1. The cafe around the corner has a vaguely Parisian vibe but the giant breakfasts we have there do not. The sausages are pleasantly peppery, the relish vinegary, and the pancakes fluffy and sweet.
2. We walk around all day. (Later, when I’m at home, I’ll measure it as more than 7miles.) We walk on cobbles and on grass; we see ancient cathedrals, a patchwork castle and a classic college; and, we visit expensive boutiques, mainstream shops and alternative market stalls. We also take a well earned rest on the boardwalk beside the river: the sun shines the strongest it has all day and we watch the passage of the city.
2b. At the museum, there is, amongst other things, a collection of old, ornate books showing the different binding techniques from around the world & through the ages. I also enjoy the tiny fragments of papyrus from 1800 years ago: I’m more interested in the construction of the material than the scripture written on it.
3. A dog stands in the fountain giving its owner a clear “what?” expression.
3b. We get into the restaurant before it gets busy (there is a long queue as we’re leaving). The stew tastes exactly, disconcertingly exactly, like mine.
3c. Market stalls of independent artists’ work. I buy some prints – my type of souvenirs.
3d. Chatting to John on IM as I start to fall asleep.
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