21. Life begins at 30

On the 3rd September, it was my birthday and I turned 30.

Waking up that morning and walking into the lounge, I was dazzled by a big birthday banner and huge 30th birthday badge put there during the night by, well…………….me!

Feigning surprise and thanking whoever it was out loud, I proudly attached the badge to my shirt. (I’m finally going mad in this big house on my own!).

Happy Birthday tooooo meeee!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the person who let me borrow these two items, as well as providing encouragement about the blog, plus much appreciated bowls of peanuts. She knows who she is!

Fully aware in advance (since about April!) that my 30th would most likely be a solitary affair, I did my best to break free of the house that evening and, yes you’ve guessed it, head to a local bar. (I swear on my life there is actually nothing else in this little village that allows you to socialise with people!). At this local bar, I was lucky enough to bump into a very kind chap who previously cleaned “the Airbnb house” when guests were staying regularly. (During the first week of my stay, we had struck up a rapport). He discovered it was my birthday and insisted on buying me a beer. I very much appreciated the sentiment and the company.

We had a good night chatting away and I think we both needed the talk. What with my current state of solitary confinement and his lack of new people in the village to engage with! A barmaid also got stuck in to the conversation who was originally from London. She peppered the chat with mentions of the UK, unknowingly providing a small comfort for me on my birthday, away from home.

The day in general, for me though, was made by the simple fact I knew I was living the dream I promised to myself a few months back. This was my gift to myself, although it’s not the kind that can be wrapped in a bow. Talking of which – here is the DVD which my very good friend sent me in the post from the UK as a present…..also not wrapped in a bow: