Monday

Working in the morning and then we meet up with the others and walk across to Ariciffe for lunch in the tallest building on the island for lunch.

Matt has meetings so afterwards we’re heading back to the villa and then relax. We’ve booked dinner tonight at Vicky’s favourite restaurant, La xx.

Back at the villa after dinner we had the longest ever discussion about the colour of the chair, the room was divided between fuschia and red – clearly, the chair is fuschia, the handbag is orange and the shopping bag is red (it’s kind of translucent but it is red and we didn’t have anything else red to hand). If only Rhys were here to settle the discussion once and for all.

[31 October 2022]

Tuesday

More work this morning while the others go off adventuring. We still need to eat however so down to the beachfront for lunch. It was very good and nice to sit bit by the sea, something we don’t get to do very often. Lee and Vicky also stopped by on their way back on their electric bikes.

After lunch it was back to the villa for a swim and to compare the many pairs of shoes that we’ve brought with us. Vicky’s shoes are amazing! Meanwhile Matt has been researching possible car hire to take us to the other side of the island and since Vicky was on the phone to her mum, Lee and I decided to follow suit and also call our mums before a trip to the supermarket and the evening relaxing. FYI, mum agreed regarding the colours of the chair etc.

[1 November 2022]

Wednesday

Working in the morning then back down to the beachfront for lunch with Matt, warm goats cheese salad with tomato, yummy!

Now for the most exciting part of the day – Tonie and Doug have landed and are heading to the villa, it seems that they are not able to get into their apartment as yet. It seems that rather than a message to tell them how to get into the apartment Tonie has instead received a message to say that the pool will be closed for the duration of their stay, so I expect we will be seeing a little more of them than originally expected as only living around the corner, they have decided they will be making the most of our pool. We need to go get some more supplies.

More work for Matt then back to the villa to relax before dinner. Once again off to the beachfront, this time to the Patagonia Grill for steaks.

With dinner done, Lee has managed to convince Doug to head off to the Casino with him. The rest of us being a little more sensible have just gone back to the villa to carry on the evening. Jeff tried to sneak off to bed but Matt and Vicky were having none of it, and I was taking a nap on the sofa. When Lee and Doug got back it was time to wake up and take part, until eventually Matt called a night on it. I’m glad there is a sensible one, we have things to do tomorrow.

[2 November 2022]

Thursday

Early start today as we have to go to the wedding planners to run through the agenda for the day. They seemed to have everything sorted but would have been helpful to have been given a print out of all the details and the timings of things as none of us are very good at listening or thought to take any notes [lesson 1 for our wedding – give everyone that’s doing something a timed schedule].

Lee and Vicky have arranged a BBQ for this afternoon for everyone that is coming to the wedding but since we’re out at the wedding planners it fell to Matt to run around, pick everything up and get it ready. He’s a superstar that boy of mine. Meanwhile we were going to have to wait a while for our cab to arrive so Lee insisted on a quick drink – I protested that we ought to be back asap to help Matt but it fell on deaf ears. I did at least manage to keep him to one drink and on the way back I decorated Vicky’s hair ready for the party.

Back at the villa and Matt has been on scooters and all round many shops to get supplies but he’s got everything and it’s time to get ready. The BBQ was a huge success with Matt cooking for 27 people and Vicky and I helping with the salads etc. The only pity was that Vicky’s mum was sick and unable to join us, best to rest up before the big day. Shame though as in about 15 years I’ve only just met Julian, her dad, and won’t meet Sue, her mum until I’m at the end of the aisle.

I spent a lot of time following Vicky round and getting her to drink some water but we kept it together and all had a pretty early night.

[3 November 2022]

Friday – Lee and Vicky’s big day

After years in the making and 3 planned wedding days, the day is finally upon us. The wedding is not until the afternoon so the morning started off pretty relaxed. I already had a sore throat/wobbly voice so was getting pretty nervous about my reading later so no drinking, well not for the girls anyway. Although not ‘feeling nervous’ we were clearly running high on adrenaline and couldn’t stop the slightly shaky hands. I think I was more nervous than Vicky so heavens help me next year.

Many phone calls later the hairdresser finally managed to find her way to the villa. I was first into the hot seat, by order of the bride. It’s the first time I’ve ever had someone doing anything other than cut my hair. Very odd sensation and Lee did rather enjoy taking the piss out of how uncomfortable I looked.

The make-up artist and photographer it seems had also got lost but both arrived at the same time. Hair done and I’m over to make-up while Vicky has her hair done. All made all the more odd and uncomfortable by the photographer now constantly there taking photos of you – again not something that I enjoy but must be done (will be even worse on our wedding day I’m sure). He was very nice though and it wasn’t long before Julian turned up and the boys left for the bus to the wedding venue.

Out of hair and makeup it was time to do the getting ready photos. Despite Vicky’s dress hanging up at their house for a year Julian had resisted the urge to take a peak so had no idea what to expect. His face as he walked out the bathroom to see Vicky all made up was priceless, absolutely beautiful moment I felt very privileged to see (thankfully it was also caught on camera so others will get to see it second hand).

