"Good Riddance", but what a nail-biter!

 Feeling that a new post is overdue Greyrocks looked back at the last and saw the reference to Trump. We did indeed spend much of the week of the US election looking at the graphics and letting the fizz remain in the fridge.

This was during a spell of unsettled weather, with scattered showers and wind that was both cold and strong. The duvet had to be brought into service, and tables with shelter were at a premium in bars and restaurants. On the Saturday afternoon we opted for an inside table for Eric's session at Anno 2011, and midway we heard that Trump was history, and that the bottle of Prosecco we were already consuming was not in vain. Ruth went and told Eric who announced it to the masses.  As we write he (Trump that is) is still hanging on and histrionic, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Positive news also during the early part of November in terms of getting out and about! No buses for us, so the geographical range is limited, but we had met Carl-Peter Görs in the street with his intended from Hull and were told that "his" band Straight Ahead does play on Fridays at Retro.  This is presumably permitted because of its open frontage, so in spite of it being a substantial trek from home Greyrocks tried it out on the 6th, loved the whole experience - including the food - and returned keenly the next Friday. Here is a sample: 

A proper rock band after all this time! Now we need Rock Café to re-open!

Greyrocks has now also made three trips to the pool that is part of the Gran Hotel Bahia Real. This is another trek from home, so Ruth takes a taxi all the way, and some of the way back! In our absence - and following the hotel closure - arrangements have changed, so instead of our season ticket allowing us to stay all day we have to choose a half-day session, meaning we go early and come away for lunch. There are number restrictions and the loungers have been spaced out, but we can do our circuit swimming and relax with a good beach view! Another pleasure much missed!

A related delight was Bob cycling past La Bolada and seeing that it was now open. It did not do so until just after we left in July so we had feared it was a Covid casualty. But no! It is up and running with some changes to the menu, but still a perfect Sunday treat after the spa. We were welcomed as "long-lost" and are back to pre-Covid Sundays:- swim, Argentinian, Scrabble!  

Off home - but not to work!

Finally, another welcome departure at national level, and a possible welcome at family level!

We cheered on seeing Dominic Cummings being evicted unceremoniously from Downing Street and the end of a shameful and damaging career.

In parallel we have been working on a plan for Chloë to work from home in our home! This follows from Bristol's deterioration in Covid terms, a very heavy caseload with students suffering,  and effectively an early end of the University term. She has been negotiating with managers and it seems likely that both Chloë and Jack will be with us for three weeks more than originally envisaged. We have been busy making her a suitable workspace and improved bed. 

The last few days have been riddled with confusion about the tests needed by some for entry to the Canaries. Since 14th the imperfect but fairly clear policy has been in force. This required a positive antigen test result for checking into holiday accommodation. It could be done after landing and was not too costly. Our guests (along with returning students and home-owners) would need nothing, which was a flaw but the scheme seemed a compromise. Before it even started a new national policy was announced involving the full CPR test before flying for all coming from risky countries. Rumours abounded about the fate after 23rd of the Canarian set-up, and local politicians have been infuriated. The reality is that it will still be in force for those travelling from other counties, but is otherwise subsumed in the extortionate and logistically challenging regime. After searching for available and appropriately timed appointments in Bristol Chloë and Jack will be paying (or the Bank of Mum and Dad will be paying) GBP 235 each!! Well done, Madrid! Many takers from UK for a festive season in the sun?