An EU Presidency Diary

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July - August - Sept - Oct - Nov - Dec

On Saturday, 4-July, I had the idea to keep a Food Diary (and perhaps more than just food) of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Updates online every 2 or 3 days.

Links:

Catchup!  6 July 2026, Monday

Well, better get started. 

I was in the US for two weeks, only returning on Monday, 29-June.  Didn't see much of A as she was at a dinner on Monday night and then was off to Dublin on Wednesday (returning Saturday).  Just as well, maybe, as my 17:15 flight from Washington Dulles left me more than usually jetlagged.   I wasn't good for much until Friday

Still, on Tuesday I did go to see "De Gaulle", part 1, with Andreas & Christina, and got home just minutes after A.  We had a nice meal together, and toasted the incipient Irish Presidency.  I have started reading the daily (M-F) the Politico "Brussels Playbook¨. 
Wednesday, I went to the dentist but otherwise did nothing, my head still felt stuffed full of cotton.  Dentish very happy with the state of my gums all healthy & pink she said; the little brushes seem to work alright.  Sent emails to my family in the US with links related to A and/or the Presidency
Thursday, still a basket case.  To the GP in the morning, then driving to CHIREC Delta to book (most of) the tests she wanted me to have, including one on Friday morning.  I had been planning on going on a tour of the EU institutions on Friday, but there were slots open so I took one & let Eddie Brannigan (who was organizing it) know that I'd be a no-show.  Took a nap, as I was completely knackered after a very sleepless night thanks to continued jet lag.  Refreshed by my naps, I went to an early evening (6pm) house concert by David Ronaldo & The Dice, that my friend Marc invited me to, out in rural Flanders between BXL and Antwerp.  Excellent show (the sort of music I'd have liked more when in my 20's), and surprisingly good soup & paella.  Home after 11pm.
Friday I was back in the swing of things, but didn't do much (except go to my 3rd medical appointment in as many days).   Patrick, the pool man, came by.  Pool's almost ready to use again, but he needed to come again on Saturday. 

4 July 2026, Saturday

OK, this is still catchup.  A home on the early flight from Dublin,  home by 10-1030.  She did little:  Saturday is the Rest Day.  I took it easy as well, except for food shopping.

5 July 2026, Sunday

Back into the swing of things, with the first full Working Week of the Irish Presidency.  A did some work in the morning, then walked into the Perm Rep (they have all been working Sundays for a couple of months; A for considerably longer).  I picked her up at 6pm (handy we have a car now, eh?).  More work & calls, and though her main evening call was cancelled, we still ate at 9pm as planned.   During the day, I did the foodshopping and also went on a meandering walk to the Gare Central / Centraal Station (4.8 km, 5600 steps), my first post-jetlag walk.  13,300 steps (9.7 km) for the day!  Nearly forgot fresh corriander, but fortunately the Del Haize recently extended its Sunday hours to 20:00.  That Del Haize Dash helped boost the steps a bit.  After dinner, A packed for her overnight trip to Strasbourg tomorrow.

6 July 2026, Monday

A off at 07:30, overnight in Strasbourg, back tomorrow.

I went on a 7.5 km (9300 steps) walk through the Bois de la Cambre where I often walk.  Today, particularly interested in checking out the hours and food offerings at the Woodpecker café (near parking) and Le Kiosque (another good 8-10 min walk further into the Bois).  Woodpecker opens at 10, and Le Kiosque at 9, but I discovered the food offerings at Le Kiosque are quite limited, it's basically a spot for tea, coffee, "softs", beer and wine, and a very nice one, too.  11,600 steps for the day.

7 July, Tuesday

The weekly Perm Rep Spouses/Partners coffee was at the Woodpecker café in the Bois de la Cambre (about a 25 minute walk). Six of us showed up, including Wanda with her 3-month old daughter and Aaron with his daughter (early teens?), son (a bit younger) & dog.  Just as we were breaking up, Tony wandered up with his goddaughter, just getting over chicken pox, so I stayed longer & we chatted.  After that... pick up A's dry cleaning; buy a quiche lorraine at Les Tartes de Françoise; try to charge the car (unsuccessfully, due to making silly mistakes); then shower & dress for the concert. 

It was the Opening Concert for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, with a reception first, at Flagey (studio 4).  Nice reception -- good nibbles, had a few nice chats -- but the concert was excellent (and the place was full!).  My favorite bit was a sax solo by Sam Comerford of an Irish tune but done in a somewhat avant-garde jazz style.  A bit out there for the audience, perhaps, but it was excellent and no harm to stretch people a bit. We were in the front row, with A next to the minister... I've always avoided front rows, but settled into it right away of course. Home after, for a light meal of the quiche & toasted (leftover) baguette.  As well I had bought it, as A had had nothing to eat. It was a working dinner for her, despite the hour; the new normal, I think.  Cut up a melon for our breakfasts in the morning.

10,100 steps for the day.

8 July, Wednesday

Worked on the computer in the morning, some progress modifying a script to open Google maps to the coordinates in an image's metadata.  Then lunch & food shoppping, and after that a doctor's appointment.  Started cooking when I got home, which was as well given how long the aubergines took to make on the ridged griddle. 

