Now I must start with an apology …..but it is a girl’s prerogative to change her mind you know! I left you last time with the allure of knickers and religion on your return . Sorry to disappoint but there are no knickers Dear Reader this time, I could say we’re going commando today 😉 ( not me, you understand just this blog) but don’t worry, they’ll make an appearance at some point ! Look out for the following title …”A plethora of pants”!!! You will understand why they are not making an appearance when you reach the end of this liturgy !

However I promised you religion … a tricky topic at best but I need to talk about it . I have just read a beautiful book by a lady called Eva Olsson titled “Unlocking the Doors …A Woman’s Struggle Against Intolerance” Eva was born into a Hasidic Jewish family , one of six children in 1924 , in Hungary . It should be said that out of the six children , she and her brother were the only two who rebelled or questioned the strictness of their religion. For those of you unfamiliar with the Hasidic branch of the Jewish faith , they stick very closely to the teachings of their religion. How do I know you may ask? Well, when I worked in London ….you didn’t know I worked in London? Something else I’ve forgotten to tell you then .., I worked at St Bartholomew’s Hospital for two years after I qualified as a physiotherapist … Now where was I? I saw something earlier today that just suits me I think you’ll agree ….

“ I don’t have a train of thought. I have SEVEN trains on 4 tracks that narrowly avoid each other …..when the paths cross and all the conductors are SCREAMING. And then the drivers go on strike ( I added that bit, it seemed appropriate) ….🙈🙈”

When I worked in London I shared a house with my lovely friend Sue in Stoke Newington . This is a Hasidic Jewish area …..notable by the men and boys in long black coats, top hats and ringlets in front of each ear… and the women with wigs. I learnt from Eva that on the morning after their wedding, the Hasidic women have their heads shaved and must then wear a wig.

So back to Eva who will be 100 this year.…. when she was twenty she was transported to Auschwitz along with the rest of her family . Now I’m not going to talk about the horrors she and many, many others witnessed and endured during that most terrible time, but I am going to talk about Eva’ s incredibly tolerant and forgiving approach to those who caused so much trauma to her and those like her who survived the Holocaust .

Only this morning I saw a headline in the paper about another Holocaust survivor that warmed my heart .

The Natzis certainly did not win. Eva has spent years teaching schoolchildren and university students alike, against the intolerance of others. Imagine a world where we all tolerated and respected our fellow human beings despite religion rather than hating because of it ? Eva talks about there being only one race which we all belong to regardless of colour, creed, religion, sexuality and any other divisions we have manufactured, and that is the human race. How true! An example to us all. Thank you Eva, I am certainly a better person for your knowledgeable words.

She also clarified something that’s been bothering me for many years. I was brought up a Christian …Church of England as a matter of fact . I was taken every Sunday to Church by my parents …or should I say I was “made to go”! Now we have a Vicar on the radio in the UK ( for my readers in Britain, this is an international blog in case you were wondering 😜). the Reverend Kate Botley and she often says that people go up to her and say “ I’m not religious but……” Well Dear Reader , that was me until I read Eva’s book ! I certainly have faith ( which as she explains, is different to religion) and a spirituality and that’s it . I live by my belief that we should all do unto others as we would want done to ourselves. I have friends of all religions and none and I respect each and everyone of them for how they live their lives and follow their religion. For me, when I was growing up, I witnessed people don their Sunday best to go to Church, and that was that…..until the next week so in effect it turned me against religion per se.

I did tell you this blog was about religion…….and what greater symbol of the Christian faith than Easter. Sadly in the U.K. we focus on Easter eggs and the Easter bunny…it would seem the hot cross bun is our only nod to what Easter is all about ( at this point, I’ll refrain from sharing my thoughts on something I read about some bakeries removing the cross for fear of offending some religious groups ! Well that would make them hot buns ….and they’re not hot so why bother , then they’re just buns…….🥴)

Easter here in Spain is a very serious and moving celebration….

Easter begins on Palm Sunday with a procession from all churches ….

Everyone comes out to watch and join in, and the bands of each “barrio” or area of the town parade alongside ( I’m going to try and be clever and see if later on I can attach a video with sound so you can hear the bands …but don’t hold your breath)

On Maundy Thursday, the Pasos or Religious Statues are taken from each Church and paraded around their barrio before being taken to the main church .

On Good Friday ( haven’t established where the Good comes from yet because nothing really good seems to have happened then 😉) basically Jesus is crucified . Here, at 06.00 hours the penitents gather to climb and pay homage at each of the 12 stations of the Cross. I have followed them in years gone by…I have to say I was a little horrified when 5 of the clergy disappeared behind the first station to relieve themselves 🥴🥴🥴. So this year I left them to it , and stayed in bed !

Later in the day is the re-enactment of the Crucifixion and for the faint hearted , look away please ( I’ll tell you when to look again…)

Well don’t ignore them forever please , it’s a lovely bar ( and well worth a visit , as you will see shortly!!) but rather brings the re-enactment of the Crucifixion in this photo bounding into 2024. We know it is a re-enactment but let me tell you “ Jesus” was carrying a very heavy cross, and the Roman soldiers either side of him , were genuinely whipping him. I couldn’t believe the welts on his back – they were real . No photographic evidence- it wouldn’t pass censorship regulation…

In case you wondered the reality stopped at nailing his hands to the cross , but nevertheless the enactment was deeply moving , I had tears rolling down my cheeks – and was unable to speak for a good fifteen minutes ( yes, I know ….normally unheard of 🥴)

Fortunately, the DB …sorry? Oh, forgot! Some of you won’t know the DB…well, he is the Dearly Beloved and long suffering ( 😂😂😂😂) husband of yours truly ….(at this point Dear Reader, he’ll be reminding me of this photo that I shared many blogs ago …

……….anyway he sensibly suggested we visit the bar I asked you to ignore, for much needed sustenance…..so those of you who haven’t been looking, you can look now ….

Anyway eventually we wandered home …knowing we had 24 hours before the next emotional event ….the procession of all the Pasos throughout the entire town on Saturday evening…

I think you can see the dining chairs on either side of the street amongst the hubbub of people ….front row seats placed outside the homes of those who live inside. I cannot emphasise to you how important this celebration is here. Spain is a predominately Catholic country but I tell you people of all religions were on those streets, preparing to watch the spectacle that was about to unfold….

Now at this point , we were on our way to another suitable vantage point . However, the DB ( not known for his promptness 😉😉) and I, were stopped in our tracks …no point trying to get past this lot!

