A week ago we were enjoying the warmth of both Gran Canaria and also of dear friends in their apartment at Anfi. Halcyon days! And now this week feels like a break in itself as, having only returned from London last Sunday, we travel back to spend Christmas in Grantham with most of the family.
Our journey was via the UK as even taking into account the add-on costs of Eurostar, the return fare to Gatwick, a night at the Hilton before an early flight then the return flight itself with easyJet, the total cost each was at least £100 less than had we booked from Paris or Brussels and then both of those options would have entailed a change in Madrid.
The week flew by and we avoided doing too much just for the sake of it, preferring to just "be" and to relax. Our outings were few, a look around the market at Puerto Rico, a couple of hours in Playa del Inglés to show Max where so many previous holidays and adventures had taken place, shopping in Carrefour where, as you queue to pay at the checkouts, you can enjoy a view of the sea, and a successful dolphin search boat trip. The latter tested my assumed sea-legs but it was worth it to see these joyous creatures as they surfed alongside us.
We were spoiled rotten. The apartment was a delight, easily the nicest I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Situated on the ninth floor of Club Gran Anfi, the view from the terrace was sublime and we could easily have been on an ocean liner. Gracias gracias gracias. Muchas gracias.
Back via London where N&H offered us more hospitality. We missed out on the St Paul's Cathedral Carol Concert as our flight was delayed but we did get to check out another cathedral of sorts: one to commercialism - Westfield in Shepherd's Bush. It was impressive and perfect for anyone with spare cash or credit card capacity. Count me out! We had a lovely evening with Clare and attempted to work wonders with her central heating but since we were all a bit sozzled by the time we looked at the instructions I am not sure whether we have achieved anything much. Stay warm chérie! Thanks to Hamid for another authentic Bangladeshi meal in Queen's Park rather than Brick Lane. Thanks to Rab and to Janet for joining us for Sunday's best value meal in London at Chutney's in Drummond Street.
Luz was the name of our cleaning lady in Gran Canaria - a cheery soul indeed. We could all do with one! Cleaning lady AND a cheery soul!!!
Merry Christmas, Joyeuses Fêtes and as seen almost everywhere on our hols, God Jul!
