Tuesday - Day 2

We actually slept through 6.30am! Well I did, Kevin managed 8am lol!! Not bad as we are still on UK time!

As Id bought a few gifts for staff members so I spent an hour on the balcony, wrapping and writing cards, looking at the sea and watching life unfold around the resort.  

Dale sent me a message at 8 to say the ladies at Toscana were looking for me and to get our arses in gear and get down there! Lol! 

It was lovely to see the three of them again, and we had cuddles all around with Shehily, Lizzeth and Jacqueline and gave them their little gifts from England, before heading in to breakfast.

For newbies, Toscana's breakfast buffet holds a wide variety of choices, lots of different cereals, breads and pastries, cooked meats, eggs and omelettes, fruits, cold continental meats and cheeses, and smoothies.  Coffee and mimosas are brought to your table, but for everything else you browse and choose yourself.  The restaurant is air conditioned, and most mornings theres live music, yesterday there was a pianist, in previous years there's been a saxophonist or the wonderful harpist Michelle, whom I hoping to see this year.

Our friends Fiona & Marcus were waiting for us in the restaurant to have breakfast.  For those that have been before, there have been some recent refurbishments and new chairs have been installed, together with 'handbag trees' a sort of large mug tree for your handbag and hat.

After a light breakfast, coffee and mimosa for me and french toast and bacon for Kevin, we headed down to the lazy river to set up for the day.  I love this spot, its quieter than the main pool, and Im not keen on the beach (I dont like sand!!!), so the lazy river is where we spend 90% of our holiday! 

Yesterday, Raul was our server, he works really hard at keeping everyone along the lazy river happy with drinks.  Not easy in such heat, when he goes back and forth to Kafe Kafe multiple times a day.

Ive enjoyed watching Fiona and Marcus experience as newbies to all that EPM offers.  Yesterday, floating around the lazy river was Fiona's favourite EPM thing until we went for lunch at the grill, which quickly became her new favourite thing lol! I have to admit, Just sitting with the breeze coming through the restaurant, watching the sea, with a chilled glass of wine and some pretty good food on offer - I can see what she means.  

We had a long leisurely lunch - two hours! I can recommend the spicy wings and the club sandwich! During which time the wonderful Nelson appeared at our table.  We hugged for ages, Ive really missed him, and for me, he's a major reason that we return to EPM. We chatted for a while, catching up on whats been happening since we last saw him, before he headed off to continue working.  

As our lunch was ending we met up with Senor Pedro and Angel who were starting the late shift at The Lobster House.  More hugs and catch ups.  Its really strange not seeing Senor Pedro at Chez, which is where we've always known him to be. I know the hotel rotate staff, but he's so suited to the elegance of the french restaurant.

After our catch ups, Fiona wanted to dip her toes in the sea, then we visited the Bradjollies on the beach.

Another little laze by the lazy river, and it was time for a nappette before the martini bar and dinner.

At the Martini bar we met up with Nelson & Carolina to give them their pressies, and get some cuddle time. Nelson, Jill & I wanted to recreate a photo of the three of us that we love.  Needless to say the boys and Carolina wanted to get in on the act!

Dinner was at Chez, where we had a lovely meal, al dente salad with brie, duck, and chocolate dessert for me accompanied by some sublime off AI wine, all finished with a grand marnier.  Lots of laughs, chat from Kevin(!) and an overall feeling of comfort.

Good times!