To start my new life as a writer of novels – no more research reports – I’m having a new office.  Actually, it’s a refurb of my slum quarters for the last 20 years.  All the debris and detritus of a working life have been boxed-up, bagged and labelled, and put into store.

I’ve postponed the job of sorting it all until the summer as I’m still getting over the shock of being able to get into my room without tripping over a pile of books, papers and files.

I think I’m going to like retirement, especially when the new room takes shape and the dust has cleared.

Everything is many shades of grey, including the builders and their gear. 

They tell me it will all be pink soon when they start to plaster the walls and ceiling.

Meanwhile, I’ve got the joy of choosing a new desk and book shelves as the battered old ones went in the big clear out.

To get away from the dust, I went to Madrid to see some art, and football, and eat tapas.  Madrid is lovely in the spring. It’s warm and bright, full of blossoms and stylish folk who like to stroll in the evenings.  The numerous “jamon” palaces and their loyal crowds of customers create a real buzz in every street.

Everyone munches jamon, tortilla and queso into the late evening and small hours.

It’s all so very easy going, and there is no dust.  The art is fantastic – seeing the collections at the Thyssen Bornemisza and Prado consume all the time and energy you have.  My favourites include the works of Velazquez and Bosches, and a new find – Patinir.  I’m still not convinced about Goya’s set of black paintings.  And the Prado’s reconstructed Romanesque chapels are a must-see.

My poor sore tired feet after two full days walking around the galleries! The tapas and red wine were a very welcome relief.

It gets better.  I went to the magnificent Bernabeu Stadium to see Real Madrid vs. Athletic de Bilbao.

There is something special about being with 60,000 plus people seeing the football and singing along with RM’s drumming crews.  And Ronaldo and Marcelo are as good as they say they are.

The score?  1–1; Bilbao did well to stay in the game.

And the book?  Drafting is in progress, honest.

Come back next time to see the plot lines and the book taking shape…..