Thursday July 16
We went out and had a bit to eat. Then we went to the hairdresser where I got a haircut which cost 9 euros. The girl did a good job.
When we went to another place to get something to drink, Carol called to say she can pick Jayne up. Jayne had to see about the electric and why they charged so much. I stayed home when she went with Carol. When Jayne got back she said that the man was very nice and had things checkout for her.
Friday July 17
We went to the bank so Jayne could do some banking. I also changed two 100 euro notes to see if I would get the same problem as I did in England. There was no problem – thank God. I gave it to one teller and asked for 20s. Since she didn’t have any, she gave the bills to another teller. Then he gave me the 20s. Neither one of them took a careful look at it nor did they put in under some light. So, at least they take their own currency.
Then we ate at the restaurant that has internet. I brought my power cord and was able to plug it in there. There is only one outside connection, and I’m glad that we were able to sit which gave me more time on the net.
Saturday July 18
We went out to the store to buy a newspaper and have something to eat. I also bought a Russian newspaper so I don't lose more of the Russian I already have.
Sunday July 19
We did our regular routine – buying a newspaper (Daily Mail) and getting a snack at a restaurant.
Carol called to say that she will buy tickets to the ballet online. She likes the ballet but I don’t. Jayne said she will pay for her ticket, too. She said this because Carol’s help the other day without her charging for her time. The ballet will be tomorrow evening at 10pm – that’s if tickets are still available.
Monday, July 20, 2009
At the Beach with Carol
Sunday July 12
About 9.30am the cell phone rang. I answered it and it was Carol. She asked if we were going to the beach and I said yes. (I had invited her to meet when she was here last Sunday and go to the beach.)
Jayne and I planned to go to the Sunday market, and get the bus at 8am, but because we were up late last night watching a movie, we got up late this morning.
We met Carol on the beach. We got to the beach at about 11.30am and I thought that was late, but it was even later that a lot more people came to the beach. I see that the beach is only crowded on weekends. So, it’s an indication of a poor economy as most Spaniards come here by car on weekends.
We left about 2pm and went back to the apartment to shower. Then we went out to eat lunch. We treated Carol to lunch.
Carol drove us back and she went home.
In the evening, we watched a movie. Bill had a lot of VHS movies here that we are watching. Before we came down here, Steve said that the DVD doesn’t work, but at least the VHS works and that there are movies here.
About 9.30am the cell phone rang. I answered it and it was Carol. She asked if we were going to the beach and I said yes. (I had invited her to meet when she was here last Sunday and go to the beach.)
Jayne and I planned to go to the Sunday market, and get the bus at 8am, but because we were up late last night watching a movie, we got up late this morning.
We met Carol on the beach. We got to the beach at about 11.30am and I thought that was late, but it was even later that a lot more people came to the beach. I see that the beach is only crowded on weekends. So, it’s an indication of a poor economy as most Spaniards come here by car on weekends.
We left about 2pm and went back to the apartment to shower. Then we went out to eat lunch. We treated Carol to lunch.
Carol drove us back and she went home.
In the evening, we watched a movie. Bill had a lot of VHS movies here that we are watching. Before we came down here, Steve said that the DVD doesn’t work, but at least the VHS works and that there are movies here.
Met a Russian
Saturday July 11
We just went to the cafe today. The one that we stopped at, Amsterdam, I saw a girl working there that looks like Russian. I asked her if she was Russian, and she said yes. Then I started talking to her in Russian and she was surprised. So, we had a little talk. It’s good to speak Russian again.
When I went back to pay, I asked the girl if she worked here a long time and she said she’d been in Spain for seven years. I told her that I remember her from two years ago. She was pleased that I remembered her. Jayne was glad that I was able to speak some Russian.
The rest of the day we were at home.
We just went to the cafe today. The one that we stopped at, Amsterdam, I saw a girl working there that looks like Russian. I asked her if she was Russian, and she said yes. Then I started talking to her in Russian and she was surprised. So, we had a little talk. It’s good to speak Russian again.
When I went back to pay, I asked the girl if she worked here a long time and she said she’d been in Spain for seven years. I told her that I remember her from two years ago. She was pleased that I remembered her. Jayne was glad that I was able to speak some Russian.
The rest of the day we were at home.
Trip to Cartagena
Friday July 10
Jayne and I went to Cartagena. We left about 9am. When we got to the bus stop we saw that we still had some time, so we went to La Costa cafe to have coffee. This is the stop and the cafe we often went to when we visited Jayne’s father in Santa Maria del Rossell Hospital.
The bus ride was 5.20 euros for both of us. It was a direct bus and it took us about 35 minutes. Taking the one that goes through the towns would take about another 30 minutes.
We saw the tour bus of the city (which picks up people across the street from the police station). The ride cost 8 euros for two people. The driver gave us earphone so we can listen to the recording. They have it in different languages. The bus was a red-double decker bus with the top being without a roof. Jayne and I sad on the top deck and we were the only ones on it for the first part of the trip.
