Every year I get a week off to go abroad and think about work. We have just returned from staying in and around Lisbon as guests of some wonderful friends. Here I am relaxing – look at me all relaxed – outside the gorgeous hotel that I put us up in, and the other picture is of me with some chick in a hotel room. Decide for yourselves who is cuter.

Lisbon is rather charming, though Coops wouldn’t have liked it as the pavements are not made for skating. Above all, it’s such a treat to be looked after by very generous hosts. It makes me want to be a more generous host. And thus loveliness is spread. Kindness is all. Nice to be back.

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