Alas, but yes…same day change overs can get in the way of essential R&R you know! But that’s fine by us, because I’d much rather our apartments be so spotlessly clean that you could practically eat your dinner out of the toilet bowl (sorry if you’re eating your din dins – couldn’t resist). So it does take us longer than most to get the apartments in perfect order for each set of paying guests, but it pays off…dare I use the phrase ‘USP’ now we are in TV’s 'Apprentice' season? 

When we do a clean and changeover, there are often workplace accidents. For example, Steve is always rushing around so fast that he often stubs his toe whilst turning mattresses or pulls muscles lugging furniture and cleaning equipment – often turning the air blue at the same time. Talking of blue, just this week, while holding a loo brush in one hand and a bottle of ‘Blu-Loo’ (other brands are available) in the other, in my zeal I accidently squeezed the Blu-Loo and it squirted in my left eye and all down one side of my face. As a former classically trained actor and in an effort to find a way of making cleaning more interesting - it remains in my instinct to always think how I can use these life experiences in character even though I retired the boards years ago. So I staggered to the sink and immediately washed off with cold water. Bathing the Blu-Loo away, I was also bathing emotionally in character as an acid attack victim. If I had an agent I’d be calling them to get me a casting with Holby City.

So it’s been a good season, welcoming back familiar faces and meeting new ones. Most of our guests now are people that return year after year, and when they do return, they often come bearing gifts (no reader, this isn’t a begging letter). Gifts this year have included a bird house in the shape of a VW campervan, key hooks (very practical), a massive Austrian cake (naughty but very nice), scented candle melts (cookie dough flavour – do not eat, repeat do not eat!), handmade dice and erm…knitted placemats. Yes, you read correctly. We were knitted a pair of chunky cable knit placemats and have been promised another matching pair to make a full set when she returns next year! Well, they are machine washable! 

It is also an opportune time to reflect on the fact that naturists come from all sorts of different walks of life. This season alone, we have had an archaeologist, a builder, teachers, mechanics, an accountant, and even a pastry chef. Make mine a shortcrust Bakewell tart if you please (yes, okay, this has now turned into a begging letter). 

So this weekend the clocks go back and even here in our Vera Playa paradise the days get shorter... what do we look forward to at this time of year...well Halloween of course! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for a few Halloween inspired photos...you know, the ones that didn't quite make it to the holiday brochure!!!  

Autumn is also a wonderful time of year here for keep fit, the climate is better suited for power-walking, hiking, cycling, running or maybe best of all, licking an ice cream on Mojácar seafront. 

We are also treated to some quite spectacular lightshows in the skies in autumn. Be they sunrises in the east over the Mediterranean or sunsets in the west over the salinas accompanied by the sound of chattering, roosting birds, VP has a very special light in the autumn and winter months...in fact most of our favourite photos from our website have been taken at this time of year. 

I included a weather report in my last blog, so will do the same again this time: The weather report for the last weekend was that there was going to be a MASSIVE deluge. A terrible rain storm. It was due to happen from approximately midday on Saturday. Steve and I went for an early morning stroll along the beach to make the most of the outdoors before being holed-up all weekend. It was 8am and the local council workmen were poised at the end of every street in their special water pumping van thingies, the main road had had a wall of sandbags built and the street down to the beach was cleared of parked cars in an effort to divert the coming flood water down the street and out to sea. It was all very reassuring to think the powers that be were going to such lengths to keep us locals and holidaymakers safe and sound. 

So, midday came…midday went…the sun continued to shine and there was maybe a little drizzle for five minutes but that was it. We felt relieved and even managed an afternoon on the beach the very next day. We even enjoyed a swim in the sea – yes, a swim in the sea and we are at the end of October – how about that? And I promise I tell you the truth when I say the water was actually a rather pleasant temperature. I’m not going to call it the last swim of the season…there may be more so watch this space, and besides, with the end of the season upon us and only sporadic bookings here and there to worry about, there’s going to be more R&R in this household so swim in the sea again I just might. I’ll let you know next time. 

Happy downtime.