I took some pictures, of course. The city is not pretty, as the building are not nicely done. There are the scattered nice building and the sidewalks are very nice as they are all done in tile (as is the area in which we live).
The ride took only 45 minutes
Then we walked to some of the places that we saw on the bus. We stopped in one cafe to have a bite to eat. Across the street from the cafe is a beautiful church that was built in 1890. I took some pictures inside.
Then we walked down a narrow street that had shops on both sides. While walking, Jayne did a lot of looking in the shops. But it was only one shop that she bought something.
We went to the supermarket, which is right next to the hospital that Bill was in. We had lunch there, too. Jayne paid for the nice lunch we had. Then we took a walk to the internet cafe there. I’m glad they are still in business and their interest was fast. We spent about two hours there.
Then we walked back to the bus station and bought a ticket there. He had some time to wait, so we got something to drink in the cafe there. I saw that they divided it up from the last time I was there. One half of it is a game room that includes internet. I saw that their computers were coin operated, which I find them expensive. At the internet cafe we were just in the cost is not cheap but it’s cheaper than the hotel we were in the other day. I paid for both of us with a total of 4 hours that came out to 10 euros. So that is 2.50 euros per hour.
We got home about 6.45pm.
Jayne and I went to Cartagena. We left about 9am. When we got to the bus stop we saw that we still had some time, so we went to La Costa cafe to have coffee. This is the stop and the cafe we often went to when we visited Jayne’s father in Santa Maria del Rossell Hospital.
The bus ride was 5.20 euros for both of us. It was a direct bus and it took us about 35 minutes. Taking the one that goes through the towns would take about another 30 minutes.
We saw the tour bus of the city (which picks up people across the street from the police station). The ride cost 8 euros for two people. The driver gave us earphone so we can listen to the recording. They have it in different languages. The bus was a red-double decker bus with the top being without a roof. Jayne and I sad on the top deck and we were the only ones on it for the first part of the trip.
I took some pictures, of course. The city is not pretty, as the building are not nicely done. There are the scattered nice building and the sidewalks are very nice as they are all done in tile (as is the area in which we live).
The ride took only 45 minutes
Then we walked to some of the places that we saw on the bus. We stopped in one cafe to have a bite to eat. Across the street from the cafe is a beautiful church that was built in 1890. I took some pictures inside.
Then we walked down a narrow street that had shops on both sides. While walking, Jayne did a lot of looking in the shops. But it was only one shop that she bought something.
We went to the supermarket, which is right next to the hospital that Bill was in. We had lunch there, too. Jayne paid for the nice lunch we had. Then we took a walk to the internet cafe there. I’m glad they are still in business and their interest was fast. We spent about two hours there.
Then we walked back to the bus station and bought a ticket there. He had some time to wait, so we got something to drink in the cafe there. I saw that they divided it up from the last time I was there. One half of it is a game room that includes internet. I saw that their computers were coin operated, which I find them expensive. At the internet cafe we were just in the cost is not cheap but it’s cheaper than the hotel we were in the other day. I paid for both of us with a total of 4 hours that came out to 10 euros. So that is 2.50 euros per hour.
We got home about 6.45pm.
Internet Problems
Monday July 6
Jayne and went to the restaurant that has internet. When we set up we found out there was no connection. The woman said that they cut the electric off in this area. We left there and went back home.
Then we went out to the bank as Jayne had more business to do. She found out that the electric company paid her back for the over charges. This is surprising and strange, as Jayne didn’t put in a request and the bank worker said this is the first time she ever saw this.
Then we went to Jayne’s lawyer, which is right around the corner and set up an appointment with him. We’ll have to go back there Wednesday at 11am.
On the way to the lawyer’s office we passed a cafe and I saw a guy with a laptop computer. On our return I saw another person with a laptop. I asked the waitress if she had wireless there, and she said yes. This is great. This is where we’ll go tomorrow.
Then we got something to eat at the cafe we’ve been to before. You get more food for your money if you order tapaz.
In the evening we watched a film on my computer. I put the computer on the coffee table so we can sit on the sofa. We saw Ben-Hur. This is what Richard gave to me back in April.
I hadn’t seen this film since it first came out in 1959! I remember it well, it was when my family, including my aunts and uncle were in Wildwood, NJ, on vacation.
July 7
Problems with internet
Jayne and I took our computers to the cafe that we saw has internet. We couldn’t get a connection, thought we tried and tried. We saw a guy who was on the desktop computers that the cafe has. I put money in one and I wasn’t connected, but it took my money (one euro). I did get my money back.
Then we went to the hotel that is in the plaza to see if they have internet. They do, and you have to put euro .50 in which is good for only 7 minutes! What a joke this was – it was so slow! I found out shortly after I put the money in that someone had broken the space bar. I had already noticed that someone had broken the space where the CD drive would have been. And this is suppose to be a 4 star hotel.