7,681 steps.  No walk.

9 July, Thursday

Out to "Vaux Hall Nights", a summer concert series in Vaux Hall, a Victorian-looking (should I say "Leopoldian-looking") building in the Parc de Bruxelles across from the royal palace, to see Ola Tunji, one of my favorite groups.  Only one set, of around an hour, including a couple of original pieces.  The last (and new) piece featured Gaspard Mathelin, a trumpet player who I've seen sit in with them before, and  vocalist Jessie Nuama (? if I got the name right, can't find her on the internet).  Mathelin adds a lot to the group; both times I've seen him, I've thought he was very good.

15,793 steps, including a full lap of the Bois:  Around 1050 steps (around 875 m) each way to & from the Bois (depends on which way I go), then the large loop in the Bois was 6,145 steps (5.1 km). 

10 July, Friday

Another medical appointment.  Had a friend & his two kids over for a swim in the late afternoon.  Seeing the kids at the coffee morning on Tuesday, it reminded me of being that age, in Ouagadougou, when we sometimes seemed to live at the Embassy pool, so I invited them all over.  Planning on another swim, but their schedules are already mostly filled up into early August (OK, summer camp does take up some of that!)

7,077 steps.  No walk.  Between the appointment and the swim, surprised I had that much.

11 July, Saturday

Here it is Tuesday night already, and I'm playing catchup!  Anyway, didn't do much on Saturday, I used the heat as an excuse to goof off.  A bit of foodshopping and cooking dinner; listening to jazz; reading.  A did some work, despite it being her day off.  Patrick came to check on the pool.  No walk today, but did go to the foodstore twice

7,986 steps (5.7 km).  Not quite sure how I managed that -- maybe those foodstore trips did it.
12 July, Sunday

A was working, as they all do Sundays.  I had a quick but shortish early walk ( 3,322 steps / 2.8 km) just to Flagey & back.  The Sunday market there was stretched out along one side of the Etangs d'Ixelles, the Ixelle ponds.  I much prefer that -- the shade of the trees, the water, the sense of walking down a street (OK, you actually are walking down a street, but you know!)  I bought a croissant and a pain au chocolat for A's breakfast.  After dropping her in to the office, I had another, longer, walk into the Bois: just the short loop as far as the Woodpecker Café (5,913 steps / 5.0 km).  There was a huge African festival going on -- a stage with live music, stalls selling clothing, crafts, food & drink, etc etc.  Quite big!  Still gearing up for the day but already fairly busy.  Nearly bought a black sort-of-cricket-hat but did not.  Stopped into the Italian shop & one of the foodstores on the way back from the Bois.  Sandwiches for lunch.  Called Mom in the afternoon; my brother & his husband were there, on their way to the mountains; had a nice but brief chat with the three of them.

14,086 steps (10.4 km)

13 July, Monday

Reception tonight, and it's another hot day, should go up to 30º C.  So I had an early walk (5,790 steps, 6.2 km) to get it out of the way:  a long loop of the Etangs d'Ixelles & the flat part of the Abbaye de la Cambre.  The Abbaye is such a pretty place, nestled (and that is the only word) in a small culvert with the land going up on 3 sides.  I normally come in from the top, and go through the terraced formal gardens then loop around the edge of the Abbaye -- what I think of as a perimeter walk.  But today was down in the centre, in by the main entrance, go past the grassy plaza & the church, the old buildings, the box trees, the water tank (three balloons floating in the water lilies - I tried a photo but it did not work).  I'll add some photos later, perhaps, when I find or re-take them.  The rest of the day was a mix of making sure all was ready for the reception; listening to jazz; and reading.

13,011 steps (9.7 km) (can this be right? it seems high.)

14 July, Tuesday

Reception went well, and afterwards, in the cool of the late evening, we sat on the balcony and enjoyed the fresh air and the sound of the wind in the tall trees.  Up early this morning and A. was out the door.  I went to the weekly spouses/partners coffee.  Good location, an easy walk (read "mostly downhill"), 3682 steps / 3.3 km.  Went to the foodstore, but otherwise took it easy, as my left knee is at me and since yesterday also my left foot.   Started reading Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's The Odyssey, that F. gave me. 

11,125 steps (8.3 km)

15 July, Wednesday

A had a bit of a sleep-in compared to the last few days, up at 7am.  I did a long loop of the Bois (7,885 steps, 6.5 km), while it was still cool, then a shower.  C (PR facilities team) and I went to a giant garden center in Flanders, but relatively nearby.  Huge place.  Picked out some plants to replace the rather sad specimens in the larger pots.  I threw in a small sage plant (who can resist sage?) and a small box of mixed flowers, the "butterfly mix".   C replace the sad specimens with these new ones, and I must say it looks 1000% better.  Hope they live.  I went to the market in Place Chatelaine, and had the vegetarian cous cous at the Moroccan stall that I like (and indeed where I had lunch with Andreas a week or two ago).  Also bought some Napoleon cherries (they are so nice, the Napoleons!) and some Moroccan crêpes, they were called, for dinner, a chicken & onion and and (was it spinach & mozarella?  well, I guess it will be a surprise!).  On the bus home (my poor feet were too tired to walk home: already at 14,800 steps and it's barely 3pm), there was a lady with the tiniest baby imaginable wrapped tight against her chest,  couldn't have been a month old at most.  She would occasionally adjust the baby's tiny legs, or maybe give it a kiss or two.  Have to take A. to the Giant Garden Center one of these Saturdays.

