From: The Racketeer 60, January 2006
Five Go Mad (Drinking Sangria) in La Manga
by [Annne Trahearn]
OCTOBER 2005 saw the 5th annual La Manga trip, once again superbly organised by Diane. Also in the party were Rosie, Debbie, Anne and Anna (alias Trinny and Susanna). This year's panic started before we got to the airport. Following a call to the travel company to confirm the car, Diane informed the party that the rental company had gone bust. Just another little challenge to be sorted out before a couple of pre-flight libations.
Tight-fisted as ever we booked a villa for four for the five of us! Debs being the smallest was forced to sleep on the camp bed but, on a promise of good behaviour, we let her sleep in the bedroom rather than the cupboard like her last year's predecessor, Anita.
Forgetting the plush accommodation, the holiday started on Sunday with our first outing from the complex with our annual pilgrimage to the Pabo de Calos market. This year to Diane's dismay we actually purchased fruit not handbags to aid our fitness regime. On our return we prepared ourselves for our introductory tennis session with the lovely Miguel. He made us feel very welcome and excited about tennis except for Anna who just wanted to sunbathe. After a few Sangrias, a good meal and a few bottles of wine we fell into our beds for an early night.
Monday morning the 7.30 alarm call rang out! Rosie was a great tea monitor. Diane, Debs, and Anne almost sprang into life, Anna clung to the bed post: 'No, I don't want to play tennis, leave me here!' After a few threats she was manhandled into the car to get us to the courts for nine.
For the lessons we were put into various groups according to our ability. Diane and Debs were in the top group again, Rosie was in the middle and I am afraid the unfit Anne and Anna could not rise above the bottom group.
Monday was also a special day for one of the gang who was celebrating her 'XX' birthday. After a great meal at one of the many superb eating venues, we hit the one and only piano bar at the Hyatt Hotel. Pina Coladas and Manhattans were forced upon us as we mixed with the local natives and unprofessional golfers.
Tuesday was spent working hard at our lessons again, apart from Debs, who spent most of her time swooning after her coach, a Rafael Nadal look-alike. In the afternoon Diane once again led the way in the pitch and putt challenge. Rosie, Debs and Anne gritted their teeth but were unable, despite Anne's hole-in-one, to knock her off the top spot.
Wednesday morning brought more tennis lessons and in the afternoon some of the gang entered the very mixed doubles. Poor Rosie ended up playing with a tennis coach who thought he was much better than he really was. Later on that evening 'Trinny and Susanna' attempted to take ten years off Diane….success! Diane looked fabulous! We hit the piano bar again. Following copious amounts of the local waters somehow Diane failed to find her way back onto her bar stool. She put it down to poor design.
Thursday, the majority of us managed tennis, a little sunshine, ladies doubles and an obligatory trip to the piano bar.
Friday, yes you guessed it, we ended up in the piano bar, but during the day the culmination of our efforts produced winners in the top and bottom groups, Diane and Anne respectively. Tennis was then followed by a trip to the historic town of Murcia, where Debs became the latest subject for a make-over and another great night out was had by all.
Saturday was spent gloriously swimming in the sea and sunbathing before making our way home later that evening.