Blackfriars

I went to the RVI in Newcastle this morning to see the consultant. The news is encouraging. No giardia were found in the last sample. (Two more have gone today, "just in case", because the little blighters don't shed cysts every day - probably too much information!) He thinks the medication has made me feel lousy and said that my delicate bowels might not go back to normal for months.

I am working on feeling very encouraged by the news!!

I went for a short walk in Chinatown which was almost deserted. I heard one man wish another Happy New Year. A very smartly dressed, attractive Chinese woman walked down the street so I hoped for my blip. She did not want to be photographed for Chinese New Year because she is a Christian - I suspect a Jehovah's Witness - we have Christian Chinese friends who do celebrate.

Just off Chinatown is Blackfriars. It was founded by Dominican friars in 1239 and is now a restaurant. It is just inside the city walls and a little oasis amid its surroundings. My fish eye lens came in useful.