Barcelona

Back again. Just returned from a short break in Barcelona, great to get away again for a few days during my rest week. Managed to step it up a bit from the beach volleyball of the Olympics and give Marcus his first experience of ‘topless beach volleyball’ on the beaches of Barcelona. Daddy was obviously horrified….could even say traumatised by it all. Clearly I chose not to look, instead concentrating on enjoying a cold San Miguel at the bar. Must say though, body surfing with your son in the Med (pre San Miguel)….can’t beat it!!

 

We took a tour around the Nou Camp…or is it Camp Nou, still don’t bloody know. Interesting to get access to some of those places you wouldn’t normally get to see, press office, changing rooms and access to the pitch. Surprised the changing rooms were so basic….secondary school wooden benches and I’d like to see 11 players fit into that Jacuzzi.  

 

 

Couldn’t believe this one….a chapel connected to the tunnel the players use to walk out onto the pitch. Kept looking at it thinking…..wouldn’t get that a Stamford Bridge…..maybe a lap dancing bar or kebab stall, but not a chapel!!

So, back at the hospital again for the start of cycle five. They’ll be taking blood for my paraprotein readings today, so will get the results on Thursday. Must say, having time away really takes your mind off things, however it does mean you hit the ground with a bit of a bump when treatment day returns. It starts to feel a little like you’re living a double life. On the one side there’s my ten days rest, when a sense of normality and routine returns, on the other there’s IV drips, injections and pill popping. I’m not complaining, just telling you what I feel. It’s the stark contrast that probably further emphasises the situation….staring out at the Mediterranean Sea, drinking an ice cold beer whilst listening to ‘Sunday’ by  ‘Hurts’ on a Saturday  and, well, staring out of the window in Kingston hospital, looking at the A&E building at Kingston hospital on the Monday.

 

Saying that, I’ll be staring at the A&E building with the good memories from our Barcelona break, picturing John Terry and Ashley Cole kneeling at the altar, crucifix in hand, praying prior to taking to the pitch at their next Premier League fixture!!