It is NOT the Klu Klux Klan …these are the penitents who lead the procession …now I have a very special Spanish friend and neighbour with a sense of humour . She sent me this …

I should say at this point, nothing is out of bounds here. One year there was a parade around the town involving all the Diocese of Valencia Provence. We were stood at a good vantage point to watch the whole procession. Beneath me was a man with a ladder propped up against the wall and seemingly in the way of the a procession. .. who was I to question ? Next Pasos to appear was Jesus carrying the Cross …..the ever present man with the elongated hook and pole raised the wires ( I do hope no- one is Heath and Safety conscious reading this …you’ll be turning a lighter shade of grey …) but …….and this was a big but …..the Cross still couldn’t pass underneath. What to do? Well , a bell rings to announce to all beneath to stand still and rest th3 statue on the sturdy poles provided. Man with the ladder leaps into like and props it against the Statue . Then a “ chosen one” appears , barefooted , reverently climbs the ladder onto the statue , and unscrews one of the arms of the Cross. He lays it down beside Jesus, and backing off, climbs back down the ladder which is then moved back to its resting place by the wall.

The bell sounds , all carriers respond , and in unison lift Jesus and the deconstructed Cross. The man with the hook raises the wires, and the procession continues until clear of all wires . The bell sounds , the statue is rested , the ladder returns , along with the barefooted chosen one and the Cross is reverently reconstructed so all can continue on their way ….only in Spain 😉

I told you that I found Easter very moving….Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez gets me every time …..just writing this blog has given me goose bumps and prickles behind my eyes…..

Now on Easter Sunday my favourite part of Easter is acted out ….when Jesus and his Mother are reunited and as the saying goes “ Jesus is Risen” This year I didn’t see it because I had other commitments but I have photos from last year which I’m going to share .

The bands play and the church communities all process to the centre of town . Firstly Jesus is carried proudly ….

Then Mary ….

Then they both meet …..doves are released and sweets are thrown in great quantities

It is only at this point that the joy in Easter is acknowledged- which like many things here makes perfect sense ( the Three Kings arriving 13 days after Jesus was born with gifts for a start, rather than a man with a beard, big belly and red suit climbing down chimneys with sacks full of presents on the evening of Jesus’ birth..) – and it is then and only then therefore that you should wish a Spanish person “ Happy Easter” …prior to that it would be considered poor taste.

I don’t know about you but I feel shattered – time to go and lie down in a darkened room I think ….or maybe in the sun 🌞 …difficult choices to be made here😉 I hope you understand now why the knickers were inappropriate….🤔

I’m going to leave you with a couple of weight related funnies seeing as I have been working hard ( and succeeding I’m pleased to say) to lose weight ……

Until next time Dear Reader ….who knows what it will be but I’m thinking the elephant with a withered leg may make an appearance ….or maybe even the Plethora of you know what’s !!!

Not a usual title , I agree ( nor if I’m honest my original title of choice which was “And the big knickers are on…”- more on that later !) …but having spent the weekend before I left Grandma in charge ….again…

I wanted to point out to any potential burglars that prior to leaving, I had made sure the bedding was clean, all the towels were fresh and the house left spick and span. Just in case you decided to drop by Mr ( or Mrs or anyone in between) Burglar- I wouldn’t want you to think we lived in a mucky home now, would I?! So if you do call – and beware Grandma is not as innocent as she looks …black belt in Karate don’t you know 😉!- please leave it just as you found it … there’s good burglars ! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Now where was I – ah yes…..big knickers and the wearing of ! Metaphorically speaking you understand ( there is absolutely no need for you Dear Reader to have any insight into my underwear!!!) No, in this instance, I refer to the indication of being brave …which I had to be, because our trip over here ( which is where we are now…) involved not one night on the ferry , but two! Unthinkable a couple of years ago – I think I may have told you that thirty six and a half years ago I was on a similar ferry when the “ Michael Fish” moment happened ………no idea what I’m talking about?? Oh you weren’t born then 🙄🙄🙄Well, Michael Fish was a popular weather forecaster back in 1987, and during one forecast he infamously said “ Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the BBC ( other broadcasters are available 😉) and said she heard there was a hurricane on the way ….well if you’re watching, don’t worry, there isn’t!” Needless to say the ensuing storm that hit the UK has been considered the worst in 300 years …… so where was I ? On the Bay of Biscay …. on a ferry, in a cabin (thank goodness) with my then husband, our two and a half year old son ….oh, and I was six months pregnant ! Within twenty minutes of leaving Santander we were both seasick ( and we had never suffered with sea sickness before) … okay so give Micheal Fish his due , he did say it might be a bit windy in Spain 🙄🙄 …..every twenty minutes to be precise throughout the entire crossing . Now at some point during this time, I decided to go and seek help …. in the form of a magic tablet I hoped . So this meant venturing out of the cabin – which meant meticulous planning and perfect timing ( I will elaborate no further) …. even more so as my poor husband at the time said he could not be left with a small child 🙄🙄🙄🙄

Timed to perfection, I left the cabin with small boy in arms – the area outside our cabin was empty ….bar a seafaring sort talking to A N Other. “ Excuse me “ said I “ is there anything you could give me to stop the sea sickness?” Seafaring sort looks at me ( he must have seen small boy in my arms) and says “ What you need is a cup of tea from the cafeteria!” Now a cup of tea from any cafeteria has never really filled me with enthusiasm … but on that day in that place ….. even less so , particularly when I realised he meant for me to go to said cafeteria , and get my own cup of tea………I’ll leave the logistics of all that that entailed to your imagination, it was a complete non – starter…….suffice to say that I returned to the cabin ….just in time 🥴🥴🥴 Interestingly though , that small boy in arms, now nearly thirty nine, remembers leaving the cabin and talking to the seafaring bloke !!!

Now perhaps you understand why I needed big knickers this time…I’ve mastered the one night crossing, but two ??? ! In all seriousness, it has taken time for my fear of the crossing to subside … but I don’t give sea sickness a chance now and take medication prior to embarkation. Two nights……. no problem 😉

Enough now …you need pictures …and as it happens we arrived here at the perfect time for pictures….Las Fallas 2024 ! This Valencian festivity is held annually from March 14 th to March 19 th to symbolise the coming of Spring. It is a festival of fire and fun! and originates from an old carpenter’s tradition of burning pieces of wood that they used to prop their lights up in winter (on the day before St Joseph’s day ..March 19 th .. he is the patron Saint of carpenters) . They added other bits and pieces to the bonfire and this gave a human appearance to the structure — move forward to the present day and the statues are very human indeed and all have a very satirical meaning …..let’s have a look at a few

Beautiful don’t you think ? For four days only , then whooooosh up in flames they both go! I suppose the bonus is that these were judged the best out of the seven around the town and given first prize ! This mean they had a stay of execution and were burnt last ….in the early hours of Wednesday 20 th March , but burnt even so ! I won’t go into precise details of the burnings – but you can see that these statues are not built in open areas away from other buildings, and ours in particular are very close to apartment blocks. Health and Safety in the UK would never even contemplate this. Here, however, the attitude is “ it’s going to happen , so make it as safe as you can!” Prior to each burning the fire brigade must be present…and where the statues are perilously close to apartment blocks, the external walls are drenched before the fire is lit !

