Von Handtüchern und Plagegeistern

Day 17: Do you know this? In the morning, you crawl out of bed half asleep and feel your way along the wall to the bathroom. Brushing teeth, washing face... and suddenly, some detail catapults you into the present, into reality. You are wide awake. That's how I felt today when I reached for the towel with a wet face and realized that it is transparent. Yes! I laid the towel flat on my hand, and a fortune teller could have easily predicted my future through the fabric. She probably wouldn't even have to possess clairvoyant abilities, the condition of this relic from days long gone says it all: Boy, it's time for you to think of something...

Well, I didn't think long and I blurted out in Icke's direction, "Darling, please don't be mad, but I think we should maybe consider getting new towels." To emphasize my demand, I let the towel fall in front of my face with my raised hands. "Darling," Icke said without even looking at me or the transparent towel, "you know, they are from my grandma. I find them cute." That was it for her. And actually, it was it for me with this topic as well. What on earth do you want to say there? The first thing I asked myself was whether her grandma Gerda, who passed away eight years ago at the age of 87, might have received them as dowry from her parents. She married grandpa Carlchen right after World War II. That would make the towels almost 80 years old and a case for the Schönermark Local Museum, where the two spent their lives. Maybe I can bring up this idea to Icke over a nice dinner with wine and candlelight...

Our lunchtime walk took us today to the Parque Reina Sofia, which separates the town of Guardamar from the sea. It is a beautifully landscaped palm garden with many ponds and fountains and a colorful birdlife. Of course, monk parakeets dominate the scene, looking like little parrots. This bird species has conquered Spain from Africa and has become a nuisance in many cities. In Guardamar, they seem to have found a peaceful coexistence with chickens, ducks, pigeons, and peacocks. The park feels like an island between the bustling beach life with its bars and restaurants and the busy world of the city center. It's a great place to be. We will come back - no question!