Weekends in the sunshine

So, as it's Friday and I'm limbering up for my last classes of the week, I was inspired to write about last weekend.

I still don't know loads of people here and weekends can sometimes drag a bit. However, last weekend was a definite exception, packed to the rafters with fun and frivolity!

On Saturday I went over to see my friends, Rich and Julia in nearby Torredonjimeno. Julia and I walked up to a local landmark in Martos. It's known as La Pena de Martos, and is thoughtfully situated next to the town's rubbish dump. Rich dropped us off and we started our climb to the top of the hill faced with trucks, rubbish and a huge pile of old clothes. There was a sign, though, just in case we didn't realise it was a tourist spot...

After our climb, one tinto con limon* but no tapas later, Rich picked us up and we headed to the petrol station to pick up supplies. [It being 2pm, the shops were closed for the siesta]. We then walked round to Rich's boss's house. Phil is British, married to a Spanish woman and they have two children. We spent a very pleasant afternoon with them and some of the friends, eating and drinking. It all culminated in a game of chocolate scrabble and a quick go on the Wii. For me it was my first Wii experience, and I was berated for not holding the control thingy as if it was an actual proper golf club. As far as I was concerned it worked perfectly well one-handedly...

I finally caught the bus home at 8.15pm and tried to re-hydrate.

On Sunday I went walking with Paco and Domingo, two of my friends from the local walking club. We set off at 8am, after the change of time, driving past the youngsters just leaving the nightclubs(!)

It was a beautiful day. Sadly, I forgot my sunglasses and was cursing all the way up Pico Magina (2164m). The walk wasn't too difficult and as my walking companions haven't done much exercise since the last time we walked together (before Christmas) I was able to take it easy. And then, as if by magic, a pair of sunglasses appeared. They were filfthy and bit scratched, but fit me, so I quickly put them on and continued in comfort.

On the way home, as well as commenting on the people who were setting off at lunchtime, we called in at the local mountain rescue equivalent (GREA). They had a big shiny luminous green / yellow helicopter, and they let us stand in front of it for photos.

We then, as is usual, repaired to a bar and sank 4 beers in rapid succession. Paco and Domingo chatted with the barman, who kept winking at me, I talked lots of nonsense and then I was deposited at my house, having promised to invite them to my wedding (if and when I ever have one..!)

I had a cheeky nap to recover and by then it was Sunday evening again.

This week has been reasonable on the exercise front and I'm going walking again on Sunday (the cherry blossom is out, so it will be a Chinese-style outing... without the pointy shoes, of course!)

On Wednesday I caught the bus to Torredelcampo and ran back along the Via Verde. About 14kms altogether, I think. All was fine, apart from having to walk past an old guy weeing against a fence in the middle of town. Lovely.

It's shaping up to be a hot one again today so I'll spend my teaching time opening and shutting the classroom window. Traffic noise / unbearable heat...? Traffic noise / unbearable heat...?

Roll on 8.15pm...

* Red wine with Fanta limon (or similar). Served cold, a very nice summer drink.