Had a lazy morning and then caught up with Sissi and her Mum and Dad for lunch. The food was OK but not what I would have, however it was more for Sissi’s parents than for me. Her Mum is still being treated for cancer and currently goes to the hospital once a week for treatment, not sure what though. She was looking well, although her hair has not grown back yet and Sissi told me that she is now able to ride a bike…. So that’s good.

I went off on my own for a bit and wandered back through some old haunts and there is a lot of construction taking place. I think three new metro lines are underway and the roads are dug up or blocked off. The town was very quiet today, my old cafe that I went to only had three people whereas before foreigners congregated in packs. Mind you there were still many shops and restaurants open but just not as busy.

I headed to Decathlon to meet Sissi and I did a bit of retail therapy picking up some new lightweight walking trousers and shirts. Great shop Decathlon.

We had a “Jianbing” for dinner, a kind of crepe filled with veg, chilly and cheese which was just enough and then we headed home. It was getting very cold but the time we got back and even worse but the time I went to bed. The houses here are only built for shelter, there doesn’t seem to be any thought given to the heating and cooling. This small apartment I’m in feels claustrophobic and I’m looking forward to leaving.

The VPN is still giving me problems but at around 10 pm it connected to Switzerland, go Switzerland. It seems that the mornings and the evenings are the best times to connect, the network might not be so busy, but as long as I can connect every day that will be to get a few things done.