Yay! There was actually an upside to yesterday’s kiboshed attempt to get the shingles vax. But it didn’t start out that way. I’d read that TUSSAM had reinstated their policy of free transit for over 65s (called 3º edad here – the third age) but only recently looked into it. Turns out it began in March and will be in effect until March 2028. So why the heck not apply? Especially as I am now using public transport more than ever these days, even to go just one or two stops.

So I printed out the forms for me and Peter, we both found some ID pics from god knows when, and I thought it would work out PERFECTLY with going to get the shingles jab yesterday as one of the TUSSAM customer service points was where the bus would let us off going to the health centre. Wrong.

Turned out that this location didn’t take 3º Edad applications and I was told about two other WAY FAR AWAY places I could go instead. Meh. Then after also not getting the jabs I was obviously in a fabulous mood so I said to Peter… Cold Beer O’clock NOW. We ended up heading north, as I’d heard from a friend that they were at hospital urgencias, so in case they needed anything we’d be close by.

Ended up at one of my favourite small cosy spots in that part of town, Bodega Soto. Had the Cold Beer (it was 22º today!) and then stayed for a couple of tapitas, waiting to see if our friend needed us to pop over to the hospital. Eventually made our way back over to the Alameda, which is where I knew we could catch a bus (two stops!) to get home again. By this time I was so worn out… all this shuffling around on crutches is not only painful but it’s very tiring. And it takes… so… long.

Anyhow, heading towards the bus stop I realised that, after all that walking, we were actually right next to one of the places TUSSAM said we could go to apply for the cards. And we got in just under the wire, before they closed. Lovely woman took our applications, photos, etc and within 20 minutes we both had these handy cards that will allow us to ride all buses and the tram FOR FREE until spring 2028 (though we still don’t know who Peter Tattord is). So yesterday wasn’t a total write off after all. Phew.