Packing up and moving on

Well, my wonderful and magical time here is coming to an end. It is rare for me to stay in one place for this long when I'm on vacation - I think the last time was 18 years ago when I stayed that long with my close friend in Alsace who was helping me during a difficult break-up.  The gypsy in my soul usually has me moving on much more quickly. Well, not this time!  Handing over the keys tomorrow morning is not going to be easy!  I could luxuriate on this balcony until the weather gets cold and crappy and, perhaps even then, not get bored.  However, that is not to be.  In the morning, I hop on a flight to Heathrow and take a coach to Birmingham.  I'll be in the Midlands until Thursday when I travel closer to London.

Last evening I met up with two couples I know from Victoria, Sandy and Don Taylor and Margot and David Moore.  Ironically, the latter couple used to live in my neighbourhood but I've only gotten to know them more recently. So, it was drinks at the Wine Bar at the Hotel Welcome before dinner (pour ma troisieme fois!) at L'Oursin Bleu.

Today, I was greeted by yet another lovely sunrise and a cruise ship in the harbour.  Tidying up the apartment and packing wasn't particularly onerous so I got to savour the day etching the view into my brain for future reference.

This evening, a couple I know through my friend, Mena, came for drinks before we headed down to the quay for one more dinner by the sea.  The only things that make leaving here a bit easier are that I'm looking forward to seeing my friends in England and the promise I've made to myself to come back here next September!  I'm so glad I found the place 35 years ago!  Regrets?  Only one: I might have been able to afford a flat here back then; certainly not now!  What's that they say about hindsight?