Fireworks are also an enormous part of the Fallas celebration, and for the six days , the streets are full of the sounds of bangs and cracks from all degrees of incendiary devices from simple poppers through to great big bangers …. Does anyone remember Jumping Jacks, a firework I remember from my childhood . Terrible things they were ….once lit, their line of travel was indeterminate and they would seemingly chase you wherever you ran 🙈🙈

At 2 pm each afternoon they have the “ Mascaletas” ……a ten minute firework display 🎆🎇…..ah, but the astute of you will realise that at 2 pm it is broad daylight ….. so the purpose of this display is not the beautiful lights/ displays/ colours and anything else you may associate with your typical firework display! No Dear Reader, the purpose of this display is NOISE …..for the full ten minutes and the louder the better ….. you know the sort ( well maybe you don’t…) but the sort of noise that resonates and thunders inside your chest 🙄🙄

Anything else I should tell you ? I’ve left the best I think, till last ……the Falleras. Who are they, you ask? The Fallas festival is organised each year by a committee of volunteers, and the Falleras are really the equivalent of the festival Queen. Each area has an overall Queen for the adult Falleras ( Fallera Mayor) and one for the children (Fallera Mayor Infantil) . This is a highly treasured position to hold and to be nominated for …but all the Falleras are proud to wear the costumes they do … have a look .

Goodness ….I’ve been writing for ages … so much for writer’s block 🙄I’m aware I haven’t written since Christmas …it seems you are no longer spared Dear Reader , I haven’t really even started to tell you what I wanted to tell you …I had knickers and religion on my list 😉😉wow, that’ll keep you in suspense 😂😂😂- it will all have to wait till next week ! I’ll have even more to tell you then….. last night was the start of our Semana Santa here ( or Easter week ) so……! Have a good week …I’m going to leave you with a favourite photo I saw on Facebook …very appropriate for us….

Firstly Dear Reader May I wish you a very Happy Christmas . Here I sit at my kitchen table recovering from watching The Boy, the mole the fox and the horse on the television. No one gave me a mascara warning ..there was me thinking it would be a lovely Christmas Day film…it was beautiful but very deep and heartwarming …and in my case tear jerking . Really, tis the season to be jolly surely …. Now I’m watching the Christmas Eucharist from Manchester Cathedral…yes ok, maybe it’s my choice of television ….bring on the King’s Speech 😉😉😉

So back to decking the halls – well as you may recall all my decking had to be done before the 18 th December when I was to have my broken and well socially distanced collar bone . And indeed it was done ..but not without its problems ! The wreath went on the front door – I say wreath loosely – all ideas of holly need to go out of the window now – it’s basically a star made of sticks , tied with string and wrapped with twinkly lights . Very reusable , which suits the DB you understand ( remember he’s a Yorkshireman..) … comes out each year – the wreath, not the DB! Anyway said wrath was in place … then my lovely friend Claire pointed out it was hanging upside down 🙈🙈 which indeed it was . I hadn’t even hung it by it’s hook …so it was duly righted and…

First mistake corrected- onto the second . The Christmas Tree lights…..oh what fun we’ve had over the years with those ! There was always a dread when they were brought down from their hideaway …and only those of you of a certain age will understand this ….would they work? More likely than not, the answer was a big resounding “ No”

Then would begin the assessment of the problem – each bulb carefully checked…oh there’s one that’s loose…and if you were lucky the tightening of said bulb would bring the entire string to life ! If not, further frustration until the problem was solved – may I say this meant perhaps a replacement bulb, not the purchase of a new set. And they were coloured bulbs – why would you want white lights whether warm or cool….? Those were the days! Anyway yet again I digress …my Christmas Tree lights ….

So I took the lights out of the bag – needless to say we have numerous sets …but helpfully I had written on this tree set “NB up/down” .So I duly set to ..up/down, up/down …far more times than I ever remember in years gone by . The tree looked decidedly ugly without the lights on – a mass of wires …well, I thought, this must be right. So then for the big switch on . It is no exaggeration to say that I was truly “ blinded by the light” ….in fact so much so, I had to turn them off lest they upset my brain impulses ! I was bothered by this …how to cope all the way through Christmas feeling I ( and everyone else) were under intense interrogation…….

Other things had to be done, so the lights were switched off and to bed I went. In the middle of the night I was up ( women of a certain age you understand). Back in bed I had a light bulb moment ..literally .. oh what a fool I am . Those lights I carefully drowned our 6 foot indoor tree with …they were meant for the 20 foot outdoor Christmas tree 🙈🙈🙈 Well problem solved – well it was the next day!

So we’re here and it’s Christmas Day …..I know what you’re thinking… shouldn’t you be peeling a sprout or something, rather than writing all this? I am unable to peel a sprout or any other vegetable for that matter Dear Reader, I am simply your right hand woman! Literally, as the result of my operation – 7 screws I have in my left collar bone , that’ll give security at the airport something to stop me for, won’t it?! The DB is the sprout peeler extraordinaire this year – and I do not jest, he has had to do everything. I mean initially after I came home I could barely get a leg in a pant ….I’m pleased to say I have progressed since then and can manage to get two legs in a pant on my very own! However this morning I may have overdone it – with tights ! Have you ever tried to put tights on Dear Reader with one hand? Ok ok I know some of you reading this will never have experienced the joy of putting tights on with two hands …but you have to trust me on this, you do need two hands. Hence the DB was summoned . Well what to say ? He ended up bent double in hysterics ….and I indeed began to wonder if I had taken a step too far…..anyway I’m pleased to say the tights are in situ , oh I haven’t yet paid a visit to the WC …woops, more hilarity on the way…..possibly!

Before I sign off I must tell you about my Christmas presents …the DB has excelled himself ! Amongst a hot glue gun, a phone and purse bag he gave me my first lemon from my lemon tree in Spain. I can’t say he wasn’t well prepared..he brought it back with him in November!

….ready for a gin and tonic at Christmas 2023! Even the anaesthetist suggested I put my right hand to use, and hold a gin and tonic in it ! So, doctor’s orders . With that , I’ll say goodbye until next year ….may your Christmas Day be special and happy …I’ll leave you with these…

Only those of you of a certain age will know the rest of that rhyme … I’m sure it would be totally unacceptable now, along with the majority of all the nursery rhymes I was brought up with. Here’s a thought, maybe I too have become unacceptable – where would that leave us ? A thought for another day I feel, otherwise I’ll never tell you about our recent escapades which is what I set out to do!

