Penultimate Bridge

The call that I've been dreading came earlier this afteroon - Cristina- "Hello Derek, are you here? I haven't seen you for a long time." Which was true because I've been keeping a low profile knowing that she was upstairs in the apartment above me, the coward in me fearful of any confrontation over the rent. After I had blundered my way through, in 'SpanEnglish', about my situation (which was, basically, "I can't pay the rent this month and have to leave at the end of the month, you have my deposit to cover") she was absolutely fine, fantastic even, in her quiet "I understand" reaction. Having been a good tenant for the last 3 years or so I'm more than grateful that she is not going to chuck me out on my ear immediately although she did say that she will have to check with her lawyer that I can use my deposit in this way. If not then she can give it me back on 31st August and I'll give it straight back as the rent albeit 4 weeks late. Easy. No problem. And that's the penultimate bridge crossed.

Things here in Torre go from bad to worse; not only is it planned to close the Chiringuitos (beach bars), they have now painted a yellow line along the length of the beach road ready to enforce a 'no parking' by-law from September. Rumour has it (which I heard last night) that, this next Tuesday, all the businesses along the front are going to stay closed in protest at the potential loss of trade.

The ultimate bridge to cross is saying goodbye to Larisa. Our parting last Wednesday was on a simple "see you later" basis as if nothing any different from normal was afoot. I could have gone to Calahonda, to a barbecue, today but I'm due to work at Teresa's bar tonight and that (the money) has higher priority! She is off to Biarritz next Saturday for a week so I'm hoping that we can get together again before. I'm sure we will as she now knows my plans for the next 2 weeks.

On the 31st I intend to tout the desks at the airport for a stand-by ticket to either Heathrow or Gatwick, hoping that I do not have to wait too long to be accomodated, we'll see.