We had our first house guest staying for the last few days, fortunately a very easy going and easily pleased one. Fortunately she is happy shopping by herself, so could be dispatched to the Grand Bazaar when I had work. She also brought over some things I’d requested from the US, which are very pleasing and include two chopping boards and a ridiculous set of paraphernalia for opening jars. There is a certain sort of American excess that takes me aback still, but I’m getting more austere with age and climate catastrophe, there’s no doubt about it. Also I can hardly say anything about American excess given my extravagant purchase of a handmade Japanese tea strainer whilst in London, which I am embarrassed to admit to the price. Even a GF, not one to stint, was shocked.
She is also very sociable and discovered some distant relatives in town whom she met by herself and then the GF and I met as well for dinner at a fish restaurant. We heard some very good and salacious family gossip which unfortunately can’t be retold and it was a pleasant enough meal, though the GF was a bit under the weather. Not COVID if the tests are to be believed though it’s definitely back these days.