Not to confuse you Dear Reader, but we aren’t “there” any more but back here into the arms of Grandma…

Thanks to Grandma ( and probably more importantly our lovely friends next door) our house was safe, sound and warm on our return! Return indeed we did after a long journey … the purpose of this blog ! Those of you who follow me will probably know that we spend time in Spain at different times of the year, and it is from there that we travelled ! You will also know we travel with this young lady too…

I have written previously about trips to the vet with her, both in Spain and in the UK! Well our last visit to the Spanish vet did not disappoint you’ll be pleased to hear! We have to go every time prior to our departure from Spain in preparation for our entry into the UK for a health check and for tapeworm treatment ! So we arrive at the vets at the appointed time where a young vet is waiting … “Elizabeth”? he calls. Yes that’s us ! ( Don’t be alarmed Dear Reader , I haven’t changed my name by deed poll or otherwise) In Spain I’m known as Harding Elizabeth Jane ….don’t ask! Just know I’ll answer to anything ….so Elizabeth and Millie hurry forth . Now I should have realised as I passed through reception and saw one of the senior vets in “ scrubs” and with a bright light on his head ( you know the sort of thing you see in the television programme “Surgeons at the Edge of Life” – to clarify it’s not the surgeon that is at the edge of life , it is one of his patients…) … some kind of surgery was in process ! However what I didn’t appreciate was that the surgery was happening in the consulting room where we were led ! No of course I didn’t see blood and guts – why ? because a roller blind ( yes, you heard correctly) was pulled down between the two metal consulting tables ! I did see however, numerous instruments that had clearly been used for whatever procedure was underway !

So there we are in what can only be described as an operating theatre – and seemingly oblivious to what was going on around us and without explanation, the young vet asked about Millie’s general health, carried out a physical examination and dished out three tablets to be consumed . It always amazes me that they are surprised she wolfs each tablet with relish …..she’s a golden retriever for goodness sake, they eat fox poo and worse! Three deliciously flavoured bone shaped tablets are a complete and utter treat! Anyway with that we say goodbye and see you next time ( well adios , hasta la proxima to be precise) and off we toddle to prepare for our early start the next day!

Our journey was to be a long one – from south of Valencia to Calais and onwards via the tunnel to ‘ up North’ in the UK . The first leg was to Avignon in France and we set off at 0700 hours ( I of course was up a good hour before to ensure everything was closed up, packed up and ready to go … the DB doesn’t excel in the early mornings .. enough said) Now I don’t know about you but I am very lucky and have bowels that work like clockwork. No – indeed they are a clock and just like Millie knows when it is five o’clock and time for her tea, my bowels know that it is eight o’clock and time to go to work. However they have clearly joined a Union and a militant one at that! We’re not having our routine disturbed just because you need to travel along way. Normal service will only be resumed when you acknowledge we are entitled to a routine. So, not only do we have a long journey to undertake but I am dealing with petulant and sulking bowels … enough said !

During this part of the journey I did think about our reluctance to even mention our bowels and this in turn made me think of this wonderful woman…

This amazing lady raised the profile of bowels and bowel cancer after her own diagnosis of bowel cancer . She has left behind an amazing legacy. Sadly we have two friends with this disease at various stages so here follows a customer service broadcast to remind everyone what to be aware of …

I remember a spacial friend talking to us when we phoned her to say Happy 60 th Birthday! She commented on presents given to friends for their respective 60 th birthdays … you know the sort of thing , a weekend in New York, a diamond bracelet etc etc. Her commentas classic “ And all I get is a s**t kit posted through the door!” We are fortunate here in the UK to be offered bowel cancer screening at the age of 60, but I would urge anyone reading this to raise this with friends and family. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment . Anyway that’s enough of the serious stuff ….sorry, what was that? Oh my bowels – easily bribed like a small child or Millie for that matter, with delicious treats! In my case, a good healthy meal !!!

Next day was onwards to Bethune … we were travelling on a Saturday so the motorways we’re not busy . We came upon a sign indicating that the inside lane of the motorway was closed one kilometre ahead .As we approached we saw a mobile sign .. you know the sort, powered by it’s own motor … but what it said completely stunned us .. “ERRANT ANIMAL” Before we had chance to even wonder what sort of an errant animal, we saw approximately twenty individuals dressed from head to toe in bright orange and standing about 2 metres apart, with rifles raised pointing away from the road towards the banking ! Clearly the “errant animal” was a feared beast but I am sorry to say Dear Reader we have no idea what exactly it was ! However our imagination ran riot as you can imagine! Only in France!!!! I can’t see that happening on the M1 between Sheffield and Barnsley !!!!!

Anyway we arrived home safely .. to very cold weather!

So now it is countdown to Christmas …ah! no countdown to surgery to repair my fractured and well socially distanced collarbone ! At least following surgery, I will be able to use my right hand so will be able to regale you with the highlights ( and possibly low lights) of the whole process!

I’ll leave you with these two lovelies…

Until next time ….😘😘😘😘

Now I know what you’ll be thinking – you’re like a bus ( no offence taken) ….no buses come for ages then two turn up at once! Well yes it is true there was a gap in my blogs ,so I’ll give you that but I need a rant and you, Dear Reader, are a sitting duck!

Have you heard of snail mail? Of course you have …well here is a cautionary tale to prove it’s existence….

I don’t think I mentioned to you that early on in my stay here, I discovered to my dismay that I had left my driving licence in the care of Grandma. Well, it was no good there …over here that acts as my identity card ( a requirement over here) …..better than walking around with my passport . It also demonstrates my permission to drive – so quite a useful document really! Don’t start me on identity cards …I have no problem with them at all as I have nothing to hide and I believe they can serve a valuable purpose. Certainly if the police stop you here , they don’t ask after your health if they stop you …. they get straight to the point. Did I hear you say “well that’s not right!” Let me tell you , they are respected here and yes, it maybe to do with what they carry on their hip, a gun. Sadly it does seem to me that in England respect for any authority has seriously diminished ….Now look what’s happened – off on a tangent and that wasn’t part of my intended rant 🙄🙄

Back to my driving licence which needed to be about my person but was instead inside my purse inside my handbag under the care of Grandma! There was only one solution …to ask my lovely neighbour to retrieve it and post it to me which she duly did sending it by “ International Tracked and Signed” . The UK post office suggested it would take three days 🥴

It was posted on 25 th October and I was given a tracking number ( thank goodness !) It left the UK for the care of the Spanish Correos ( postal service ) on 26 th October . Realising that it probably wouldn’t be rushed anywhere over the weekend I checked the tracker on 31 st October …

Now who knows where that lorry was but it was in exactly the same place two days later…..and six days later ……

then alleluia……….but. ( translation) “the import procedure is completed, your shipment is on its way to the recipient”

Is it me or do you really need to import a driving licence? A car or coffee machine , yes…but a driving license ???? Someone is taking the Michael me thinks!!! Anyway don’t get excited because it didn’t arrive on Tuesday…..I had a message to say it really was on its way!

