I'm sitting now . . .

. . . in my favourite spot in Rio - Real Choppe on Barato Ribeira. I had arranged to meet Dd here for an aperitif before lunch which we did virtually on Facetime as best we could. Not the same, of course, as being together in person but better than nothing. My work commitments will end soon and I will be flying back to Barcelona on Wednesday arriving Thursday.

I'll spend part of my time on Monday and Tuesday reprovisioning the various funds we need to keep plenished . . . the bank to meet the direct debits for utilities and internet, the building administrators for the condominium charges, Gina our power of attorney for the miscellany of events that spring up, and Hugo, our welcomer and apartment manger, for the letting arrangements. All this is not helped by there being tiny daily limits on the amount I can withdraw through the cashline machines and that two of my three cards are not being recognised. I hate being at the mercy of these damned machines . . . and transferring money across the pond in the past has been difficult partly due to the historical incompetence of my bank in sending the right amount!

Ever onwards and I do stop and appreciate my good fortune in being able to be in some of our favourite places in the last few weeks whether that be on the fourth green of Shiskine golf course in Arran, Crail harbour, or the back streets of Copacabana. We've decided we'll both come back here for Christmas and New Year.