17,119 steps (12.6 km).  I said that garden center was big ;-)  Will take it easy tomorrow.

16 July, Thursday

Spent the first part of the day on food:  picking out recipies, food shopping (3 different stores:  most stuff up in Malibran, at a little Arab greengrocer + general store; empties to the bottle bank; fizzy water at the Bio shop; and finally a couple of things in the Delhaize next door.  And then cooking.  The main dish needs 2-1/2 hours in the oven (in two stages), then I want to serve it at room temperature.  So I needed to get stuck in as soon as I was home.  Lunch was one of the Moroccan crêpes I bought yesterday -- tasty! -- and what with cleaning up, I wasn't done until early afternoon.  And then a stroll to the store, as the main course had used up all the herbs, to my surprise, and more are needed for the salad.   Rest of the day:  read, listen to jazz, etc etc. 

7,365 steps (5.2 km)

17 July, Friday

Went on a long walk (8,653 steps / 7.0 km), past the Bois de la Cambre & into the Forêt de Soignes / Zoniënwoud, just beyond it.  The Forêt is huge, going on for another 9 km out of the city (yeyond the far edge of the Bois).  I was aiming for the Hippodrome de Boitsfort, where there is an old horse racing track (quick internet research: built in 1875 for horse racing; of the 3 in the Brussels area, it has best retained its original character; and it's not actually in Boitsfort, but in Uccle... who knew!). 

It's a very nice walk out there, the Forest is lovely, very shady this time of year, with well managed paths and the occasional service road, it was like being in the country.  At the Hippodrome's main entrance (but inside the facility), there's a nice terraza & a smaller café.  In the base of the grandstand, there's a rock'n'roll school, a café & a florist, and a golf course in the infield.  Quite the place.  After my look around, I pressed on, thinking to go to the ponds in the Parc Tournay-Solvay (which is in Boitsford).  Made it past the 3 smaller ponds on the way (turned off at the Étang du Clos des Chênes / Eikenhofvijver and took the tram home), so I didn't make it to the main pond.  Have to do this again, but without a detour to the Hippodrome.  Picked up a few things at the store.  Worked on some of my To Do items -- the "boring" administrative stuff of life. 

15,573 steps (11.4 km)

18 July, Saturday

Busy busy!  Spent some time going through photos from my phone; uploaded a couple to my Pixelfed account (https://pixelfed.ie/pedro).  The landlord's mason came by to check on some loose flagstones; he'll be back on Monday to fix them.  Patrick came by to do the pool.  Took A to Inno -- she had little success, but I bought a new monitor: a curved 32", up from the previous 27".  But more to the point, it doesn't have 5 bright vertical lines messing up the display.  Foodstore!  Set it up when we got home (super!) and suddenly, it's after 5.  Sat on the terrace later, until it got too chilly, then watched Silo in the evening.

7,548 steps (5.2 miles) - no walk today

19 July, Sunday

A was working, of course.  I spent a lot of time going through photos from my phone (a couple more Pixelfed uploads), and then went for a long walk after lunch, down through the Saint-Gilles neighborhood to the Marolles and Anneesens neighborhoods, then over the river towards the Basilica.  Only made it as far as the Compte de Flandre / Graf van Vlaanderen metro stop, a good ways shy of the Basilica.  It was downhill or flat the whole way, but I'd had enough (7,499 steps, 5.8 km).  Took the metro & bus home from there.  Picked up A from work.  

11,844 steps, 8.8 km

20 July, Monday

Most of the morning going through photos (and a couple more pixelfed uploads), and sorting out which ones I have printed & which I haven't.  Dropped off a USB to have some of the latter printed, and then to the foodstore.  Oh - also bought a frame for the Irish Times article about A (and put it in).  The workmen came by to fix the broken flagstones.  Walked down to Schlieper, a giant art supply store, to buy another photo album (4,510 steps, 3.4 km).  Too many concerts clogging up the hard drive -- sent some to Marc, he can track 'em and share them on Dime (and his ul/dl ratio could use some help!).  Heard back from the Irish solicitors re updating our wills.

10, 178 steps, 7.3 km

21 July, Tuesday

A happy Belgian National Day to everyone!  A long walk in the Bois de la Cambre (8,293 steps, 7.0 km) but otherwise spent much of the day on the administrative chores of life, and A worked.  In the afternoon, one of the neighbor's chickens jumped the fence, strutting about our garden like it owned the place.  Nearly went into the next neighbor's garden but thought better of it.  No sign of it by the end of the day, I assumed it jumped back into the coop for the night.  Such is excitement around here...  Between yesterday and today, did 3 loads of laundry, including trying out the new detergent sheets that I bought (my brother K. uses them, and I liked the idea).  The sound of fireworks in the evening.  

