The Marina Bar

....The Marina bar is situated in a beautiful bay to the south of Benidorm. Particularly popular with the Spanish tourists, it also attracts ex-patriots from the UK, Holland, Germany and many other European Countries. It's my regular haunt when I am free, and particularly between 4pm and 8pm in the summer. Where I people watch with a bottle or 2 of Mahou and take in the sun.

Of course you get to see life in all its guises. The people of all nationalities have their habits, ways and routines. Mine is at the bar and no doubt others have their observations about me.

I know I am the talk of the ex-pat brits community, because I have lots of gay friends although I am straight. But because they are maybe of an older generation, they seem not to understand that my gay friends didn't choose to be so, it is just natural. And anyone who has met a gay couple who have been partners for 30 years, will be able to concur that they are much the hackneyed 'old couple' that any Pearl wedding anniversary achiever in the straight world may be. The two I know Dave & Pete are that couple.

D & P like a drink. Don't we all? and their time often coincides with mine. I drink the humble though 5.5 proof Mahou and they drink spirits with a shared mixer. Pete has the better capacity for alcohol and Dave demonstrates this as the afternoon progresses. We manage to chat amicably about world politics, the benefits of living here rather than there and how we love our place in the sun. but the tell-tale slur and increased volume of voice is the sign that Dave is about to say something he will without doubt regret the following day. "Oh I can't stand smoking, and the smoke is wafting over in my direction from some inconsiderate, tourist, interrupting my lovely afternoon in the sun" he says. He knows who the culprit is, it is the slender 70 something year old at the next table with the gentleman who has a pony tale, possibly her husband, who seem to be Dutch or German. Time and the sun has not been kind to the ladies lined skin. "Of course" says Dave "Too many cigarettes make you pruney and thin" indicating that he knows who it is. Everyone around Dave encourages him to be less aggressive, but he is unrepentant. The rest steer the conversation elsewhere, until we all believe it to be over, when the escort with the pony tail stands and turns to Dave saying in perfect English. "Well sir I hope you have a lovely holiday here in Spain I hope to see you again soon".

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