Well, I was only about to read two emails. One was from Matt and he said he had no news.
Then we left there to go to the cafe where we usually eat. I said to Jayne that in hte evening we’ll go back to the cafe we were at the other day but didn’t have electricity and see if they have connection.
At the cafe I decided to ask the friendly owner if he has wireless, and to my surprise he said yes. He gave me the password. But guess what? We couldn’t get connection.
This area really sucks for getting internet. You would think that in a tourist area in Europe there would be no problem. The owner said he just got wireless three weeks ago but no one had used it. What does he expect, he (or others that have it) don’t advertise. There is nothing on the door with a sign that says he has internet.
The owner later brought over a guy who is English and he helped us. He finally got Jayne connected. He said that with the Vista Windows there is usually a problem. He then went to my computer and got me connected, or at least he thought he did – as he didn’t even open up a Browser.
I opened up the Browser but I had a difficult time connecting. It was real slow but at least I got to my Yahoo page. But being so, so slow I had to shut it down. I had already used up a lot of battery before this guy came to help.
The guy who helped us out said that he is a waiter at the restaurant next door. So, what we’ll do is go to his place tomorrow. Since Jayne has to see her lawyer tomorrow in the same plaza, it would be convenient.
It’s hard to believe that there could be so many problems with a simple thing as the internet, but in this area it’s real.
Wednesday July 8
We went to a cafe of the guy who helped us yesterday with the internet and it was closed. His sign said they open at 10am, but this was 10min. past 10 and there wasn't even anyone inside. So, we went to another cafe.
At the cafe the internet was slow. If it was any slower I would be going back in time. When we were there, the owner gave Jayne another orange juice, though she didn’t ask for it.
Later, he gave me another beer, though I didn’t ask for it. I decided to look at the bill to see if he charged us – and he did!
I asked Jayne about this and she said that it’s a custom in Spain if you are a regular customer they give you another drink. Well, I was under the impression that it was free, as he did give us some peanuts to eat with the beer.
Well, the Spanish have a bad custom. The foreigners will not like this. I paid the bill and said nothing, so I didn’t leave a tip.
He didn’t wait long before the drink was finished before he came with another one. Also, he couldn’t use the excuse that we were there long and didn’t order anything else. If we go back the next time I’m be sure to tell him I don’t want it. I won’t care if the beer goes flat waiting for someone else to order it – that’s his loss.
I also noticed with different waiters/waitresses at different places that they don’t listen. This morning at our first cafe the woman came back again and asked how many coffees. On the bill, they had two tortilla and one Russian salad, when it was just the opposite. But since it came to the same price, I didn’t say anything. At other places you usually have to tell them three times. And if you order something and changed your mind – even when they are still there – you’d think you gave them a hard math test!
It had been exactly five years ago that I first went to Ecuador - that was a big mistake. I should have bought propertry somewhere else. It would have cost me more, but I would not have lost money as I had with Ecuador. With the cost of flying back and with the government allowing the sale of one property and with the cost of being a resident there, it resulted in 10s of thousands of dollars lost.
Jayne and went to the restaurant that has internet. When we set up we found out there was no connection. The woman said that they cut the electric off in this area. We left there and went back home.
Then we went out to the bank as Jayne had more business to do. She found out that the electric company paid her back for the over charges. This is surprising and strange, as Jayne didn’t put in a request and the bank worker said this is the first time she ever saw this.
Then we went to Jayne’s lawyer, which is right around the corner and set up an appointment with him. We’ll have to go back there Wednesday at 11am.
On the way to the lawyer’s office we passed a cafe and I saw a guy with a laptop computer. On our return I saw another person with a laptop. I asked the waitress if she had wireless there, and she said yes. This is great. This is where we’ll go tomorrow.
Then we got something to eat at the cafe we’ve been to before. You get more food for your money if you order tapaz.
In the evening we watched a film on my computer. I put the computer on the coffee table so we can sit on the sofa. We saw Ben-Hur. This is what Richard gave to me back in April.
I hadn’t seen this film since it first came out in 1959! I remember it well, it was when my family, including my aunts and uncle were in Wildwood, NJ, on vacation.
July 7
Problems with internet
Jayne and I took our computers to the cafe that we saw has internet. We couldn’t get a connection, thought we tried and tried. We saw a guy who was on the desktop computers that the cafe has. I put money in one and I wasn’t connected, but it took my money (one euro). I did get my money back.
Then we went to the hotel that is in the plaza to see if they have internet. They do, and you have to put euro .50 in which is good for only 7 minutes! What a joke this was – it was so slow! I found out shortly after I put the money in that someone had broken the space bar. I had already noticed that someone had broken the space where the CD drive would have been. And this is suppose to be a 4 star hotel.
Well, I was only about to read two emails. One was from Matt and he said he had no news.
