Year In Review - Visits From Friends!

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!'

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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.
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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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