Last few photos done and we were waiting for the car. It seems maybe someone else has got lost. Eventually we were on our way, but if anyone can be late then it’s the bridal party so all good.

At the wedding venue and we’re all set to go, but not before I race off for a safety pee; not an easy task on these heels and the volcanic stones under foot. We were advised to walk slowly but I certainly couldn’t race down the aisle. Rather wished the best man was there to walk me down, a few little wobbles but thankfully made it without stacking it. Vicky was much more graceful, having Julian’s arm and being much more experienced in heels. It was beautiful.

All of a sudden I’m up to give my reading – from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Thankfully we have a mic so my sketchy voice should be ok. I wish I’d practiced more and had it by heart so could have spent more time looking at the happy couple and audience while I spoke.

The next challenge was to lead the wedding party from the ceremony, across some rocks and down a crazy staircase.. I called for Jeff who thankfully was rapidly by my side and guiding me down, he made for an excellent Best Man. Having got to the bottom we then had to run the gauntlet around the pond with sloped sides that called to my heels like a siren beckoning me into the deep. A quick dash back upstairs for pics with the bride and groom and then back to the drinks.

Next stop was a hugely hazardous walk to the dinner venue in a spectacular volcanic cave. I wish they’d advised me to change into my low shoes before that endeavour, more annoying were people going the other way in trainers and hiking boots clinging to the inside rocks forcing us in huge heels to pass where the railings had fallen away clearly wishing the wedding party would fall in the water. A**holes. Despite their best efforts we all made it across safely.

Julian gave a lovely speech, followed by an excellent Best Man’s speech by Jeff – I got a couple of mentions and the whole thing was brilliant. Good dinner and then we were off to the reception for more drinks and chats with other family and friends. Was great to catch up with Lee’s parents and Squish and Duncan in particular.

After dinner we were back on the bus and off to the Four Seasons for some further beverages, a few games of pool and some dancing.

Finally, time to get the bus back to villa. It’s been a long day but Vicky’s still looking great as the night comes to an end.

[4 November 2022]

Saturday

It seems that I only just managed to get through the speech yesterday as today I have almost no voice at all today. Much to Lee’s fun and amusement. Resigned to spending most of the day in bed and trying my best to relax while others swim and have fun.

Doug, Jeff and Vivian all departed today, so with goodbyes done the villa was quieting down a little and an early night was in order.

[5 November 2022]

Sunday

Still sick. Tried to go to the pharmacy but was unwell on the way so had to go back to the villa. Matt went on his own but trapped by the paradox – you have to wear a mask to enter the pharmacy but you can only buy masks in the pharmacy. He had to come home again to pick up a mask before going back to get some cough medicine. Bless his heart.

Vicky’s also taken her time this morning to rise and shine but seems to be on far better form than me. Today’s visitors were Tonie, Claire and Luv so Vicky’s off hosting and swanning around the pool like the little queen she is.

[6 November 2022]

Monday

Still sick and so not drinking at all and staying home. Matt has work to do and I’m trying to rest, along with a little bit of work. I did get a short swim in to see if it would help, it didn’t.

We were meant to be going to dinner with Lee and Vicky and their folks and Tonia but I wasn’t well still so we decided to stay home. I saw Julian and Sue briefly but as I could hardly speak going out wasn’t really an option, also being sick on their laps in the taxi would really take the shine off the good impression I’ve managed to make so far.

So Matt and I are staying home this evening and popped into the local restaurant for dinner. While Matt’s been working and I decided to help tidy up the house. Realising that we’d be leaving soon and the fridge was packed full of random stuff it was time for me to have a good sort out. Too many times have I opened the door and been too exhausted looking at it to have anything. If we’re going to use up any of it then we need to know what’s there.

[7 November 2022]

Tuesday

A stroll down to the beach and along the promenade with Tonia before she leaves for a spot of lunch. Back to the villa and it is definitely time for a dip in the pool, Tonia is keen to make the most of it before she heads off to the airport.

As the last two couples left in the house we took a trip down to the beach for a final sunset together.

Back at the house we’re trying our best to mop up at least some of the leftover food.

[8 November 2022]

Wednesday

Home-time. It’s been a ball but we’re ready to go back. Unlike others it’s not actually back home, we have to go via London and there was no way to fly to Toulouse the same day so we’re taking an extra day in London and flying home Friday.

We have a lunchtime flight so need to be up and out at a reasonable hour. That leaves Lee and Vicky to do the final ditch from the fridge etc but I didn’t feel too guilty as I’d done my share. The lounge was nice, and the flight unremarkable (which I guess is a good thing). I took very good care of my flowers too, thank you Vicky!

Lee and Vicky were off for a few days on their own and it looks as though they were having fun form the silly pictures they were sending.

Back in Blighty and we were on our way back to Pete’s. Chinese for dinner. I was surprised how quick Matt returned, then I realised it was actually Pete. We were all exhausted though and both Pete and I sick so in bed before 9:30pm.

[9 November 2022]