Wednesday 1^st August, 2018 1545

Well I have to be fair, they did cut their lunch break short and they did leave me with a working toilet. They also however left a load of panelling and tiles not replaced and despite their assurances they would be back today, the first I have seen of them is now – they have filled the hole outside my bathroom and are now using a tamping machine on it. I am surprised whoever it was who left his “coolie” hat in my flat hasn't been back to collect it.

I can live with panels and tiles leaning against the bathroom wall (inside) and so to hell with making myself available for them, if I have things to do, do them I will. If I happen to be here, fine, if not, tough.

Last night I made another call to GLS in Heielberg, the last of many in the camcorder epic. Well actually I made two because the first woman I spoke to didn't speak much English (I could speak passable German until my mid-twenties but was never required to, unlike English) and despite my managing to give the tracking number in German the milchcow cut me off!

The second attempt got someone with quite good English, I explained the problem and that no card had been left and she said the driver hadn't stated the number of the flat he had left it with! There was however a name – Engel. That had to be enough, I could do no more. I am happy to report that the supervisor has the package and by now hopefully has given it to Alice. It would be just my luck for the damned thing to be broken.

I waited in until 1130 and decided to go out, the workmen were hardly coming back that close to lunch. First stop the barber. There was a young lady there who showed me to a chair and put the cape and towel around my neck, then stepped away to let the boss do my hair. I asked using body language why the girl wasn't going to do it? She was horrified and shook her head vigorously. I don't know for sure but I suspect she was being shown the ropes with a view to learning the craft.

There can be no easier hair to do than mine – all I ask is for it to be brutally short all over. I insisted and with great trepidation she hefted the clippers. Everyone has to start somewhere, right? Well, it transpired mine was the first head she had ever shorn and do you know, I am as proud to have made her do it as she was as pleased with her efforts. If she stays there she can practise on me every time.

Then the chemist for some “in case” pills, underground for the light strips (no sign of earplugs anywhere), jing jo and home by 1300.

It is doubtful I will be fully mobile by the time I leave but as long as I can hobble between alehouses that's all that matters. I have been preparing lasagne this afternoon in aluminium trays, one for tonight and two to freeze – ready meals Chinese style!

Tomorrow if I feel inclined I shall venture to Wanda Plaza in the never-ending quest for smokes at the right price. I might even have lunch while I am there.