14,347 steps, 10.6 km

22 July, Wednesday

The penultimate Perm Rep Spouses & Partners Tuesday Coffee today.  Only three of us (as last week; different three!).  We agreed next week will be the last of the season.  Didn't walk there as I was late, but afterwards checked out a nearby place for next week's coffee and then walked home (4,483 steps, 4.0 km).  Then more admin stuff, called Mom (reminisced about the long drives Mom & Dad would take us all on when we were kids, and told her of the neighbor's chicken, among other things).  Tonight we have to go to a farewell dinner for some of A's working group, so I get to wear my suit; if it was hotter, I'd have gone more casual, but it's quite cool today.  ("have to":  well, I at least am looking forward to it, just to be clear.)  We went to a farewell dinner (for 3 departing EU ambassadors), at Martin's Château du Lac.  Nice place.  The border between Flanders and Wallonia runs through the eponymous lake.  Had a nice chat with some of the other spouses, one invited me to join them in a tour of the royal palace on Thursday, but I couldn´t get tickets.

10,819 steps, 8.0 km

23 July, Thursday

Going to take it easy today maybe.  Did not take a walk.  Spent most of the morning on the computer, including a lot of discussion with Marc about a Miles Davis show that was on RTBF "Les Lives" recently, which I captured > shared with him > he shared further.  Someone complaining to him that the spectrogram indicates a less than optimal lineage.  Oh dear?  Not really:  that's all upstream to us and, as Marc points out, that is still better than any other known recording of that show.  Perfectionism, ain't nothing like it.  As (so we are told) a report card said about A's father when he was young, "First in class, could do better".   Picked up my photos that I'd taken in on Monday -- they look great. Put one of the newly printed ones into the frame hung in the front hall (I have a clear frame there, and rotate the photo print in it regularly).  Then to the bio [organic] shop for pasta, and to check out if they have any laundry sheets: yes, they do, and the same brand that I ordered online.  So I'll get them there in future.  A had a dinner at a colleagues.  Read for a while, and then watched TV. 

4,831 steps, 3.4 km.

24 July, Friday

Things are quieting down for A, as the Brussels Bubble slides into vacation mode.   I did another full loop of the Bois (8,108 stepts, 6.9 km), but otherwise took it easy.   Work on some 'admin' stuff, listen to some jazz, read a bit. It was my dad's birthday.

13,875 steps, 10.5 km

25 July, Saturday

We both took it easy today, though I did that same walk (8,069 steps, 6.7 km).  It is funny how the distance varies.  I think that a lot of that is how I get to the park, need to look at the maps & distances.   More admin stuff.  Jazz.  Read a bit.  I'm getting near the end of  The Odyssey. 

12,794 steps, 9.5 km

26 July, Sunday

Started the day (if 11am is a start) with a call with F.  Nice chat, as always.  A didn't have to go into the office, but worked most of the day, with several calls in the evening (as all Sundays now).  I did the same walk again (8,413 steps, 7.1 km).  Yes, it is how I get to & from the park.  Today, a longer route both ways (7.1); yesterday the shortest route both ways (6.7); Friday a mix (6.9).  I want a change -- I'm thinking, maybe find a better route straight into the Forêt, walk for 7 km and take a tram home (again; it worked well other times).  I ran errands in the car:  bought more fizzy water (the bottles have a deposit); food shopping.  Stocking up on wine:  there's a lot on sale at the moment, and we'll want to take some in the car with us to Kinsale.  Sent off requested details to lawyers, about our wills, with my questions.  Read a bit; I don't think Penelope's pesky suitors have much runway left.  Hoovered up leftovers for lunch, including the dessert that A did not eat on Friday.  Sorry, love, leftover dessert is fair game by lunch the 2nd day after.  The scales this morning showed I'd lost just under 3 kg.  A nice surprise.  Booked into a jazz show at Music Village tomorrow.  Gosh, it sounds like a busy day after all. 

11,875 setps, 9.1 km. 

27 July, Monday

Started the day catching up on the last couple of days of this document.  Going out to night. Marc recommended that show at Music Village (he can't make it).  Quite looking forward to it, haven't been to a show in what seems like quite a while.   Patrick was supposed to come by this afternoon, for the pool, but had to reschedule -- he missed Fri/Sat as his car broke down, and now his loaner from the garage broke down too.  Sent me a sad picture of the car by the side of the road.  Coming Wednesday 11am instead.  I took it very easy, reading, admin stuff, jazz, quick trip to the store (bought some bits for A's dinner).  Then off to "Django Meets Piano" at the Music Village, a show that Marc recommended and indeed it was fantastic.  Got home around 11:30, A was still up which was nice. 