Then we left there to go to the cafe where we usually eat. I said to Jayne that in hte evening we’ll go back to the cafe we were at the other day but didn’t have electricity and see if they have connection.
At the cafe I decided to ask the friendly owner if he has wireless, and to my surprise he said yes. He gave me the password. But guess what? We couldn’t get connection.
This area really sucks for getting internet. You would think that in a tourist area in Europe there would be no problem. The owner said he just got wireless three weeks ago but no one had used it. What does he expect, he (or others that have it) don’t advertise. There is nothing on the door with a sign that says he has internet.
The owner later brought over a guy who is English and he helped us. He finally got Jayne connected. He said that with the Vista Windows there is usually a problem. He then went to my computer and got me connected, or at least he thought he did – as he didn’t even open up a Browser.
I opened up the Browser but I had a difficult time connecting. It was real slow but at least I got to my Yahoo page. But being so, so slow I had to shut it down. I had already used up a lot of battery before this guy came to help.
The guy who helped us out said that he is a waiter at the restaurant next door. So, what we’ll do is go to his place tomorrow. Since Jayne has to see her lawyer tomorrow in the same plaza, it would be convenient.
It’s hard to believe that there could be so many problems with a simple thing as the internet, but in this area it’s real.
Wednesday July 8
We went to a cafe of the guy who helped us yesterday with the internet and it was closed. His sign said they open at 10am, but this was 10min. past 10 and there wasn't even anyone inside. So, we went to another cafe.
At the cafe the internet was slow. If it was any slower I would be going back in time. When we were there, the owner gave Jayne another orange juice, though she didn’t ask for it.
Later, he gave me another beer, though I didn’t ask for it. I decided to look at the bill to see if he charged us – and he did!
I asked Jayne about this and she said that it’s a custom in Spain if you are a regular customer they give you another drink. Well, I was under the impression that it was free, as he did give us some peanuts to eat with the beer.
Well, the Spanish have a bad custom. The foreigners will not like this. I paid the bill and said nothing, so I didn’t leave a tip.
He didn’t wait long before the drink was finished before he came with another one. Also, he couldn’t use the excuse that we were there long and didn’t order anything else. If we go back the next time I’m be sure to tell him I don’t want it. I won’t care if the beer goes flat waiting for someone else to order it – that’s his loss.
I also noticed with different waiters/waitresses at different places that they don’t listen. This morning at our first cafe the woman came back again and asked how many coffees. On the bill, they had two tortilla and one Russian salad, when it was just the opposite. But since it came to the same price, I didn’t say anything. At other places you usually have to tell them three times. And if you order something and changed your mind – even when they are still there – you’d think you gave them a hard math test!
It had been exactly five years ago that I first went to Ecuador - that was a big mistake. I should have bought propertry somewhere else. It would have cost me more, but I would not have lost money as I had with Ecuador. With the cost of flying back and with the government allowing the sale of one property and with the cost of being a resident there, it resulted in 10s of thousands of dollars lost.
Our First Wedding Anniversary
Sunday July 5
Today is our 1st wedding anniversary!
The past year went quickly. There was a lot of things we did during this time, such as, getting Jayne's extended visa, having home repairs and such. We really went thought a lot of things since we first met - things that would take other couples years to experience and do.
About 10.30am Carol came over. She called from the street and told us she was there and to open the car gate for her. Jayne looked for the remote but couldn’t find it. She told me to go down and wait with Carol. I did.
We waited but still Jayne didn’t come down. So I told Carol there is a space on the street to park. Carol called Jayne and told her she found a place to park. Jayne came down and said she still couldn’t find the remote. It must be somewhere in the house as she didn’t use it since Carol left here the last time.
We walk to the beach near the apartment with the umbrella and mats. There were a lot of people there. We all went into the water later.
After being on the beach for about two hours we walked back.
We showered then took the car to a restaurant nearby. Carol and Jayne both had fish while I had soup and chips. They didn’t have what I wanted so I had this. It wasn’t filling but I’ll get something more to eat back at the house.
I paid for everybody’s lunch. It was just good to have Carol there for a friend that Jayne and I to talk to. I invited her to come back next Sunday.
Jayne and I went out to dinner for our wedding anniversary celebration. We went to the same restaurant that we were at for my birthday.
We had the potato salad and swordfish. The salad was good and a big portion but the swordfish was a thin slice. The last time I had it someplace it was years ago, and I remember it was ½ inch thick.
Today is our 1st wedding anniversary!
The past year went quickly. There was a lot of things we did during this time, such as, getting Jayne's extended visa, having home repairs and such. We really went thought a lot of things since we first met - things that would take other couples years to experience and do.
About 10.30am Carol came over. She called from the street and told us she was there and to open the car gate for her. Jayne looked for the remote but couldn’t find it. She told me to go down and wait with Carol. I did.
