But not for good..... this short trip back to the UK has reaffirmed (not that I really needed to) that the grass IS definitely greener on the other side - well in my opinion. I departed from Alicante on my "favourite" airline, Ryanair... and I'm not be facetious when I say that, just in case you are wondering! Two seats plus hold luggage for under 50 euros I certainly can't complain, even if it is like going on a bus. What made me laugh though was that people were already queuing at the gate and the plane hadn't even landed yet. I watched in amusement as ladies hid their handbags under their coats ready for the "revenue generating" check at the gate - fortunately as it was cold in the UK everyone was wrapped up in layers so somewhat easier to disguise!

As virtually everyone had their hand luggage allowance there was a scramble for the overhead lockers. Now I never ever pay extra for reserving a seat - maybe if I was travelling with young children it would be different, but fortunately those days are long gone for me. I was somewhat shocked that we boarded the plane via a walkway, in particular following all the uproar between Mr O'Leary and Aena on the matter! Once inside what I did notice was that the overhead lockers above the emergency extra legroom seats, which you had to pay for, were closed. Then I saw that the attendant was saving them for those passengers sitting in the extra payment seats - I wonder if that happens on all Ryanair flights.

My current view in Nottingham

I was expecting it to be cold and white, having listened to the BBC headlines of "Snow Go" Britain but as I descended the steps and the cold hit, it really did take my breath away. Living in Spain I certainly haven't experienced this sort of cold - when I left it was a sunny 16 degrees... probably why so many come and spend the Winter months here.

 My morning view is generally of the sunrise on the Altea seafront, since Ive taken up an early morning walk for my New Year resolution. It use to feel rather crisp then at 8.15am but now, goodness, I'd forgotten cold and grey it is in the UK. I am already looking forward to my return home, which is how I refer to Spain, at the weekend.

The snow keeps falling outside - it looks lovely and picturesque, until you need to go out in it! None of the side roads have been gritted and so you make a choice. Do I walk on the icy pavement and risk falling and potentially breaking something or do I walk in the middle of the road, where the snow has started to melt from the cars and risk being hit by a skidding car!

I got a bus into the city centre and went looking for the post office, needing to post some mail. Well when I got inside I thought I had come to a displaced persons centre! It was absolutely packed, with some sitting around on the floor waiting for their turn at the counter. After asking I was told to pull a deli counter type ticket amd wait for my number to direct me to a counter. Eight counters were open yet I still had to wait 20 minutes to be served.... all is forgiven "Correos" - and to think that I use to complain about the Spanish post offices!

Tomorrow I get a train down to London - that'll be an adventure! I've pre-booked my ticket online and look forward to seeing my hometown. I have been in Nottingham to visit my student daughter, who is at University here... so the first part of my week entailed lots of Cif and Mr Muscle. Roll on Sunday - Im travelling back posh... Monarch and look forward to seeing the sun again!

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