7,624, 5.6 km.  (No walk)

28 July, Tuesday

Last coffee of the season, we met at the Woodpecker café in the Parc Royal (a.k.a. Parc de Bruxelles, as far as I can tell).  Walked down (3,942 steps, 3.4 km) but got a lift back from Ulrike who goes up Ave Louise to get home from town.  Anyway, good meet up, 5 people in all.  Really liked the café, entirely under thick tree cover so we were cool in dappled shade.  Big place too!  Sent Marc the concert on Klara FM that I recorded last night, as he requested, and the raw files of the recording of the show last night (had a quick listen: I think it will come out well with a bit of work).  Not planning on another walk, so it remains to be seen how the steps will turn out.  The spice grinder arrived!  Rest of the day got away from me, didn't do much except cook dinner (early, so it would have time to cool) and read The Odyssey (and more of that after dinner, sitting outside; spoiler alert:  Penelope's suitors are dropping like flies). 

9,574 steps, 7.2 km

29 July, Wednesday

Up early for a walk, on the road by 8:15 for the full circuit of the Bois!  (8,528 steps, 7.3 km)    Forecast is for 35º C, but it was pleasant (and very shady) at that hour.  Then ironing (mostly my stuff; hoping A's can wait until K is back on Monday).   But my left foot & ankle were a bit sore, won't walk tomorrow to give them a break.  Then messing with some recordings until noon.  Much of the afternoon cooking, starting with chicken stock for the paella, and reading.  Finished The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson-- excellent, strongly recommend it.  Not going to go to the movie:  I am happier with my mental image of Odysseus et al than Matt Damon et al. 

15,004 steps, 11.1 km

30 July, Thursday

Changed the sheets (should have done that yesterday), and put them on to wash.  Met Siobhan for a coffee at the Lloyd in Bascule - nice to see her after what must be close to 3 months!  Catching up, summer plans, etc.  There was an article about her daughter in the paper recently!  Bought a couple of e-books.  After dinner I mostly read my Spanish book (still reading Fuego en la garganta by Beatriz Serrano; over 2/3 finished), but also started one of the new (very light sci-fi) books.  We sat on the terrace -- lovely and cool after the afternoon's rain.

As I do a couple of times a year, I downloaded books from Kobo (new since the last time I downloaded).  They are my books; I should have a copy that I can read if I move to different e-Reader!  I had been using this downloader applicaion (in Linux): https://github.com/TnS-hun/kobo-book-downloader?tab=readme-ov-file So, I cloned the GIT repository & got started.  But running it gave a wierd externally managed environment error*.  Resolved that by setting up a virtual Python3 environment by following the instructions at https://www.pythontutorials.net/blog/how-do-i-solve-error-externally-managed-environment-every-time-i-use-pip-3/ , and downloaded a list of all my books on Kobo.  Identified those not already in Calibre (see https://calibre-ebook.com/ a super e-book management program, also runs on Windows), downloaded them, added them to Calibre and closed the virtual environment.  Along the way, added a field to Calibre for "Source" and added a value for all the Kobo books (and also for a lot of books from some other sources, e.g. Gutenberg).   That'll help for next time!  Then I made a local copy of the PythonTutorials.net page, and annotated it with my experience.  That'll help for next time too!
* I understand why this happened, thanks to PythonTutorials.  Makes good sense.  At the same time, I think that this is the sort of thing that drives people away from Linux.  Mind you, people who don't bother to download their e-books for their own archive are probably not going to try Linux anyway.  But still... 

4,666 steps, 3.3 km.  But my ankle feels much better.

31 July, Friday

Started the day on the computer:  Marc uploaded the show I recorded the other night.  Says it came out well.  Then a couple more photos onto pixelfed.ie, etc etc.   Checked my pills for the trip:  plenty to get me through August+, except a vitamin and the tooth flossing brushes.   Foodshopping, then made the chicken marinade for dinner.  Another walk in the Bois (8,456 steps, 7.3 km), then lunch.  In the Bois, lots of work in the plaza in front of the Woodpecker Café, and they've had No Parking notices up for Fri-Mon for a few days.  Asked a couple of people, and they were setting up for the Fête de Colombia (Fiesta de Colombia, surely?), midday-10pm Sat & Sun.  Must go tomorrow!  More admin work later, including making printouts I will need, etc, and popped out to the chemist for vitamins I'm low on.  Not too hot today, but was feeling hot'n'sweaty since the walk, so had a swim.  The rinse with the garden hose first is maybe the best part.  A bit of reading, cooking dinner, reading on the terrace, watched a TV show for the first time in what seems like ages.

16,072 steps, 11.9 km.

1 August, Saturday

Awake early, then up onto the computer to waste some time, uploaded a show.   A to work early; normally Saturday is more of a rest day but not this weekend.  I had problems with the extension router for my office (fixed now); also booked a trip to Madrid (been too long!).  I went for a walk (measured in two parts, totalling 7,686 steps, 6.7 km).  There was a Fiesta de Colombia in the plaza in the middle of the Bois (where the Woodpecker café is).  Had a nice stroll around, and then a bite of lunch:  a patacón, a base of crisp fried green plantain, topped with corriander sauce & meat (I had the mixto, chicken & beef).  Tasty, but rather filling.  The festival was only getting started -- some of the stalls were still setting up, not too many people yet.   It was almost entirely food, a few stalls selling tat and a few stalls only selling drinks.  In the early afternoon, A managed to go to the hairdresser after a very busy day so far. 