We waited but still Jayne didn’t come down. So I told Carol there is a space on the street to park. Carol called Jayne and told her she found a place to park. Jayne came down and said she still couldn’t find the remote. It must be somewhere in the house as she didn’t use it since Carol left here the last time.
We walk to the beach near the apartment with the umbrella and mats. There were a lot of people there. We all went into the water later.
After being on the beach for about two hours we walked back.
We showered then took the car to a restaurant nearby. Carol and Jayne both had fish while I had soup and chips. They didn’t have what I wanted so I had this. It wasn’t filling but I’ll get something more to eat back at the house.
I paid for everybody’s lunch. It was just good to have Carol there for a friend that Jayne and I to talk to. I invited her to come back next Sunday.
Jayne and I went out to dinner for our wedding anniversary celebration. We went to the same restaurant that we were at for my birthday.
We had the potato salad and swordfish. The salad was good and a big portion but the swordfish was a thin slice. The last time I had it someplace it was years ago, and I remember it was ½ inch thick.
July 2-4
Thursday July 2
Today we went to the lawyer’s office. This is in the same block as where the bank is, but its location is in a shopping center. Jayne found out that the death certificate and the bank statements from her father was sent to Andrew. Jayne didn’t know this, so she will call Andrew.
Then we ate at the same cafe, which is across the parking lot of where the lawyer’s office is. Jayne had a tomato sandwich with a marinated beef on it. I had the same Spanish tortilla.
Then we walked along the beach on the bay side. I had to leave my sandals on for a small part where there was no beach to walk on. Since this area of the water also had stones in it I had to keep my sandals on.
Friday July 3
Today would have been my father's 83 birthday. He'll always be remembered by me, my mother and my sister.
We took a walk to another shopping center near here. This is our first time there since we arrived. We had coffee and tapaz and read the newspapers we bought. On the way back, I bought Jayne a dress and sandals for my wedding anniversary gift to her.
On the way back I saw a woman at a bar with a laptop computer. I asked if she had wireless internet there and she said yes.
Great!
Now we have some place to go close by to go on the internet.
About 4pm we left for the bar/restaurant with our computers. The lady is also the owner of the place and she was most gracious. We got connected and had ourselves a glass of beer.
I got emails from Sharon, my friends in Russia, Clive and Mary. Also, I got emails from those on my facebook site from people who graduated with me. It was all very nice.
There was no added charge to go on the Internet. It looks like we'll be there most every day we are in Spain.
Saturday July 4
Today is American Independence Day. We have lost most of our freedoms, so the day would be better in learning how we lost our independence and how to gain it back. However, you can be sure that with all the celebrations going on in the US it will just be parades, picnic lunches and fireworks. There will be no learning of what made our country great. It’s really a shame.
Today Jayne and I went to the shopping square at the bottom of the hill to have coffee and tapaz. We read the Daily Mail that I bought. This newspaper has some good articles in it which includes the things that big government is doing.
From there we went to the local supermarket to buy some food. Then we returned home.
Today we went to the lawyer’s office. This is in the same block as where the bank is, but its location is in a shopping center. Jayne found out that the death certificate and the bank statements from her father was sent to Andrew. Jayne didn’t know this, so she will call Andrew.
Then we ate at the same cafe, which is across the parking lot of where the lawyer’s office is. Jayne had a tomato sandwich with a marinated beef on it. I had the same Spanish tortilla.
Then we walked along the beach on the bay side. I had to leave my sandals on for a small part where there was no beach to walk on. Since this area of the water also had stones in it I had to keep my sandals on.
Friday July 3
Today would have been my father's 83 birthday. He'll always be remembered by me, my mother and my sister.
We took a walk to another shopping center near here. This is our first time there since we arrived. We had coffee and tapaz and read the newspapers we bought. On the way back, I bought Jayne a dress and sandals for my wedding anniversary gift to her.
On the way back I saw a woman at a bar with a laptop computer. I asked if she had wireless internet there and she said yes.
Great!
Now we have some place to go close by to go on the internet.
About 4pm we left for the bar/restaurant with our computers. The lady is also the owner of the place and she was most gracious. We got connected and had ourselves a glass of beer.
I got emails from Sharon, my friends in Russia, Clive and Mary. Also, I got emails from those on my facebook site from people who graduated with me. It was all very nice.
There was no added charge to go on the Internet. It looks like we'll be there most every day we are in Spain.
Saturday July 4
Today is American Independence Day. We have lost most of our freedoms, so the day would be better in learning how we lost our independence and how to gain it back. However, you can be sure that with all the celebrations going on in the US it will just be parades, picnic lunches and fireworks. There will be no learning of what made our country great. It’s really a shame.
Today Jayne and I went to the shopping square at the bottom of the hill to have coffee and tapaz. We read the Daily Mail that I bought. This newspaper has some good articles in it which includes the things that big government is doing.
From there we went to the local supermarket to buy some food. Then we returned home.
