It's looking as if our extended trip to the UK could be coming to an end soon. Elizabeth is gaining strength and independence every day, and Tony's clotting factor levels have stopped dancing all over the scale and settled to a steady rhythm. If all goes well at the Doctor's on 30th July, we'll be heading back to Spain during the first week of August.
For the last three weeks, the weather here in Devon has been on a par with the tiempo on the Costa Blanca so it's almost like Spain, but not quite. Here - in no particular order, as they say on the reality shows - are the things I've missed most about Spain during the last three months.
Freshly squeezed orange juice
I lied - this one's definitely top of the list. We live among the orange groves in Spain, so sweet Valencian orange juice is on the breakfast menu every day. I have to be seriously ill or seriously late to miss this one out.
I started to do fresh juice here when the huge net of oranges we brought over with us ran out, but it doesn't work on so many levels. For a start, oranges are much more expensive here, and they just don't have the exquisite flavour we're used to. The senora on the market stall where I get my supplies says that's because the oranges are exported in cold storage, and it messes with the flavour. As soon as we have a departure date, I'll ask my neighbour to pick up a net of oranges, so they're waiting for me when I get back.
The sights, smells sounds and tastes of the markets
We have street markets here in Devon, but they're sedate affairs compared to the Spanish version. There's no committed calling of the wares, no samples of fruits pressed on you as you browse the stalls, and definitely no haggling.
Going to a market in the UK is just an outdoor shopping experience, but a trip to the market in Spain is sustenance for the soul. It's different with the London markets of course - I've had many an enjoyable visit, especially in the East End. However, it's a long way from Devon to London, so I'll just have to wait for my fix until I get back. I'll be scheduling the return so I don't miss my favourite Lemon Tree Market.
The Spanish atmosphere
Being able to understand everything that's said around you has its advantages, but I've grown accustomed to the background of Spanish chatter, waving arms, and shouting down the phone. When we first came to Spain, we often used to think fights were about to break out, but we soon got used to the Spanish way of expression, and now everywhere else just seems too, too quiet. We'll be heading straight for the Plaza de Espana in Algorfa, to soak up the atmosphere. In fact, we may even call in on the way back, if we're not to hot, tired and sticky after the journey.
Planned outdoor gatherings
With the recent heatwave, there has been a bit more of that around here, with people getting together for a barbecue on the beach, or drinks and nibbles on the patio, but generally, the weather in the UK puts paid to that sort of arrangement. You can't plan a barbecue for Sunday, because you have no idea what the weather will hold. Okay, you may occasionally get caught out in Spain, but 99 times out of 100, rain or cold stops play at planned outdoor events in the UK.
Cheap drinks
I brought enough cava over with me to last for the planned four week stay, with a few added bottles 'just in case.' Now we've been here for three months, I'm suffering serious cava withdrawal symptoms. I did hold on to one bottle, to toast Andy Murray's Wimbledon win - I always knew this was his year - but now I'm facing a crisis situation, because some blood has found its way into my alcohol stream. It may be good for my liver that my favourite tipple costs 4 times as much here as it does in Spain, but it's not helping my feelgood factor at all. Luckily, I left a couple of bottles in the fridge back home, so they should be well chilled by now.
Those are the main things I've missed about Spain while I've been here in the UK. What do you miss most? In the interests of fairness - and to avoid accusations of 'Britain Bashing' - the next post will deal with the things I'll miss about the UK when I come home.