11,478 steps, 8.6 km
Festival de Colombia
Festival de Colombia
(click to open in new tab)
patacón
Patacón
(click to open in new tab)

2 August, Sunday

Slept in a bit, then foodshopping, making dinner, eating lunch and going for a walk in the Bois (7,467 steps, 6.7 km).  Left bit later than yesterday, and indeed the Festival de Colombia was in full swing.  I popped in just to buy a bottle of water, very refreshing!  Had a swim after I got back, then some admin work & listening to music.  Dinner on our terrace, and sat out afterwards until late as it was a warm day, but a lovely evening.

13,381 steps, 9.8 km

3 August, Monday

High today predicted to be 33º.  The landlord and his tree man coming by at 10 (they are definitely taking down that tree; landlord doesn't understand all the red tape, I think he has little experience of cities that have lost most of their trees), so caught up on this document & reminded myself of some css tricks (i.e. how the photos above are displayed).  Then out for a walk shortly after 10, to beat the heat (8,316 steps, 6.9 km).  Yesterday, I added some mint sprigs to my vat of weak tea (3 teabags in 2 L of water).  Tried it today:  very refreshing!  I have two of these 2L glass jars, one being drunk, one steeping on the counter.  Very mildly caffeinated, but tasty (esp. with that mint).   Picked out dinner, did the shopping and made dinner -- everything is chilled, so that had to be done in the afternoon.  Spent some time getting The Travel Laptop ready:  mirroring the main computer to the laptop; software updates; un- & re-installing a program that was acting funny; etc.  Have to update the mirror later, just before we go.  Went through old concerts, picked out a bunch to (re)master.  the two that I've worked on recently came out pretty good.  Really takes me back!

13,463 steps, 9.8 km

4 August, Tuesday

Going to take it easy today, no walk.  Instead, I finally trimmed the roses, the poor things having a "Black-Thumb Bullen" minding them.  It's like having a green thumb, except the opposite.  Should be meeting a colleague (& spouse) of A's after work, so we'll eat out -- so no foodshopping or cooking (just as well:  at this point, we need to be clearing out the fridge before our trip!).   Charged the car -- was going to wash it also, but it started raining as soon as I took it out of the garage.  Met up at 5:30 pm or so, in Place Jourdan.  Had to change terraza as the first place was closed for vacation, ended up at l'Autobus, sitting outside.  Perfect afternoon for it, chatted for over 2 hours as the sun slowly set behind the buildings.  Afterwards, A & I went to 450 Gradi, an excellent pizzaria just off place Jourdan (so close we could see it from our terraza).  Ate outside.  Excellent & imaginative pizzas.  Then a taxi home, and me to bed being very tired.

4,330 steps, 3.1 km.  (No walk.)

5 August, Wednesday

Out early for a walk (7,797 steps, 6.6 km), then shower and relaxed for an hour.  Did the pre-check for the ferry.  Started another backup (no, there is no end to this).  Spent much of the day packing, though, as we're leaving tomorrow for Kinsale.  It's also general rubbish day today (evening, and kitchen-waste rubbish day tomorrow morning, so we did a Big Clearout of the fridge before the trip.  Good luck with the timing of the rubbish collections!  Also packed up the very last bits of Spanish treats, a packet of jamón, the final tranch of that queso and a small tin of anchoas de sardoño. 

13,826 steps, 10.2 km

6 August, Thursday

Missed the target of 10:00 am, but only by a half hour.  Off to Honfleur, in Normandy, just across the Seine from Le Havre (not that you would know it!).  Bit of traffic getting out of town, but a lovely drive once we got going.  Still learning how this whole recharging an EV thing works.  Down to 17% when we finally got into an Aire (excellent, and frequent, rest/service/food stops on French highways).  A lot of trouble getting the charger to actually work.  And the big surprise:  E. a colleague of A's who works at the Commission, came running up:  they were charging their car as well.  On their way to... the same ferry as us; also making a trip out of it (which they've done before).  Small world syndrome.  El mundo es un panuelo.  A nice chat, "maybe we'll run into each other on the ferry."

Stayed at La Petite Folie (https://www.lapetitefolie-honfleur.com/), a charming small hotel in the center of Honfleur, which is a very picturesque town indeed.  Had a bit of a walk around, made a dinner reservation for 7:30pm, had a little rest before dinner. 

7,649 steps, 5.1 km.  (Not bad for no walk + most of the day driving.)