My Birthday
Wednesday July 1
My Birthday
Jayne wished me a ‘Happy Birthday’! I’m 59 years old today! Shortly thereafter, she came in with a gift for me. It was an Olympus (VN-500PC) digital audio recorder! Also, she bought a charger and two AA batteries for the audio recorder.
This was very nice of her. This is what I had wanted, though I didn’t ask this. She just heard me say it from a previous conversation right after we were robbed – as Gonzalo had stolen that. Later I had said that I want to replace it for my seminars and interviews with clients when I start my EFT business.
Jayne had bought this when we were at the airport. I saw her with a bag when she came back but I didn’t say anything because the first thing on my mind was we didn’t have much time to get coffee. Then afterwards I had forgotten to ask her. She said today had I asked she would have said she bought some perfume and that probably I wouldn’t want to look at it.
Things worked out for the good.
The first thing we did was to open the trunks under the bed as this is where Steve stored things. He said he put Jayne’s clothes in one of them. Well, there are three trunks under the bed. (We opened one yesterday, and all we found was Steven’s clothes.) The other two were harder to get at.
Jayne thinks that Steve did this because he rented the flat out on the side without telling us. Anyhow, that’s another story.
We found in one trunk condiments and some food. Now, why would he do that unless there was someone that would be renting the flat? Anyhow, Jayne was desperately looking for coffee and we found some.
We left about 10am to go to the bank where Jayne had to take care of some business. We plan to do any shopping or business early in the morning before it gets too hot.
After business at the bank we went to a cafe that we’ve been too in the past. The waiter there was the same one that waited on us 2 years ago and he remembered us. We remembered him as he’s always happy and pleasant. Two years ago Jayne and I were here on my birthday. We were with her uncle and aunt, as they were visiting Bill when he was ill with cancer.
First we ordered Cappuccino. Then we ordered to tortilla Espanola, as it was only 2 euros – and they were big pieces and nearly 2 inches thick! The breakfast we didn’t order as it was 9 euros!
Then Jayne bought a hat (Steve must have thrown her hat out and my hat, though he said he didn’t). Jayne will give him an ear-full when she calls him.
Then we went food shopping. We didn’t buy everything we needed as it would have been too much to carry.
Everything looks pretty much the same in La Manga, but I guess it would as everything is build up. However, they build a high-rise apartment that blocks out some of the view of the bay from the apartment. Since it’s near the beach, it only blocked out part of the view.
There is a high-rise that is now in back of the new building so the people who live that and had a view of the bay are now without a view – those poor people. I’m sure they must have complained to the city, but since governments all over the world are corrupt from top to bottom, you can be sure that the council members sided with the big business. And I wouldn’t be surprised that they got paid money or were given promises under the table.
In the evening Jayne and I went out to eat for my birthday. We went to the store market area near here. We were going to eat at one place until I remembered a nice place in the same area. So we ate there.
Before we ate we were walking around. We passed a couple and Jayne told me they were Russians. I wasn’t listening but I recall the couple. When I decided to eat at La Verde Restaurant we happened to sit next to the couple where are Russians. We didn’t hear anything that they said as their table was not that close. However, I noticed that this guy was huge! It looks like he’s a professional weight lifter or someone who makes it his life to work out in the gym.
Jayne and I both order the same thing. For starters we had a potato salad, which was super. Then we had a seafood rice dish. I was going to have the swordfish, but since the waitress said that the order for the seafood/rice if for two people, I changed my mind. (This was my second thought, so it wasn’t something that I would not have ordered.)
We also had a glass of beer. The total came to 36 euros. The salad was big and there was left over from the meal. So, it could have fed 3 people. I said we’ll come back here for our 1st year wedding anniversary.
I took some pictures while we were there. We decided to have our coffee and desert at some other place. This gave us time to walk off our food and to find some place less crowed. They certainly do a lot of business.
We had our desert and coffee at The Amsterdam.
That was the end of my birthday.
My Birthday
Jayne wished me a ‘Happy Birthday’! I’m 59 years old today! Shortly thereafter, she came in with a gift for me. It was an Olympus (VN-500PC) digital audio recorder! Also, she bought a charger and two AA batteries for the audio recorder.
This was very nice of her. This is what I had wanted, though I didn’t ask this. She just heard me say it from a previous conversation right after we were robbed – as Gonzalo had stolen that. Later I had said that I want to replace it for my seminars and interviews with clients when I start my EFT business.
Jayne had bought this when we were at the airport. I saw her with a bag when she came back but I didn’t say anything because the first thing on my mind was we didn’t have much time to get coffee. Then afterwards I had forgotten to ask her. She said today had I asked she would have said she bought some perfume and that probably I wouldn’t want to look at it.
Things worked out for the good.
The first thing we did was to open the trunks under the bed as this is where Steve stored things. He said he put Jayne’s clothes in one of them. Well, there are three trunks under the bed. (We opened one yesterday, and all we found was Steven’s clothes.) The other two were harder to get at.
