"Oh, yes we did!"

There is general agreement that this December and January were outstandingly warm and dry:- like winter used to be over here! On 30th Greyrocks set off on the first of two post-Christmas short breaks, hoping - but not expecting - February to continue the pattern. The focus was for Panto time! Goa prevented us from attending last year´s, so we were determined to make the most of this one and booked three nights in a hotel in Caleta de Fuste and bought tickets for Saturday night from Anne - the Corralejo wing of the delightfully named Caleta Repertory Amateur Productions. She lives near Greyrocks and when Ruth met her to collect she explained that she was the script writer of this epic: "Ali Babba and the Four Tea Thieves"!! The weather there was better than for the November trip and Ruth´s knee was very much improved, so we were able to walk around, and did so - visiting parts not seen by Ruth since the 90´s! We also made two visits to the Geranios spa, ate two good dinners (one at 15 and one at the highly rated and somewhat Portuguese Fado Rock), and had a couple of rides on the "wally trolley".

 The Glitter Boys

The pantomime itself was a romp:- not professional, of course, but witty, creatively set and very well-received. There was audience-participation, including references to the rivalry between Caleta and Corralejo, and plenty of money was raised for charity. (Read more on Page 45 of the February edition of "Fuerte extra"!) Next day  - which was delightfully sunny although windy - we spent the afternoon at what is now known as Luna Blue, but is part of one of the Elba hotels. This was on the recommendation of Anne after Ruth told her of our long acquaintance with Kennie (Sadie) Delaine, who is now settled with Mark and they perform as The Glitter Boys and have acquired a huge fan-base of mature ladies. Not all the repertoire was to Greyrocks´ taste but it was a great excuse for some wine in the sun and we had a brief conversation with Kennie and his Mum.

Pirate Territory!

2 Montmatre dinners: 2 Valentine Roses!

Our second trip took place ten days or so later and was by ferry to Lanzarote, where we spent four nights in Costa Teguise, staying in a good hotel with spa and gym facilities. On the way over there was an uncomfortable ten minutes of rough sea, but then all was well and we managed the two stage bus journey well passing through Uga - where the smoked salmon comes from, and Yaiza - where some good wine is made.  We almost got right where to get off the second bus, but not quite so that we came to appreciate that the location is rather remote, but on the walk we passed a restaurant which led to two real high spots in the stay, and a burst of Trip Advisor reviews. Overall the little break was worthwhile, but the North wind was appalling, and there was a permanent threat of rain. We used taxis a lot to get around, and found some of the really tatty bits of the resort, along with the Pueblo Marinero, which we discovered rather late in the stay. Back at the hotel we were delighted by the excellent buffet breakfast and were tempted to eat once in the evening, but we had not known about the dress code, so were unable to do so! The free spa is extensive and well-maintained, but the swimming pool was too deep for Bob, and the exercise bikes tied up in activities for the Triathlon/Iron Man participants that abounded, so we didn´t quite have the programme we had imagined! But we did get to IKEA:- a fascinating experience which has resulted in a bed due for delivery in a week or so! 

Arrecife! Not quite Croydon or Bristol!

As departure time loomed we started considering contingency plans in case of ferry stoppages - such was the strength of the wind, but all that happened was that after a particularly easy journey back down to Playa Blanca we decided to take the earlier crossing rather than lunch near the harbour, and it was a smoother trip than the outward one:- largely due to the wind direction. (As we passed the Armas larger ship going in the northward direction we were most relieved not to be on it!)

The change of plan gave more time for us to turn round before the annual meeting of our residence. This ritual is very boring, but Ruth did -  as instructed - "get cross in Spanish" about the intercom breakdown, resulting in the offer of the presidency! (An offer declined on ground of being only half-time residents!)

And also on the domestic front there was jubilation when Michele from FVC Global came and attacked the disgusting condition of Greyrocks´ oven, which had the traces of thirteen years of neglect and abuse. Worth every centimo and deserving a plug, so here it is!

When we had landed from Lanzarote on the Monday it was very windy and rather cold (as it had been over there!). As the week progressed we moved into some of the nastiest weather we have seen for a long time. By Wednesday it was extra duvet on the bed (down allegedly to 6 degrees occasionally when the usual minimum is 15), daytime TV and scratch suppers! On Thursday morning we had to brave the chill to go for GP appointments. Whilst we waited amidst the chaos caused by numerous staff absences there was a surge to the windows and the announcement that it was raining. It certainly was, and the island has not been developed with this inind! After seeing our (?new? stand-in??)  doctor we sheltered in the nearby supermarket, and then a cafeteria and then just had to "go for it". Dramatic stuff! Friday evening saw the opening parade to Carnival. It must have been a soggy occasion :- we stayed in and watched Lewis! But this disgusting spell came to an end by Saturday and reportage on said Carnival follows! (On Monday a temperature of 42 degrees was seen on a pharmacy display!)