7 August, Friday

The morning in Honfleur.  More walking around (it really is a pleasant place!), bought a blouse for A when she inexplicably would not buy it herself despite it looking so good on her.  Went to the Eugène Boudin Museum (https://www.musees-honfleur.fr/); do not miss this if you're in Honfleur.  Then on the road to Roscoff.  More tension about charging, but we were at 25% when we found a charger & had less trouble.  At 68% when we got on the ferry.  So to Roscoff, a bite of dinner then onto the ferry.  And who was on the ferry parked just behind us in the next row but E & family.  Hilarious!  Had a walk around, then a glass of wine or two, and discovered the main bar had a live show (on the dance floor), followed by karaoke.  And there is a pool.  I must say, Brittany Ferries is the Full Ferry Experience.  Later E told us it was much more sedate in the Piano Bar, but I think we did well.  Surprisingly good, and very young, performers.  They were followed by karaoke, which very young child karaoke singers (who were pretty good, actually, one tiny girl in particular).  It felt like the Billy Barry Stage School was on vacation on our ferry.  This all went on extremely late -- the ferry was an 11pm sailing.

8,700 steps, 5.8 km, almost entirely in Honfleur.

8 August, Saturday

Spent a lot of time on deck, looking at the ocean or reading, until we were close to Cork Harbour.  Then got a spot at the front of the boat, where there are large plastic panels as a wind-break, to watch the entrance into outer Cork Harbour... Spike Island... Cobh...  Great fun, Cobh was sparkling in the bright sunshine (check back:  I'll try to add a couple of photos later).  Off the boat, through passport control and so to Kinsale.  House in fine shape, but the patch of ground at the back of the (otherwise flagstoned) back "garden" has been completely taken over by weeds.  But they look quite good, tall and green with lovely pink flowers.  I make a push to keep them.  We do a bit of unpacking, and then head down for the traditional first meal in Jim Edwards.  A small stroll, we buy a few things for dinner, and home.  A does some weeding amongst the flagstones, I go on a walk to The Dock and back (8,205 steps, 6.7 km), and take a shower.  Pop out to the store later (they have a fast-ish charger!  Two!) before dinner. 

14,594 steps, 10.8 km

9 August, Sunday

Weather again excellent.  Charged the car at the slow charger, there are only 2 spots in Kinsale, a 2-bay 50 kW at Supervalue and a 3-bay 22 kW at Friar's Lodge (on the eponymous Friars Street, and fortunately just a 2 minute walk away.  Then went for a short walk, just to the Trident (1km) and around town a bit (3,203 steps, 2.5 km).  Then some housework -- get the place looking nice right at the start, then you can enjoy it, says A, who had already done a great job weeding the flagstones out back yesterday.  I did all the windows front & back, swept the passage behind the house, washed the front door (which gets very dirty; not so much this time but still needed a clean), and hoovered the stairs, where dust seems to gravitate.  A bite of lunch, then off to Kent Station in Cork, to pick up F.  Good to see her, she's in fine form.  Later, she takes a rest while A and I go for a stroll (as far as the Trident, which I now know means that was a 2k+ walk).  Town continues to sparkle.  We go into most of our favorite shops and into the new Chalk & Easel on Market Place -- they finally moved over from Ballinspittle.  Much smaller!  We have bought a number of things from them over the years (including our kitchen table, which they would never fit into this new place).  Hope they make it in the new location. 

Later, we all meet A's sister (also A: we'll call her "S" instead) for a drink at Sam's, which is surprisingly empty and, so, quieter than normal.  Between that & having a corner booth, I can hear the conversation and even join it.  S is doing well, looks great, we all chat for an hour then F and I leave the sisters to chat, and go for dinner.  Then home, chat for a bit, I fall asleep in the armchair before heading to bed.

13,476 steps, 9.6 km

10 August, Monday

Up before everyone, I take the car to charge.  With few chargers in West Cork, I want to keep it topped up (and, we have a trip tomorrow).  It does not work, but we've enough juice for tomorrow's drive.  Today, have to get A to look at the wills.  Spend some time playing with CSS for this page.  Might redo the colors...  A & I drove out to Garrettstown beach, and did the walk from one end of Garrettstown beach to the far end of Garylucas beach, but not onto the bluffs above the shore beyond (6,118 steps, 4.0 km).  A lovely day for it.  The tide was coming in, but there was just a gentle breeze and (as a result?) very small waves, especially at Garylucas.  No windsurfers today!  Sat on the beach & read for a while, until the water came too close.  Then, not having bought lunch in Balinspittle (shop closed Mondays, as was Stranded at Garylucas), and not enticed by the food trucks at the beaches, we drove to The Speckled Door, at the start of the Old Head loop for lunch.  Very nice. 

11,225 steps, 7.9 km

11 August, Tuesday

A & I are off to Ballydehob, to see D, a friend from Madrid.  Nice drive down, around 90 minutes, a route we know well & always enjoy.   D was doing well & looked great, and her niece's husband (who works from home, technically our host) joined us for lunch.  A nice chat, beautiful lunch, and then we headed over to Skibbereen for a little wander around town.  I buy Monsignor Quijote by Graham Greene, A buys two books.   F says she'll cood dinner.   We get home close to 7pm; no walk today.

