Quick update

Dear All
Just a quick update and an apology to everyone I havent been in touch with despite promises. Its been a hectic and somewhat challenging few weeks with not having a permanent base, no Betsy and being back in Cuckfield and familiar places without Kye. Dont know what I would have done without my pals who have provided beds and home comforts and ferried me around.But the breaking news of today is that Betsy is now fixed- she had to be transferred to a specialist fuel injection garage so visions of huge bills were looming but thankfully it wasnt that bad- turns out that it was all related to the cam belt and didnt need a new pump - hurrah!

Attended a 3 day training course for the live in carer role, very intensive and somewhat off putting at times but am off on my first assignment today - just five days as the second carer for a bed bound man so will see how it goes- think my biggest challenge will be being confined to barracks especially after living an out door life in Spain - that all seems like a dream now. Met some great South African women who have come over to be carers- have to take my hat off to them, new country, no base - think that takes guts.

Right- must be off now, hope everyone is keeping well - not sure about wifi access, but hopefully will get a dongle sorted out, will have mobile if anyone wants to text.
Bye for now and enjoy the sunshine.

The Eagle has landed

Just to say that everything went like clockwork - here's Betsy arriving at the ferry port spot on time on Friday - I had stayed in Cuenca for a couple of nights then picked up the hire car on Thursday and drove myself to Gijon - a long trip but lots of fun in a new car on wide Spanish roads - averaging 140k's  all the way - and there was some stunning scenery - through the foothills of the Picos de Europa and through Asturias which is very similar to the UK- rolling fields- the centre of the dairy industry.
Have to admit that I was grateful not to be driving Betsy at one stage -  the rain was lashing down, strong cross winds and hairpin bends - so with the diesel cost being much cheaper maybe this had happened for the best.

After a night in a hotel we met up and we were transported onto the ferry - felt like the queen with the police all rushing around to sort out security and us taking priority - my entrance did make for a conversation point on the trip over. On arrival in the UK I drove off and there was the transporter waiting for me in the car park and by 5.30pm I was meeting Irene at the garage and all home safe and sound.

So now a quiet day, roast lamb for supper- yum, then tomorrow off to see the lovely Warren to find out what the next step is. I will be staying in East Grinstead with Irene for a few days - and have already got a coupld of days work at my old hospital - after that? well sure all with become clear.

So, bye for now, will be in touch again soon - sure there will be a new adventure to tell you about. - at least life's not dull!!

Best laid plans...........

Now, the majority of people who know me know that one of my favourite sayings is that I do like to have a plan but I'm not bothered if it changes - well, that philosophy has been well and truly put to the test - intrigued? then read on.

As you can see all started well - here I am just about to set off from Mojacar in lovely sunshine ( the eagle eyed amongst you will see a couple of modifications on Betsy - mine and Lynnes handiwork - and we love it.)
 But back to my story-  was heading to Cuenca for the night about 5 hours away but I made a detour to go and visit Carravaca de la Cruz- only about an hour and a half from Mojacar- the old town is amazing- its the 4th holiest place in the Roman Catholic Church after Rome, Jerusalem and  Santiago as it is supposed to have a piece of the original Cross; just to really get my interest it also has a huge Knights Templar castle atop the hill. But only time for a quick trot round then back on the road- will save it for another day.

Anyhow- about 25k's outside Cuenca Betsy suddenly started to lose power - we were on an open country road with hardly any traffic and it was getting late so I talked to her very nicely and we managed to chug our way into town, found the hotel and breathed a huge sigh of relief ( and opened the wine!). Next morning we very slowly chugged our way to a Ford garage I had seen on the outskirts of town.

And thats where the fun started- it is quite a smart garage, shares space with BMW who did seem to look down their noses a bit but the Ford guys were Estupendo! Within 10 minutes of getting there we were out on a test drive and it became clear from Mario's face that all was not well. Now, we need to remember that whilst my Spanish gets me by it doesnt cover mechanical technologies ( lets face it, my English doesn't either) and none of the garage guys spoke English - I worked out that it was something to do with the fuel pump but they kept saying bomberos - fireman.  Well, I know I like a man in uniform but it just didnt seem to to be an appropriate time... then I had a brainwave and phoned a fellow traveller I had met recently- he gave me his Spanish girlfriends number and away we went - transpires that the fuel pump is broken, they cant find a replacement in Spain but could have it repaired in Madrid with a part that is used by the fire service. Grand, then lets get on with that then- nope, will take 7 to 10days. Gulp.

Son the it felt like time to talk to the insurance company as I was due on a ferry from Northern Spain and am 700k's away from there - that one call to the agents in France has set off the most amazing service - well, you might say, thats what you've paid for, but when I took it out little did I know that it meant they would arrange a full repatriation service which includes transport of Betsy to the ferry port in Spain and then from Poole to East Grinstead, - (shes being left at the lovely Warren's garage who hopefully will fix her for me), 3 nights hotel and incidental expenses, a hire car so that I can drive to the ferry port and not have to go on the transporter and taxis back and forth. So for the last 24 hrs I have just sat back and let someone else do all the planning - been fab and it feels like a real adventure.

But what really warms the cockles of my heart is the kindness of the garage people - the supervisor was so upset that they couldn't repair Betsy, then when he realised that I was going to have to stay in Cuenca until they could arrange the transport offered me a bed in his house, said his wife would look after me; then they all came out and shook my hand or kissed me on the cheek and wished me luck. Makes you wonder what response a non English speaker would get in the same circumstances in the UK- sadly dont think it would be as caring.

I'm off out for supper now- hope you enjoyed my little story - does mean that plans might need to change again next week until I know what my transport situation is but will be in touch. But I am in good hands so don't anyone worry, its not a tragedy or anything- i do admit I would have found it hard to be cheery and positive if I had just started my trip but I haven't so I am.

Bye for now from a cold and wet Cuenca
xx