Well, already I am at the end of the 2nd week I can scarcely believe it really as time is flying by here all the time… I have settled in well and now the residents know who I am although most of them don’t remember my name (but then sometimes, some of them don’t remember the name of the person they sit with every day at mealtimes or the regular staff, so it´s not an insult!!). I was in the main dining room the other day and I heard one English resident say to his wife, “Is that the English girl!!” So perhaps that is how I am known…!
Highlights of the week….
Managing to conduct a basic cognitive stimulation group in Spanish and English..! And stepping in at the last minute to run a memory class when the psychologist was off sick…. Basically feeling part of the team and being able to “do the job”
Acting as sous chef to one of the English residents cooking bread and butter pudding (something I have never cooked before) and trying to explain in Spanish what we were doing… it was very funny for me with my limited Spanish, especially as it was something I had never cooked before – a lesson for me on many levels….!!! The bread and butter pudding was given out to those who came to the class in the dining room for dessert at lunchtime and it was the talk of the lunch period…!! Incidentally for those chefs amongst you - we made it with panettone which was a great success as it made it lighter.
They are still finding it hard to believe how old I am and am considering producing my passport shortly to prove it…. This subject managed to embarrass the social worker at lunchtime today as she was describing how old her boyfriend was and that he was old…. Guess his age……. Yes, same as me….. Needless to say, she was mortified when I told her…!!!
Thoughtful times….
Friday was the day of the funeral of a friend and all day I was very mindful of events back home with my thoughts being with his family and friends. Also learning of another friend who has been admitted to hospital.
I sometimes find it difficult working with the residents who were obviously very capable individuals, often professionals who some now have great difficulties, they are all lovely people just that older age has dealt them a cruel blow.
Looking ahead....
I am really keen to maximise on the opportunities to explore while I am here but for this weekend think will remain fairly local. Jasbir is intending to join me here in Puerto Banus this weekend and I although she doesn’t know it yet, if the weather is nice I think we may walk into Marbella along the coast (about 6 km) and things are cheaper there than in Puerto Banus (not difficult!)!! Then there is a market in Nuweiva Andalacia on Sunday which I think would be worth a look..! Updates and photos to follow..!
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