So I sat waiting for the postman or cartero …. no one came and then I received this …

My calm demeanour evaporated …..it was clear no cartero had ventured anywhere near our letterbox or front door, so off to the Correos I went. The lady behind the counter was very helpful and after a while an apologetic cartero appeared with said letter and explained that he had taken it to another address by mistake ( there is another road with a name extremely similar to ours, and only a cursory glance at my letter by him had led to the mistake ) Finally after two weeks the tracked and signed for letter was in my possession 🍾🍾🍾🍾

The moral of the story Dear Reader is make sure you take all important documents with you in the first place …a hard lesson but I can promise you well and truly learnt!

During my driving license’s prolonged journey , our friends here had a misdemeanour with their electrics …. Well, basically they had no electricity or internet and my friend commented it was just as well they had their phones which got me thinking……Do you remember ? ..because this would ring even in a power cut …..

There will be some of you going “ What is that?” and others going “Never chance for a private conversation ..always someone walking past ear wigging!” In fairness we didn’t have a phone on the wall but it sat on the telephone table in the main room of the house and was attached to the wall – answered with “Woburn Sands 3229” followed by a response appropriate to the caller.

I am amazed at how much a part of our lives are our mobile phones – sometimes when we’re out I look around and you see four people sitting at a table , all tellitexting on their phones. What is that about?

Finally some good news …I am not at risk of developing Shingles. How so you ask? Well the DB was quite relieved to now that at the age of 70, he was eligible for his Shingles vaccination. This coincided with a national announcement that this vaccination programme would be extended to people 65 and over . Yippee me included 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 When he went to see the nurse for his jab , he asked if I could book an appointment. She said that logically I would likely be called in chronological order ie after the 67 year olds. Fair enough!

Anyway there was a lot of hype about all so I decided to ring the GP reception and arrange an appointment. Talk about “ computer says no” – a young girl answered and asked me for my date of birth which I gave her …a pause “ Sorry , you’re not eligible .” Thinking she had got her numbers wrong , I said “ but I am 66 so surely I’m eligible” “ No you have to be 65 or 70”

Realising I was on a losing wicket here, I decided to call in the next day which I did. A different receptionist was there and was profusely apologetic … “ let me read you what we have been sent , I completely understand your despair” She then read out a letter that had been sent by the NHS -which clearly stated that unless I was 65 on or after the 1st September 2023 I would have to wait till I was 70 to receive my vaccination. Is it me or is that absolute poppycock? No one has been able to explain to me why I ( or for that matter my Camino buddy who was 65 in January) are not eligible .

Money you say …it’ll cost a lo5 to vaccinate that whole group ? I get that, but logically you’d vaccinate downwards from 70 surely . What the NHS needs is not a Director for Lived Experience on a salary of £110,000 – £115,000 …..don’t start me 🙈🙈……

…..but a Director for Common Sense !!!!

Rant over folks … phew ….I hear you say

Now there is only one way to end this blog today …..in solemn remembrance of those who gave their tomorrows for our today

They shall grow not old as we are left to grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them .

We WILL remember them …..

Now as indicated last time , when I next spoke to you I wouldn’t be there, I’d be here! Well let me tell you we very nearly were there Dear Reader ….oh I see I’m confusing you , let me explain.

So a week ago, leaving Grandma in charge (again!)

……we set off for Plymouth to catch our ferry to Spain. This time I’m feeling more at ease because I have a life jacket for Millie so know if anything goes badly wrong I can save her 😉

Anyway we arrive at the ferry port and I hand over our three passports ( did I not tell you, Millie has a Spanish passport?) The young border control officer looked at all three and then said to me “ Do you know that your dog’s Rabies vaccination has not been recorded properly?” Now at this point I was of a mind to say “ Of course I don’t , young man, because if I had known I would have had it corrected wouldn’t I?” However, I’m at Border Control and mindful that humour is not always top of the list of requirements for that role, so I just say “ Isn’t it? Well I can assure you she had the vaccination ..” Of course that is irrelevant to them – if the recording isn’t correct , it’s my word against their’s isn’t it?

So we wait for his supervisor to arrive ….with dread I have to say! However she kindly let us go through but told us that Millie would have to have another Rabies jab as soon as we arrived at our destination. The nice Border control gentleman ( well I say gentleman even though he looked to be just out of nappies) told us that between March and our date of travel, over 60 pets had been refused entry to the ferry for incorrect paperwork 🥴 He also told us that for those requiring Health Certificates to travel ( Millie is excused this piece of paperwork as she has a passport!) and not having one , there is always a vet available through the port to assist, at a cost of £600.00! A note to anyone travelling abroad with a pet …make sure you know the rules and requirements before you travel!

Needless to say , on our arrival at our destination we consulted the vet who rectified the situation , though I pity the poor person who failed to complete the entry correctly !!!

Our journey from the ferry port to here was uneventful……the roads are mainly clear . Strange though, the speed limit applies only to us I think! Spanish and French drivers are exempt from any such form of restriction…..they must be, because they take absolutely no notice whatsoever of the stated limit. The same applies to dogs going on the beach……quite clearly the signs at the entry of the beach state “ Perros no” alongside a picture clearly of a dog with a great big red cross through it . As if that wasn’t enough there are also the words “ Chiens non” and “ No dogs” Yet do the French and Spanish understand this signage ….clearly not. You may say , get Millie on that beach too, stuff the signs! You know what though…..there is a certain law in this world that would get me a 500€ fine if I did it !!!

Anyway we’ve found a much better place to take Millie ….

It really is predominately for dogs ….their owners can go in too but it’s geared specifically for dogs ! She loved it and spent a very happy hour there ….and do you know Dear Reader, there is one mega benefit of there over the forbidden beach……..SAND!!!! There isn’t any .. a real plus . Unfortunately it closes for the winter months but will be open when we’re next here so she will have a weekly trip for the duration of our visit !

Time here flies by …we had to pay a visit to these two near Barcelona for a few days ……

Needless to say Millie didn’t come ..she went to stay with friends …

The funniest thing is their dog doesn’t play with toys …that is, until another dog arrives with toys . Millie’s toys were immediately high jacked by little Snowy !!! Not only that …

Apparently, he dragged Millie’s bed to a corner and then proceeded to lie on it …. What on earth goes through their minds?!?!

