Friday 20th August, 2021 1200

Once again apologies for the lack of entries but not only is it time-consuming but damned painful to do.

On Sunday we went to an exclusive Italian restaurant called Goodfellas. Alice and I split a lasagne and I managed half of mine - photos below. Embarrassingly, in the brand new car on the way back home my stomach decided to expel it. With no bag or anything into which to retch it became a frantic hand to mouth to tissue affair in order not to soil the car, successfully I might add. The next morning though Alice was looking for surgical gloves to use when putting the laundry in the hotel bag.

Monday Alice didn't want to play - traumatised no doubt - so we stayed local and went to the Big Bamboo. Tuesday it was local again to Bollywood where everyone else had curry. I had half a bhajia.

Wednesday they chose Chinese, none of which I even contemplated trying. If I can manage it there will be photos below. Last night was bloody Chinese again - not that it matters on hunger strike - and the one dish I fancied trying - pineapple pork -was off! I did manage some very tasty lobster bisque though.

Tonight the others plus Rinka are going to a steakhouse. I am swerving it for a few reasons, two of which are that I feel dreadful and I am tired of sitting watching people eat.

In other news, I got my second shot on Tuesday and Wednesday Alice and I went for a foot massage. I only wanted my toenails - by then they were talons - trimmed. It was great and not a pair of nail clippers in sight. I have been told I should get another covid test. I have no idea whether it is for Lanzhou/the school/Brenda. Bit pricey but Alice excelled herself by finding a service which, for a fee, will come to your hotel room to do the test.