, especially living in a holiday resort, as we do.

Briefly in August, Corrine payed a visit, on her way home to Southampton, after spending a week in Torrevieja. It was marvelous to see this cat loving, 90s club kid. Corrine is on the same wavelength as me, having lived through the same hell as myself as well as enjoying the gay parties that many of us used to frequent whilst living in Southampton. Southampton's gay scene is rather small and close knit, which can cause its fair share of problems. It also however allows you to meet people like Corrine; forming lasting memories of funny and exhilarating times, spent in each others company, dancing to 'Clubland' classics and reminiscing about the old times; sometimes for days at a time!

Despite only spending a day with Corrine, it was good to see her, laying by the pool chatting about life back in the UK and catching up with the local gossip from back home, which is always a bonus. Corrine understands just how hectic life can get and is aware there is always a place for her to stay, should she decide to come over again. I was glad she was able to see Lily, our cat, just before she died also. Corrine is another mad old cat woman, who spent many happy hours with our cats in the past; they loved her dearly. I know Lily would have enjoyed seeing her, for one last time!

Finally in October we welcomed Nathan and his friend Ash. Nathan was a very close friend for a while in my life, before we fell out, over the washing up, after a particularly heavy weekend. As friends we hit it off immediately; he was like a little annoying son, who just didn't know when to stop, often driving me round the bend, but always a kind and generous individual, who brought out the child in me. We did suffer some truly terrible moments in our life together, but he taught me much about the nature of other people and allowed me to move forwards in life, away from destructive influences. It is good to see Nathan doing so well for himself now, after suffering some awkwardness living on the Southampton gay scene in the past, something I wasn't adverse to myself!

I had an eventful week with Nathan and Ash; getting to know Nathan again after not speaking to each other, for about two years; extremely rewarding for him and I. It really was like starting, where we last left off. I am aware of just how much Nathan enjoyed staying here and I am sure we will see him very soon!

Friends from back home remain very important to me, despite living on the other side of Europe. I have some wonderful memories with people I have met over the years, which did make our move to Spain that much harder. During my first year in Gran Alacant, I missed people terribly; it has got easier over time, but I still get homesick when I remember those, who I once held close. Receiving visitors here, in Gran Alacant is a fact of life, not only for me, but also many who have made their lives in this Expat enclave on the Costa Blanca; all of us always look forward to welcoming friends and family!

To everyone back home, remember you are always welcome to stay with us in Spain, our door is always open, just as it was in the UK. If you want to come and visit, stay for a while, soak up the sun or just fancy a catch up, drop me a line, and we will always accommodate. I look forward to the new season and seeing many more familiar faces in 2018!