After a few lovely days we arrived back to our bolthole .. the weather has been very kind to us but not good for the agriculture here . There has been no rain to speak of and it is so desperately needed. My wardrobe tells the tale ! Normally at our autumnal visit, early morning walks with Millie are taken in shorts and t-shirt , gradually progressing to leggings and fleece by November. I’m still in shorts and t-shirts , still too warm even at 0830 for anything else!

Meanwhile back in the UK ….

Before you get fed up of me , I’ve been sorting a few choice sayings for you all…..

And finally this one ……because sometimes I really do wonder !

Take care everyone …hasta la proxima!

This wasn’t the planned title of this blog Dear Reader but so excited was I this morning about my new found knowledge , I felt compelled to share it with you ( you know the saying “ little things please little minds”) Well this morning, I had cause to go to the funeral of a friend’s mother. I’m not good in black , so much so that I don’t possess anything in my wardrobe of that colour. So the never ending question I have when going to a funeral is, what do I wear . I opted for a navy skirt, an autumnal blue jumper and brown boots . Then what to wear on top? About ten years ago, I bought a brown wool trench coat – from the Jaeger sale don’t you know …at least my mother would have approved 😉( she was an avid Jaegerite!) . The reason for that was that I had a funeral to go to but no coat to wear …said coat arrived but to my dismay, I was ill on the day of the funeral so the coat remains unworn in the wardrobe . Of course , the problem with having a woollen funeral coat, is that it only serves a purpose if you have a funeral to go to in the thick of Winter. The weather may not be brilliant here but today it certainly wasn’t cold and not a day to wear that coat . I’ve completely digressed here …..so back to the question ….what to wear on top?

Into the coat cupboard I peer – it was raining a bit , so the peacock green rain coat with hood and navy lining would be a good choice- sombre enough . Then it came to me – and I’ve had this coat for nearly 5 years – what a pity it isn’t reversible ! I seem to remember at the time of purchase someone said it was reversible and ever since I’ve been slightly disappointed that it wasn’t . Well that’s until this very morning when I took a closer look ….and thought that it might just be reversible. Can you believe it , I’ve discovered after all this time it’s as good on the navy blue side as it is on the peacock green side …two coats for the price of one ! Oh the joy ! So the navy blue coat it was and I felt perfectly attired for the occasion !

Now I’ve got that off my chest we can get back to my original train of thought – consequences! I am delighted to tell you that our seven year old granddaughter ( the one who’s school administers “ consequences” in lieu of punishment ) after almost a month back at school, has no consequences. Not so her grandmother, who has one rather large consequence. Last time I wrote I think I told you I had, to my dismay, discovered that I had a displaced fracture of my left collar bone. Well I saw a shoulder specialist two weeks ago, and the outcome is surgical repair a week before Christmas ! However, reassuringly the surgeon told me I couldn’t make it any worse . Now when I tell my friends who advise me to take care that , they just say “ All well and good, but he doesn’t know you does he?” 🥴🥴🥴

On a serious note, I have been amazed ( very impressed in fact) at my pathway of care for this treatment . Within two working days of speaking to my GP, I had seen a specialist physiotherapist who referred me for an x-Ray, scan and for an orthopaedic opinion . Within a week of seeing her I had my x-Ray and within a week of that I saw not just any orthopaedic surgeon , but one who specialises in shoulder problems. To boot, I saw him at one of our local private hospitals which is where I will have my surgery and any further care. All on the National Health Service ……. I am extremely grateful and can in no way fault the process whatsoever. Good old NHS …..and I say that because the NHS is in my blood – literally ! My father started work as a doctor when the NHS was born and my mother was a theatre sister. The majority of my extended family were medical – GP,s, Anaesthetists, Dentists, and Theatre nurses. I spent many a happy hour in the hospital with my Dad on a Saturday morning going round all his patients; and the highlight of my Christmas Day was going with him to the ward to carve the turkey……and there was always a side room decked out with decorations and providing chocolates galore and every possible alcoholic drink imaginable . A different era I know but is it better now? Well of course it is,! (although it is completely overloaded, underfunded and really needs a total overhaul and at times drives me crazy) I mean look at the treatments provided now ….. cancer diagnoses and survival rates are unimaginably improved .. I myself being proof of that . When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I struggled to get my Dad’s voice from fifty years ago, out of my head “ five years survival would be lucky” Of course back then, there were no mammograms or advice on what to look out for, so when women were diagnosed they would have been Stage 3 at best or Stage 4 at worst … and of course the adjuvant treatments for breast cancer then just weren’t available, so they were doomed from the very start.

Now I am going to have a bit of a rant I’m afraid ..every so often I see something that makes me despair and this was one of many. I was sent a memo ( by someone else) advising the avoidance of the word breast when talking about feeding a baby so as not to offend transgender parents – the word chest feeding was recommended . Now I would never want to offend anyone but help me out here please . Men can develop breast cancer … therefore men have breast tissue ..therefore ….do you see where I’m coming from Dear Reader ? In fact I don’t know whether you recall recently a coffee chain ( here’s a clue …….how much does it ….?) developed an ( in their minds ) inclusive emblem . It was a person with purple hair ( other colours are available) but with two scars on their chest indicating removal of breasts. I’m afraid that was so insensitive and will have offended the many many women who as a result of breast cancer have had to have single or double mastectomies. I was incensed about it and as I’ve heard no more about it, I suspect they saw quite quickly the error of their ways! Rant over …I’ll let you digest that before I start the next……however in this time of tight financial restraints within the NHS where Doctors and nurses are crying for more staff , would anyone like a job…..

Couldn’t resist that …sorry …the world has gone mad ! So I’m going to leave you now Dear Reader ( phew I hear you say, there’s only so much we can take …) The DB and I are off on our travels so the next time I write, I won’t be here ! I’ll be elsewhere…..well of course if I’m not here I’ll be somewhere else won’t I! Interesting topics in my notes to tell you about….automated telephone responses, knickers and shingles … bet you can’t wait 😉

In the meantime ……….

I’ll leave you guessing for a moment…….How time flies Dear Reader! I’ve just looked back at my previous post which was on the 6 th August! You must have thought I’d emigrated or got lost on the local transport whilst using my newly acquired travel pass . Well it’s none of the above ( although I have used my travel pass – couldn’t believe it , a free return tram ride into Sheffield!!!) …….quite a bit has happened though, my birthday first, a new phone for the DB, and visits from all the grandchildren in the UK ( in case I’ve failed to tell you , we have two grandchildren in Spain!)

