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| In the Bleak Midwinter |
No snow of course, but Greyrocks continues to meet the scorn of Boris, Gove and co by acting as "remoaners" and Trump-loathers. Fifty years too old to be in the Snowflake Generation, (the political insult of 2016), but we know we are the minority here in the ex-pat community of Corralejo, so have been avoiding any contentious subjects in company.
We saw the back of 2016 in despair in the way in which we welcomed it in hope:- with lobster at the Marquesina! We were still using the wheelchair, so limited in possibilities for bridging the gap between dinner and midnight. We ended up - unsurprisingly- at Blue Rock, but didn't spend too long, and somehow Bob managed to push the chair home without mishap! Next day we were back at the Rock, which was packed. The sun shone, but the wind was bitter, so we lurked in the shelter of the (closed) bar next door - and spent a pleasant afternoon, before cooking a pheasant for ourselves.
And still there was more Xmas to be endured! The delightful "Twelve Days" of Claire's bar decoration this year is as nothing to the Spanish Thirty-five or so! The poor weather continued until Kings Day, so we let Their Majesties' arrival from Lanzarote and evening procession proceed without us, ignored the Bank Holiday and went for a curry!
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| Corralejo Sports Clinic |
In the meantime we took a trip to Puerto del Rosario for a check-up on the new knee. Ruth was told everything as going very well and her niggles were the result of stopping analgesia too soon and an unrealistic time-frame for recovery, "Have you seen a YouTube of the operation? - it's serious!" "Well no, but I heard a lot of it!" So getting the physiotherapy right was really important! We started by the ridiculously steep walk down to the port for lunch at El Bounty. The food was as good as usual, but Marco had the 'flu - like so many others - and the easterly wind was bitter! Shortly thereafter Ruth changed venue for the much-needed physiotherapy. The staff at the Brisamar had been the same as last year, but the price had gone up, and the attention reduced in spite of their charm! Then the named therapist went for a three week Christmas holiday putting further pressure on the remaining one, and the only exercise bicycle could no be adjusted. Time to seek another plan! We went to the large gym near us, which has a sports clinic attached and negotiated a deal for the next few months, On the first visit within five minutes Ruth was on an adjusted bike, had been given some encouragement and had achieved a full turn of the pedals! Bliss and rapture! There followed five carefully judged exercises, TENS, an amazing spell in an automatic massage sleeve and some demanding but sensitively executed mobilisation. So much more worthwhile, and only five minutes' walk away!! Twice a week it will be!
Greyrocks spent their last weekend of the month down in Blackpool-in-the-Sun:- Caleta de Fuste! This was to enjoy two things that can't be experienced in Corralejo:- the pantomime and restaurant 15! As a result of last year's trip we came to know and have occasional chats with Anne -the scriptwriter- who lives close to us. We were securing our tickets as soon as they went on sale! Anne told us that this year even more skill had gone into the set, make-up, costumes and choreography, and that was evident in a wonderful romp, with all the classic elements, witty improvisation and hilarity! Money made for charity, too! An annual treat for Greyrocks, and with two nights in a tourist complex we could have a great dinner as planned, and some good tapas lunches with Happy Hour over at El Capitan! Unfortunately the weather left a lot to be desired, so no sunbathing poolside or on the beach, but we had some strolls, which revealed the "grand projet" of regenerating the Caleta beach. It has always been said to be "man-made", but the amount of sand that has been brought in and is awaiting dispersal is staggering! "It will be good when it is finished!"When we left on the Monday it rained, and we wee inclined to go straight back home on two buses, but made a quick decision that it was worth breaking the journey in order to lunch once again at El Bounty. Still cold and damp, but Marco was in better shape and the place was full. When we got home the sun was shining!
Finally we had a great evening in a party of fifteen celebrating John's birthday (milestone minus one)! This was at La Playita by the town beach, which is very good for such things, having a wide menu, wonderful service and enough (quite densely packed) space inside. That night there were four separate birthday parties under way, each with cake, candles and musical accompaniment. A case od "Great Minds"!
Two days later we were off to "New Territory".