Jayne thinks that Steve did this because he rented the flat out on the side without telling us. Anyhow, that’s another story.
We found in one trunk condiments and some food. Now, why would he do that unless there was someone that would be renting the flat? Anyhow, Jayne was desperately looking for coffee and we found some.
We left about 10am to go to the bank where Jayne had to take care of some business. We plan to do any shopping or business early in the morning before it gets too hot.
After business at the bank we went to a cafe that we’ve been too in the past. The waiter there was the same one that waited on us 2 years ago and he remembered us. We remembered him as he’s always happy and pleasant. Two years ago Jayne and I were here on my birthday. We were with her uncle and aunt, as they were visiting Bill when he was ill with cancer.
First we ordered Cappuccino. Then we ordered to tortilla Espanola, as it was only 2 euros – and they were big pieces and nearly 2 inches thick! The breakfast we didn’t order as it was 9 euros!
Then Jayne bought a hat (Steve must have thrown her hat out and my hat, though he said he didn’t). Jayne will give him an ear-full when she calls him.
Then we went food shopping. We didn’t buy everything we needed as it would have been too much to carry.
Everything looks pretty much the same in La Manga, but I guess it would as everything is build up. However, they build a high-rise apartment that blocks out some of the view of the bay from the apartment. Since it’s near the beach, it only blocked out part of the view.
There is a high-rise that is now in back of the new building so the people who live that and had a view of the bay are now without a view – those poor people. I’m sure they must have complained to the city, but since governments all over the world are corrupt from top to bottom, you can be sure that the council members sided with the big business. And I wouldn’t be surprised that they got paid money or were given promises under the table.
In the evening Jayne and I went out to eat for my birthday. We went to the store market area near here. We were going to eat at one place until I remembered a nice place in the same area. So we ate there.
Before we ate we were walking around. We passed a couple and Jayne told me they were Russians. I wasn’t listening but I recall the couple. When I decided to eat at La Verde Restaurant we happened to sit next to the couple where are Russians. We didn’t hear anything that they said as their table was not that close. However, I noticed that this guy was huge! It looks like he’s a professional weight lifter or someone who makes it his life to work out in the gym.
Jayne and I both order the same thing. For starters we had a potato salad, which was super. Then we had a seafood rice dish. I was going to have the swordfish, but since the waitress said that the order for the seafood/rice if for two people, I changed my mind. (This was my second thought, so it wasn’t something that I would not have ordered.)
We also had a glass of beer. The total came to 36 euros. The salad was big and there was left over from the meal. So, it could have fed 3 people. I said we’ll come back here for our 1st year wedding anniversary.
I took some pictures while we were there. We decided to have our coffee and desert at some other place. This gave us time to walk off our food and to find some place less crowed. They certainly do a lot of business.
We had our desert and coffee at The Amsterdam.
That was the end of my birthday.
Leaving for Spain
Tuesday June 30
Leaving for Spain!
We got up at 8.00am. Steve had already left for work.
We waited for Linda but she didn’t come. We had to go out to do some errands before we got a taxi. We stopped in the taxi stand and ordered a taxi for 10.30pm. Then we got breakfast, and also bought a water filter for our use in Spain.
When we got back I saw money on the suitcase. So Linda must have been here. Jayne counted the money and there was 330£ but there should have been 360£. Jayne wrote a note for Steve and told him.
The taxi ride from Blackheath to Birmingham took 45 minutes and the cost was 25£.
We got booked in and had plenty of time before we left. The plane was to leave at 2.10pm but by the time we took off it was 2.30pm. The flight was right to Murcia. We got there about 5.45 local time.
Carol was there waiting for us. Carol is the lady that Jayne used to translate at the hospital and do other things when Bill was in and out of the hospital. (He died back in October 2007.)
I invited her to dinner. She had time for dinner and hadn’t eaten in hours. The restaurant we went to wasn’t opened yet (it was about 7.45pm). The guy said they’ll be opened at 8.00pm. so we went to another bar. Jayne and I had a beer and Carol had a pina colata.
We went to a restaurant nearby that Jayne and I ate at before. The total for including a bottle of wine and dessert for the ladies came to $64!
Jayne and I had fish, but the fish was small, and the vegetables that went with it were real small. Not getting value for your money there anymore.
Carol then went home and Jayne and I started to unpack and do things around the apartment. He couldn’t figure how to turn on the hot water, though we tried a couple of things. So we had a cold shower.
It was a long tiring day!
Leaving for Spain!
We got up at 8.00am. Steve had already left for work.
We waited for Linda but she didn’t come. We had to go out to do some errands before we got a taxi. We stopped in the taxi stand and ordered a taxi for 10.30pm. Then we got breakfast, and also bought a water filter for our use in Spain.
When we got back I saw money on the suitcase. So Linda must have been here. Jayne counted the money and there was 330£ but there should have been 360£. Jayne wrote a note for Steve and told him.