Where to start? Well I think my birthday! This year the DB took me away to Llandudno for a night ( that’s where the photo was taken) – this all came about after a conversation with a friend. In their previous lives, Sally and the DB had spent time there with their previous respective partners and children. Sally had discovered that the family hotel they had stayed in , The Empire, had been refurbished to a very high standard and she had booked a two night stay there with their two grandsons. So the DB always looking for surprising birthday ideas , made a booking for the night of my birthday. As it happened Sally , Brian and the grandchildren were departing the day before my birthday so Sally decided to leave my birthday card at reception. Imagine her surprise when the receptionist announced there was no one of the name Harding booked in at all. That Dear Reader is because the DB hadn’t booked the Empire at all …..he’d booked the Imperial!!!

So to the Imperial we went ! It was very nice and right on the sea front…

Well Dear Reader, yet another break ( more on that later) – more time has passed since I started writing this blog, so I need to get on and get this one finished before the next saga begins!( oh there’s always a saga here Dear Reader!)

I started this episode wanting to tell you about the DB’s new telephone . Very modern …I’d like to say “up to date” but it seems no sooner you utter the words “iPhone 13 “ than the iPhone 16 appears on the shelves ( metaphorically speaking, you understand – I’ve never seen iPhones stacked on any shelves – just one attached with a security chain to a desk 🥴)

Anyway the DB acquires his new phone – no on/ off switch ( what’s that about ?) and it works on facial recognition….well, it wouldn’t do for me but each to his own ! So he disappeared into his study to do all the things you have to do to a new phone ….introduce yourself for a start if it has to learn to recognise you , I guess. Anyway at this point , it’s past my bed time and I’m off to bed which happens to be immediately above the study. I must have fallen straight to sleep but was woken with the bedroom light being switched on interrogation style, and the DB muttering something about a phone . In my most reasonable Margaret Meldrew voice I muttered something like “ What are you doing , dear ?” but no sooner had the light appeared, it disappeared and peace reigned once more …

Sorry …did I hear you say “ and who is Margaret Meldrew when she is at home ?” She is the long suffering wife of Victor Meldrew , the archetypal grumpy old man ……

In case you’re wondering , the DB is known as Victor Meldrew in this family ( yes I know, hard to believe but there you go…..for those of you not acquainted with the Meldrews, do look them up on You tube ‘ One Foot in the Grave’!

Back to the bedroom….where peace reigned once more , until not 5 minutes had gone by when the house phone rang . Now I don’t know about you, but when the house phone rings here and it it is pitch black outside, something has happened to one of the children…there’s an emergency …..so I reached over to hear the terrible news, when , after two rings , it stopped . Well of course, the DB would have picked up the handset in his study equally concerned at the impending possibilities …so I expect footsteps on the stairs ready to impart the tragic news to yours truly ….but no such thing. As I’m laid in bed, I can here the DB speaking calmly in his study ….doesn’t sound like an emergency from where I’m lying . The conversation continues….what on earth is going on…and what time is it? I reach out for my phone ……fancy reaching out for a phone to get the time! What happened to the little clock with luminescent hands that you could see in the pitch black ….never mind that,we all reach for our phones! Well we do if they are there , which mine clearly wasn’t! So I ventured downstairs to find out what was going on and what time it was – the DB was still talking calmly into the house phone in case you were wondering. “ Psst, have you got my phone ? And who the hec are you talking to?” My phone was handed back to me and the reply “ The bank.”

It was 12.20am Dear Reader …I went back to bed and drifted off to the dulcet tones of the DB having an intricate conversation with ‘ The Bank’

The next morning I asked him why he’d needed my phone and why ring the bank at that time – all perfectly logical and reasonable of course. He needed my phone because we both have the same banking app which he needed to set up on his phone, and it is far easier to speak to someone if you ring at that time . However he asked me why I’d wanted my phone …….this time I was tempted to employ my very best Margaret Meldrew and say “ I wanted to order a Domino’s Pizza ( other take away pizzas are available) …what do you think I wanted it for?” Instead I replied that with all the goings on, I merely wanted to see what time it was!!!!

He seems to have mastered the new phone I’m pleased to say , better than I would – all that’s missing on the phone though in my view, is a pair of legs so that whenever he misplaces it, he could whistle and it would run to him!

So I’m almost done for this epitome but as I started this latter section, I mentioned I had had a break during the writing of it. Or in the words of one of our granddaughters when asked how the new school year was going ( bearing in mind she’d only been back a few days!), she told me that it was good and she’d had no consequences! Well not so her grandmother I’m afraid ! You will recall back in April, I had a significant fall, but all seemed well settled when we then went on our lovely cruise in June. Then I joined the non synchronised, non diving quartet – and landed on the pontoon of the aqua platform on the same shoulder that had taken the brunt of the injury in April as I endeavoured to gracefully enter the ocean. Since then my shoulder has caused me increasing problems and yesterday I discovered the consequence of my actions – an X-ray revealed a displaced fracture of my collar bone …I am seeing an orthopaedic surgeon on Monday 🥴🥴🥴🥴 .. await the next instalment!

During the writing of this episode, I heard from a special friend that her beautiful dog had passed away so I’m dedicating this blog to the lovely Harry.

In the words of Ricky Gervais “ If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all.”

In loving memory of Harry Helyer Pego 2006-2023

So it is with this beautiful cruise – we left Zadar with two more nights on the ship and sailed to Krk – another anchor stop so once again we can play in the beautiful ocean!

The astute amongst you will see that the non synchronised non divers are re- assembling for their next performance ( watched over by the DB you will notice!) However this time there was a full risk assessment with implementation of the 7 Ps…….

Everything went as you would expect … there was no synchronisation….Mallory and Marty dived, I sort of slid over the side and Chris landed back in the middle of the aqua glide . We lived up to our name …..and much laughter was had by all!

After our final lunch on board, Nick and I took the tender boat onto the island for our own walking tour .

Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic covering 157 square miles. It is also one of the most populated with 17,000 inhabitants. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge so is well developed and busy with tourists.

Pag Island, not far from Krk ( in fact there was a tour there) is famous for it’s cheese , lace making and it’s salt plains. However we opted not to go on a five hour tour on our last day…

We were leaving Krk at 5 pm for the final lap of our journey to Venice so had to get back on board before she sailed …

After a slightly bumpy sail ( to put it mildly) – let’s just say, I knew which lifeboat I was getting in ( remember the 7 P’s !) but decided sleeping in my life jacket might be a little over the top!!!! Needless to say we arrived safely in Venice at 7 am …

With neither raincoats nor umbrellas ….we had to purchase two small umbrellas……I envisaged the euro signs going up and up for the price of a Venetian brolly , but….

