It’s always with a great reluctance that I leave the Old Town backstreets but after several hours of doing my thing I eventually decided to slip back down into the present day of Main Street; not least because I knew everyone wanted an earlier evening meal than usual while the sun was still up and if I didn’t appear soon they’d probably send out a search party. Having investigated Casemates and checked out the eateries I was hoping they were all up for a walk to the bottom of Main Street for dinner although I was mindful Joe could be limited with his mobility.
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By the time I got back to the Bristol I was quite hot and sweaty – actually no, I was very hot and sweaty – and so it took me about point-five of a second before I lobbed myself into the pool where I submerged myself until I ran out of air. When I eventually began floating upwards (arms and legs outstretched) the dulcet sound of Carols voice began ringing around in my ears gradually getting louder and louder as I neared the surface. “Alan, Alan, ALAN…. AAALLLLAAANNNNNN!! YOUR LUNCH IS READY!!”.
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It reminded me of a dream I had when I was a child. Our class in school were all being given their exam results and the teacher had read everyone’s name out (apart from mine) and their score. Finally the teacher read my name out: “Alan….”; but before she had time to tell me my score the voice changed into my Mothers voice as she was shaking me to get up out of bed. “Alan, wake up it’s time for school”. I never did find out my score.
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During lunch we discussed where we should have our evening meal and Casemates got the thumbs up which I was really pleased about because I had a feeling we would all enjoy it. It was agreed we’d go out earlier while the sun was still up and just take our time walking down Main Street. At that Carol, Joe and Sheila went off for their usual daily nap before getting ready to go out. I threw myself back into the pool.
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Later, at sometime around 5:30pm, we all managed to meet up in the reception area after having scrubbed up and powdered the old noses. We then set off for a gentle walk down Main Street which I totally loved because it gave me time to pause and notice things I’d never noticed before. Things like a really attractive building covered in blue and white tiles that formed a herringbone pattern; I remember having a jacket years ago in exactly the same pattern. And things like a shop called Bubbles which I immediately photographed and sent to my granddaughter Katie (who I’ve always called Bubbles) much to her delight.
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When we finally arrived in Casemates the restaurants were all open and vying for custom and the whole place was alive with people out enjoying their meals under the warm evening sunshine. Carol and Sheila took off to inspect several of the eateries they liked the look of paying very close attention to what was on the menus. Tagging along behind was Joe who was happy to eat anywhere he landed; behind him was the official holiday photographer. Me.
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After a couple of circuits of the square both Joe and I were delighted when the ladies (finally) made their decision on where we would all eat. As we parked ourselves at a table owned by ‘The Tunnel’ a split-second went past before a waiter arrived to take our drinks order. With the sun on my face I sat back soaking up the atmosphere as I waited for my coffee but was still able to multi-task and check out every plate of food that the waiters went past with.
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As far as the food was concerned I have no idea what I ordered other than it was very enjoyable albeit very pub-grubby (but then I love pub grub). For me the ambience, the atmosphere, the whole experience was far more important than whatever it was I was eating – plus the fact that Carol, Sheila and Joe clearly had a lovely evening.