The taxi ride from Blackheath to Birmingham took 45 minutes and the cost was 25£.
We got booked in and had plenty of time before we left. The plane was to leave at 2.10pm but by the time we took off it was 2.30pm. The flight was right to Murcia. We got there about 5.45 local time.
Carol was there waiting for us. Carol is the lady that Jayne used to translate at the hospital and do other things when Bill was in and out of the hospital. (He died back in October 2007.)
I invited her to dinner. She had time for dinner and hadn’t eaten in hours. The restaurant we went to wasn’t opened yet (it was about 7.45pm). The guy said they’ll be opened at 8.00pm. so we went to another bar. Jayne and I had a beer and Carol had a pina colata.
We went to a restaurant nearby that Jayne and I ate at before. The total for including a bottle of wine and dessert for the ladies came to $64!
Jayne and I had fish, but the fish was small, and the vegetables that went with it were real small. Not getting value for your money there anymore.
Carol then went home and Jayne and I started to unpack and do things around the apartment. He couldn’t figure how to turn on the hot water, though we tried a couple of things. So we had a cold shower.
It was a long tiring day!
Packing
Monday June 28
We did packing today for our trip.
At the time Steve was to pick us up he didn't arrive, so Jayne called him. He said that he was waiting until the traffic rush was over to pick us up. Jayne said this was a lie as he said two days before that he would come right after work to get us before the traffic!
Since Jayne was busy all day and didn’t have anything to eat, while I just had a snack, we told Steve we’d treat him to fish and chips. We stopped by a place before we arrived to his house.
Steven’s place is really a pigpen! He is still in the process of renovating, but he does very little each month. There are clothes all over (upstairs) saw dust and parts lying all over. Jayne and I had his bedroom to sleep and that was a mess and dirty. Jayne said this will be the last time she’ll spend the night. I feel the same way!
Steve was to take us to the airport tomorrow, but he said he forgot to ask his boss if he could come in late. Thus, another confirmation that he lied (saying he was waiting for the traffic to die down). He just forgot about picking us up.
Steve owes money to Jayne and he said that Linda, his daughter will be stopping by to give her money. She’d be by at 8.30am. Steve is having the rent money that she pays to go to Jayne this time.
We did packing today for our trip.
At the time Steve was to pick us up he didn't arrive, so Jayne called him. He said that he was waiting until the traffic rush was over to pick us up. Jayne said this was a lie as he said two days before that he would come right after work to get us before the traffic!
Since Jayne was busy all day and didn’t have anything to eat, while I just had a snack, we told Steve we’d treat him to fish and chips. We stopped by a place before we arrived to his house.
Steven’s place is really a pigpen! He is still in the process of renovating, but he does very little each month. There are clothes all over (upstairs) saw dust and parts lying all over. Jayne and I had his bedroom to sleep and that was a mess and dirty. Jayne said this will be the last time she’ll spend the night. I feel the same way!
Steve was to take us to the airport tomorrow, but he said he forgot to ask his boss if he could come in late. Thus, another confirmation that he lied (saying he was waiting for the traffic to die down). He just forgot about picking us up.
Steve owes money to Jayne and he said that Linda, his daughter will be stopping by to give her money. She’d be by at 8.30am. Steve is having the rent money that she pays to go to Jayne this time.
Jacko Died
Thursday June 25
This morning I found out that I couldn't connect to the Internet. I hope that we will have connection before we go to Spain.
This morning Mike Jones came over, who is related to Jayne's family by marriage. He took Lil to her other house so she could check out things out. Jayne went to Kinver by herself to buy a white skirt for Spain.
I found out that Lil will be staying in her other house until Sunday. Now, she'll have time alone and Jayne and I will have time alone.
In the evening, Jayne was able to get us on the Internet. I was ready to go to bed, but now that we are on the Internet so we stayed up longer.
There was an article that Farrah Faucet died of cancer. She played one of the Angels in 'Charlie's Angels'.
Shortly before I went to bed I noticed a news article on Yahoo that Michael Jackson died. It said that he died shortly after 12pm. I expect that more will be on the news when I get up tomorrow.
This morning I found out that I couldn't connect to the Internet. I hope that we will have connection before we go to Spain.
This morning Mike Jones came over, who is related to Jayne's family by marriage. He took Lil to her other house so she could check out things out. Jayne went to Kinver by herself to buy a white skirt for Spain.
I found out that Lil will be staying in her other house until Sunday. Now, she'll have time alone and Jayne and I will have time alone.
In the evening, Jayne was able to get us on the Internet. I was ready to go to bed, but now that we are on the Internet so we stayed up longer.
There was an article that Farrah Faucet died of cancer. She played one of the Angels in 'Charlie's Angels'.
Shortly before I went to bed I noticed a news article on Yahoo that Michael Jackson died. It said that he died shortly after 12pm. I expect that more will be on the news when I get up tomorrow.
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