June 2022

June the time for a garden re-vamp it's also going away time, again, back to the land of sun, sea sangria.

This time we travel from Luton as easyJet has stopped flying from Stansted. Journey to the airport not as easy or as quick and with a major late night road closure means that that a trip round the houses is called for, but we get there and in good time just as check-in opens.

No problems at check-in and it's a wait in the lounge for flight to be called. No great wait and in the air, we are coming home, well sort of 2nd home. Security covid control all smooth and Benat is there waiting for drive to apt 507 our home again for 2 weeks. Apt 507 seems much the same as during our last visit in 2019, did think would be some minor repairs but no all is good.

Have picked up our hire car, a little fiat Panda and how prices have risen. 2019 £250 for 2 weeks now £500, but if you want some freedom to travel that's the price you have to pay.

Good to see most of the ole faces are here, as are most of the restaurant/bars. Some have gone empty others are now supermarkets. Spar seems to be taking over. But sad to find the Casa Del Dragon has closed, but it was expected as Sammy the owner did say he was going to retire.

Out and about it's the same I seem to have lost some of my leather shops, do like a leather bag. As have some of the hand crafts shops, miss those, and have been replaced with Asian cheaper shops. Havnt seen the market in the port yet!

Our bank account was found to be frozen, which only found out when trying to transfer money in. Nothing on account to say it had, this meant had to visit bank to sort also bank cards expired so new ones ordered. Meanwhile using curve for my spending on cards. It's good for keeping track but if spend over £500 abroad attracts a 2% fee.

Update on bank accounts back today Wednesday for new cards. A lack of English speaking staff meant a conversation via Google translator and yes it worked well. Shame the same couldn't be said for my bank cards as only one had been processed. At least wife is happy it was hers. I have to wait.

No lack of sun this time, it's been hot hot hotter. Just had to spend a little more time escaping the burn at a bar, which luckily an abundance of. And speaking of bars a new one has just opened. Monaliza, just behind Legends so suits me with more choice. It's different, it's cool, it's new. Needs some support to keep it going, and really hope it does. Refreshing to see new on the strip.

Came out feeling a bit hesitant on returning, not sure of what to expect after 3 years, but happy to report it's all good. The strip does need some urgent updating, the paving needs sorting very uneven in places, and yes have tripped and fallen. The mozzies which get moaned about seen non existent to me, yes have been bitten but it's just a little annoyance rather than a big issue. Yes we are all different I know.

Well 2 weeks are over, back home to a garden that's grown 2 foot and brown grass. You go away at least the garden could rest too.

Colin