Very good value which is more than I can say for the two coffees we had a little further along 🥴🥴🥴 Anyway we had about 5 hours to spend in this city so we walked ….and walked……and walked some more …

After lunch we set off back to the port, collected our luggage and headed to the airport. Marco Polo airport is one of two Venetian airports …..well all I’ll say is I hope the other airport is better! It wasn’t a good experience – absolutely packed and with no available seating.

However eventually, we had an uneventful trip home via Frankfurt …..all in all a totally satisfactory end to a wonderful holiday!

I’ll leave you with the following…..

Yes, you read it correctly Dear Reader …I haven’t gone mad ( well perhaps a little crazy !) and to boot, I was part of this amazing team! Remember how I signed off last week…..Aging gracefully is an art . Aging disgracefully is an absolute blast. Indeed it is ; hence the birth of the above team!

Now let me go back to leaving Split. Next stop Hvar , a port and resort town on the Croatian island of Hvar. Highlights include its thirteenth century walls and a hilltop fortress….and fields of lavender……

The port of Hvar is not able to accommodate our yacht so we are anchored just outside the port in a simply stunning spot.

This beautiful calm ocean means one thing …….the marina is open. The marina is on the back of the yacht and enables guests to swim in the sea, use kayaks, paddle boards , sea bobs …..and

Here is where the fun started …..the aging disgracefully, and the birth of the non synchronised non diving team! Isn’t it funny how we think we have capabilities that mysteriously disappear just when we need them ! Now it may have something to do with the glass of champagne we all drank whilst sitting there ( and by the way , don’t ask how I got on there, that is most definitely not for general viewing 🥴🥴🥴….though as it turns out possibly better than my dismount 😂😂😂) …….but suddenly the four of us decided to dive off at the same time, holding hands. I know…crazy ….but not at the time ! We were infallible…ok so I was infallible….but we omitted to do the most important thing , and that is, to employ the 7 P’s ( I know, it’s 7 now, not 6, following consultation with our Australian friend ,Karen.) The 7 P’s are as follows….Prior Perfect Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance ……So full of enthusiasm and without due care and attention, we ventured to the edge of this large water trampoline…..

No synchronisation, and only one of us , Marty, diving…….disaster. The astute of you will observe that the two of us at the back were heading for the pontoon from which you climb onto the aqua glide. See I told you ….we omitted to employ the 7 P’s! Chris was on the outside next to me and she hit the outside of the pontoon first, and then was pivoted into the sea by me landing full onto the pontoon, then bouncing off, and landing on top of her ! Disaster ……or was it ? No, well it was , but we howled with laughter and of course the non synchronised non diving team was born ! Oh,that that was the end …but you know me, we have to prepare better ….and yes, repeat the performance at our next anchor stop . More on that in the next blog …….

We had decided to use the marina in the morning because conditions were perfect for swimming and enjoying the sea. The afternoon was set aside for a trip via the tender boat, into the port itself. However, it’s lunch first ….

No , we weren’t invited to sit at the Captain’s table – on the contrary, Captain Julian asked to sit at our table! Imagine that, Dear Reader! He was such an approachable man , and ate lunch from the buffet with the guests, choosing different tables each meal time, thus allowing him to get to know his guests……

After lunch we … (and I should now introduce you to the “we” – Chris and Marty are two of the “ you know what”team, Karen ( she of the 7 P’s) and Len , her husband ) mounted the tender boat , and set off into Hvar.

We all agreed to do our own thing, and meet up at an agreed time and place . So the DB and I set off to explore the small streets of the town and the DB started up a street of wide steps . I felt sure we would be turning off at some point – the DB is not known for his hiking ability, particularly up hills….anyway we were soon joined by Chris and Marty who had caught up with us and Marty and the DB headed on upwards. We reached the top of the steps ….

Surely now , time for a beer, and then down….. Not a bit of it ! We were on the way up to the fort …yes , the fort can you believe it …..

We walk along to the fort , only to discover there is an entry fee of 10€each ! You’ve guessed it Dear Reader, the DB ( who is Yorkshire born and bread ! ) wasn’t having any of that!

We all agreed not to pay the fee ….the view from the top was pretty spectacular without needing to go any further up …

So down we went to catch the tender boat back to the yacht…….

Back on the yacht …….and back to the marina ! No, you’re all right – just a swim this time to cool down …

I should point out , floating was very easy – the sea here certainly has a denser salt content ( verified by Captain Julian at lunch!) . Also, as someone who likes to have her feet on the ocean floor and not go out of my depth – this was quite a challenge for me , but I absolutely loved the whole experience!

Enough now ….we have to get on with our journey and the next stop is Šibenik ……and can you believe it , the weather has changed! It’s not cold but rain is threatened. Šibenik is a city on the Adriatic coast of Croatia and is known as the gateway to the Kornati Islands. However, rather than walk round the city , we, along with our four buddies , had opted to pay extra ( yes I know, even the DB …) and visit the Krka National Park. This park comprises 109 km2 of the Krka River and its basin – land that was proclaimed a National Park in 1985.

We set off by bus on the short journey to the park – Emerald umbrella at the ready . On arrival, it was decided ( a tactful way of saying, the DB decided..😉) to leave said umbrella on the bus! Typically, I had omitted to pack any sort of suitable rain proof jacket so there we were , open to the elements!

We followed a trail through the park ……and the following photos show it’s beauty ….

It would be no exaggeration to say, that by this time the DB and I resembled drowned rats…..we were to catch a boat back down the river where our coach was waiting for us . We were duly returned to our yacht where we dried out and warmed up …just in time for lunch !!!

Food on this ship was spectacular ……the head chef was Glaswegian!!! How he and his team managed to prepare the variety of food in their galley kitchen, I don’t know , but they appeared to manage effortlessly! We enjoyed a buffet breakfast and lunch with an a la carte dinner ……lunch and dinner were served with bottomless wine / beer or other alcoholic beverages. Apparently, Mimosa cocktails were on offer at breakfast …but somehow I missed those 😉

So after dinner …

………we set sail for Zadar , a city on the Croatian coast and known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of it’s peninsular old town.

Now as we approached every port, the pilot met us and boarded the ship to guide the Captain in . The morning we reached Zadar, I happened to be ready with my phone ….

Welcome to Zadar….

We had decided to do our own walking tour of Zadar ( the one on offer had a price attached – say no more!!!) The first monument we came to was totally modern and amazing to boot ….The Sea Organ ! No I’m not joking – it is an amazing feat of architecture.

As the waves lap onto the steps …the pipes play haunting music …phenomenally beautiful! Anyway onto our walking tour…..

After this we continued on our way back to the ship….

Then soon enough we were back on board…and …..it’s time for lunch !!!! It’s here I’m leaving you to digest these three days ….. writing these blogs gives me chance for reflection on such a lovely happy time so I thought the following was totally relevant!