So today I decided that I would like to visit the doctor.

I was surprised, being in this technologically not advanced country, that they had a nifty little system whereby you go online, type in your medical card number and pick an appointment day and time. Surprised that is, until I found the next available appointment is in 3 to 4 weeks. Only in Spain.

I have already been given a bollocking by the doc for turning up without an appointment (i.e. emergency) (I had had swollen tonsils for a week), what should I do, wait a month, stay at home watching repeats of House, Lost and Desperate Housewives until they can fit me in. Hmm doesn't sound so bad when it's put like that.

Anyway I have decided now that I'm in lurve, I should probably get the "tests". Hopefully everything will be hunky dory but you never know and they're always bleating on about the percentage of people with Chlamydia who don't know etc so best to be safe than sorry.

Last night laying in bed with Loco I had the realisation that I am 100% totally and utterly head over heels in love with him... So in love the thought of being with him in a year doesn't scare me, the thought of being him in ten years doesn't scare me, in fact being with him and only him forever and ever doesn't scare me.. This is out of control.

And then, I told him. And even more amazingly he (says he) feels the same. We even talked about moving in together. Seriously!

I guess it's weird, I've become so used to living my own life and doing my own thing that this, happening so suddenly, is a shock.

I don't really believe in "The one", but if I did, I think Loco might just be it :)

Feeling the way I do also means that I want to be totally honest with him about everything but I don't want him to know the details of my sordid past, especially as I know he's only be with one other person. Will he think less of me because of it or will he respect my honesty??

Such a dilemma.

Loco's village festival

Last night I went with Loco to his village festival.

Spaniards (especially those in Cacalunya) amaze me with their obsession with fireworks. Every major or even minor festival here involves, at some point or another, the throwing of fireworks, normally at other people. This one was no exception and lo and behold, upon arriving, we encountered devils dancing around with lit fireworks. Not to want to sound like a spoilsport or a pussy but I hate it! It's clearly dangerous and could burn someone!

Anyway we went and sat in one of the make shift bars and got ourselves a drink. I was feeling a little bit strange because Loco's family and friends not to mention the ex, were somewhere around and we cuold bump into them at any moment so it was a little bit nerve racking. In the end he did hold my hand and give me kisses and even searched (unsuccessfuly) for his brother to introduce me but I think this is because he knew his parents would not be there.

BUT - He has told his mother about me :)

We carried on strolling around the fair and went on one of the rides, kind of like a dangerous Spanish version of a waltzer, and then, then I saw Mr C's brother. Yes, as I think I may have mentioned previously, Loco is from the same village as Mr C and there, right in front of me was his brother, and his sister... and Mr C. I gasped and continued to walk as Loco asked me what was wrong. So I told him that I'd seen Mr C and we carried on walking.

We next went to look at the stalls and to quote Loco, my eyes were bulging out of my head when I saw Mr C and his family trooping towards me once more. This time I tried to make eye contact, but was unsuccessful in my endeavours. Loco says his face rings a bell. Well that doesn't surprise me as they live 2 streets away from each other. He also gave me grief for a while with the old "he's a good looking chap" chestnut, "I'm not as good looking as he is".

"Oh be quiet" I told him, "Yes he is good looking but I can't think of one thing that he has that I prefer to you" or something along those lines..

I had also arranged to meet my cousin as it is also Rat Steinberger's village but she never called.. quel surprise!

You can't choose your family!

Today Head Chicken came back from yet another holiday to the exotic laden with giant buddhas and the like.

I would imagine that after a 13 hour flight all I would want to do is rest, but no, I woke up bleary eyed and stumbled down to the kitchen to grab a bitr, maybe some juice to find - shock horror - him and her cleaning but not just cleaning. Taking everything out of the cupboards and cleaning EVERYTHING from top to bottom cleaning. Even Lily had been roped in.

This could only mean one thing. his mother is coming.

On the 4th September she will arrive to a pristine apartment with HC's brother who will soon be the newest occupant.

In a way this pleases me as it means no more HC but I am not sure I am prepared for the delights of living with a 20 year old boy.

I have good news. I have given up smoking and I drink less! Tick and Tick on the New Year's Resolution's boxes.

Reading back through the archive, it is worrying how much I was drinking and partying last year. Although it made for amusing tales and I had a whole lot of fun, it wasn't healthy for my body or mind so am pleased to be a changed (ish) person.

Although this weekend when J was here I still managed my fair share of multi coloured flaming shots until I was lighting vodka in J's mouth and tipping litres of water over his head in the comfort of my kitchen.

I was asked to write the following for work so I thought I would share it

What do you like about Barcelona?

There are so many things I like about Barcelona it would take me all day to list them all. Summer days on the beach with a clara in hand, lounging in front of one of the chiringuitos playing the latest summer tunes. Winter weekends up in the snow of the nearby Pyrenees. Sitting outside on one of the hundreds of terraces around the city watching the world go by and listening to the people chattering in every different language; The city is so cosmopolitan, it’s been easy to make friends from all over the world.

On a sunny day it’s great to spend time at the beach, then later when the sun has set head up the Tibidabo followed by a night of dancing in Danzatoria, one of my favourite locations, an old villa transformed into a stunning restaurant and nightclub where you can and take in the amazing views of Barcelona by night from the terraces.

For me, Barcelona has everything you could ever want from a city. Great climate, beaches, mountains, culture, fantastic nightlife, anyone of any age, at any time of year can have an amazing experience here, it’s impossible to ever get bored!