Go, on, have a laugh…

I know there are so many things in Spain guaranteed to frustrate and bewilder the average immigrant, mostly the bureaucratic system, or lack of it, and the difficulties in actually getting things done when people don’t actually turn up at all. However, life is generally still full of laughs here, or it’s certainly true if you know my husband!

He’s away at the minute, in Skopje, North Macedonia, for a dental appointment. Yes, you read that correctly, he’s away to our dentist in North Macedonia! Ivica is a first rate dental surgeon, with top quality equipment in his practice, and, after more than a year of research and video calling, that’s where we went to in order to have implants and porcelain and zirconia crowns at rates you simply wouldn’t believe.

Skopje is a beautiful city, in fact the whole country is stunning, divided into the new town and the old bazaar which is reached by crossing the Stone Bridge over the river.

Our friend Boris, in Almeria, comes from Skopje, so we were able to talk with him and his lovely Scottish wife Morag, all about the area, and then get to know his neice, Natasa, who lives in Skopje; we still keep in touch with her.

That huge statue right in the city centre is of Alexander the Great. His father was Philip ll of Macedon, so the Macedonians claim Alexander as one of their own. This doesn’t please the Greeks, who also claim him, and indeed they believe Macedonia is Greek too, which is why they insist on trying to use a more derogatory term for the country, as North Macedonia. There are a couple of things about this. Firstly the Greeks NEVER refer to the statue as Alexander, they simply call it the man, or the warrior, on a horse. Secondly, it seems to be Greece who is blocking North Macedonia’s application to join the EU. All very predictable in the normal way of politics where entrenched views rule the roost. It’s impossible to see a way forward if you are always looking behind you.

Anyhow, we were absolutely delighted with the standard of dentistry we received, and indeed, we have consulted with dentists here in Spain who have all agreed that the work has been top class.

So, recently, when Peter’s upper side bridge came apart, we checked prices here in Spain to repair, and compared them with him actually going back to Skopje, as the bridge was still under guarantee and he could also have a free check up while he was there.

Now, here’s the interesting part. On Monday he flew from Alicante to Copenhagen, and then on to Skopje. Lovely hotel in the city for a week. Impression taken on the Tuesday, new bridge made, to be fitted on Friday, checked on Saturday morning, then he comes home on Sunday. He flies from Skopje to Rome, then on to Alicante.

A fair old bit of travelling but well worth it. The whole trip, including four flights, the hotel and his “keep” for the week, cost about a quarter of what it would have cost to pay for the dental bridge repair here in Spain, so you can also imagine what it would cost in the UK! When he boarded the flight in Alicante he was allocated a window seat – not great fun when you’re 6’3″ and your knees almost come up to your ears in an aircraft seat! Before takeoff a cabin crew member told him she had a seat for him by an emergency exit, with extra legroom…result!

He was walking through the older part of the city yesterday, popped down a wee side streeet to see what was there, and through an open door saw a hairdresser doing a client’s hair. He stopped to say hello, (typical Peter!) then noticed they were both drinking something.The hairdresser gave him a drink too, it was the local rakija, a bit like Irish poitin but stronger! They chatted for a bit and then, as a thank you, he did a magic trick for them with playing cards! I have to say that my husband can travel the world making friends wherever he goes, as any of you who know him will agree!

I was able to very briefly join in for dinner last night by video link, as he went out with Natasa, her son, and his fiancee to one of our favourite restaurants, right in the square, beside the statue of Alexander.

I wish I had been there too but there was no point in spending the extra for me to go – that saving is reserved for a little pre-Christmas trip we have planned!

While still on the subject of laughter, here’s another incident which could very well be classed as a “Tena lady “moment. We always meet up for lunch with our friends David and Violet when they’re over on holiday in Guardamar. We were out with them a couple of weeks ago, and had a lovely catch up on all the family and friends news, as well as enjoying delicious food. Peter did some magic tricks with card for the owner, who had been looking forward to it, and she really enjoyed it – he’s really rather good!

While we were eating I accidentally knocked over my glass of water which spilled onto the table as well as the floor. The glass didn’t break, but there was a pool of water on the floor between us and the next table across. At that table were a grumpy-looking older man and woman, eating in silence. When I spilled my water, a couple of tiny wee drops managed to fly across the gap and the man started furiously wiping his elbow with his napkin, while muttering. I apologised to him in English. No response. I tried again, in Spanish, no response. I apologised again, in both French and German (I am definitely a woman of many talents, not just restricted to knocking things over!), no response. Not much else I could have done, really. Anyhow, no harm done the spilled water was wiped up and replaced. Then, about 15 minutes later, oh joy of joys, the grumpy skitter at the next table knocked his glass of water forward all over the table but, more importantly, ALL OVER HIS WIFE! Well, I just couldn’t look at Violet for fear of laughing out loud, but in fact we did just that, couldn’t help it! Oh my word, talk about instant karma! The wife shot a look in Violet’s direction as we nearly ended up under the table roaring with delighted laughter. Absolutely brilliant result, and it still makes me smile now when I think of it!

In about a week we have rather special guests coming to stay with us, and I’ll tell you all about them next time. Suffice to say it looks as though we might be speaking French all week, we’re looking forward to it. Find out all about it later!