Dinner Date!

---

3 December 2015

---

A dinner date with a colleague this evening.  Haven't seen her in a long while.  We have a lot to talk about and not a lot of time to do it.  An expensive bottle of Rioja or two, for a classy Lady, long overdue catch up and a bit of tea and sympathy!

D Vranjes 3 December 2015

---

Reflections - 2 February 2017

The one aspect of life I miss living in Spain, is spending time with friends. We had a lot of good friendships back home, built up over many years and although I do stay in contact, messaging as often as I can, it really isn't the same, as popping out for a bottle of wine and putting the World to rights. It's strange this entry popped up today; I have just been messaging a mate, from Southampton, Richard, who I haven't seen in over four years; it was good to talk to him. At my time of life, memories are important.

Of course I still have friendships here in Spain, but they are not the close ones, I was used to, living in the UK. I avoid getting too attached to people these days, because of past experiences anyway. Spain is a very social place, with most people out and about having a drink or two in the many bars here, but it still isn't the same as home. I was far more social a few years ago, enjoying the company of others; today it is very different; or maybe I am!

My more cautious approach to life has its benefits, but it also feels very lonely. In Britain, people did seem far more open, friendly and of course less judgemental. I am not saying for one minute, that everyone here is at adds with these attributes, but rather, this is my perception of those around me. Don't forget we have only lived in Spain for a very short while, we have no idea how that will change in the future. I do miss the social interaction I enjoyed, but I am also mindful of the difficulties I experienced, because of some of those we were close to in the past.

Today, I socialise in a very different way. I don't see people that often, but communicate everyday via the internet; without which, life would be very difficult. The internet feeds my need for friendship, past and present. I look forward to returning to the UK soon for a short visit, where at least I will have an opportunity to catch up with those I left behind and maybe have a bottle of Rioja or two. Until then myself and Darrell just keep out heads down and get on with our lives, away from the hustle and bustle of city life; a welcome break after years of turmoil!

---

---

---