12 August, Wednesday

Charged the car first thing, at the 22 kW charger in the Friary Lodge.  Had to install the app to do so -- despite it having worked twice before.  As if you get a couple of uses, after which you must have the app?  Cute hoors, as they say around here.   Later, we visited the solicitor re our wills, which we signed, then a little stroll around town, bought some dinner things & some little short-stem wine/juice glasses.   I worked on an old recording from 2020 that came out very well, until lunch, then A & I went to the Dock Beach (a.k.a. Kinsale Beach).  The water was lovely, once you got over the initial shock.  A's sister "S" came to the beach a bit later, had a swim & a chat, then we headed home.  Then the eclipse.  We went to the park at the start of the bridge, where the food trucks are, which has good views upriver towards the setting sun, as we'd noted yesterday on the way home.   A bit of  a damp squib, what with very heavy cloud cover, but the clouds parted a few times for a view of the partially eclipsed sun and, of course, it got a bit dark, like late dusk.   So to home and dinner.   Early to bed, after all that sea air and sun at the beach.  No walk.

7,982 steps, 5.5 km.  Can I count that as 8k steps?

13 August, Thursday

Charged the car at the 55 kW charger at the foodstore, much faster.  We all took it easy today, though around 11am, I did a big walk (11,631 steps, 8.8 km), over to the Kinsale Boat Yard at Middle Cove.   Beautiful sunny day for it, but I did get a bit hot in the sun.  Stopped at a refreshments truck at Charles Fort for water on the way back!  Then some lunch, and then a little nap seemed in order.  Later, A & I went for a stroll around town.  Had a nice chat with Kate in the Wine Buff & bought a  couple of bottles, then got 99's on Pier Road.  Went almost to the Trident hotel (i.e. around 1 km from home) along the pier, then back via Lower O'Connell St & Main St as there was so much traffic (why?).  Took it easy again until dinner.

18,769 steps, 13.3 km
Swimmers at Charles Fort
Swimmers at Charles Fort
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14 August, Friday

Took it easy, then we drove to Coachford to see A's Aunt Mary.  She was doing well, we had a chat & then she served scones & apple tart in the dining room -- her scones are the best!  And her son Cormac (A's cousin) showed up, so we got the latest on him & his family.  Interesting discussion of the effect of drought on the average dairy farmer.  TL;DR:  it's tough just now.  Then back home, stopping at Béal na Bláth on the way.  In mid afternoon, I dropped the car over to Charles Fort, for dinner later, and walked back (3,747 steps, 2.8 km).  Took shortcuts, as I was doing some foodshopping on the way home & was worried a couple of specific shops would close (no worries there, as it turned out).  Later, we walked over to the Bulman  in Summercove, for dinner (4,136 steps, 3.3 km).   Before dinner, we had a drink outside (0% Guinness for me). There was a large group of boys shivering on the dock, looked as if they'd been swimming (and some would occasionally jump in).  Looked as if they were a group who had been doing something. The evening was perfect for the walk and to be eating on the first (US: second) floor looking out over the water.  Lovely light.  Then I picked up the car & we drove home.  As I said to A, I would be walking in both directions, the question was only when. 

10,372 steps, 7.5 km
Béal na Bláth
Béal na Bláth
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Kinsale Harbour, from the High Road
Kinsale Harbour, from the High Road
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Group of boys on the dock, Summercove, Kinsale
Group of boys on the dock, Summercove, Kinsale
(click to open in new tab)

15 August, Saturday

Up early, put on a load of whites, picked out an alternative dinner for tonight instead of the prawns I'd bought (they'll be fine on Monday -- still defrosting!), and did the shopping.  Then made the dessert & put the main course on to marinate, before going for a walk twice around Compass Hill (7,169 steps, 5.7 km; not quite as far as I had hoped).  Got back just in time to join A for a coffee with Carmel, an old friend from Kinsale.  Power was out for the entire town, a fire in a field had damaged something or other.  Didn't come back until several hours later.  Anyway, we went to the Cozy Café, where they managed to provide something (but nothing hot!).  Nice to see Carmel, we all had a good chat.  Next, A & I went first to Robert's Cove, where it was low tide, and had a short walk on the cliffs, and then to Oysterhaven on the drive back.  Robert's Cove was like a postcard, and a large group were judging an impressive selection of large, complicated sand castles that the children had made, to much clapping and cheering.  The Inn there is now a private residence, which was a surprise, and the pub still opens only at 16:30, very odd.  And Oysterhaven?  Pretty, but nothing there but the Activity Centre (apparently not even a pub or café).  Many houses for sale; lack of amenities, I said.  Back home, I washed 2 pairs of trousers, and later made dinner.  Reading in the living room later.

Going to have to split this up into separate files by month, or something...

13,772 steps, 10.1 km

Robert's Cove
Robert's Cove
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Robert's Cove
Robert's Cove
(click to open in new tab)
Robert's Cove
Robert's Cove
(click to open in new tab)
Robert's Cove
Robert's Cove
(click to open in new tab)

16 August, Sunday

Took it easy today, no walk.  Did some laundry, hung out.  We took F to Cork to catch the 14:00 AirCoach to Dublin, then went into town, A to BT's, myself to Vibes & Scribes used-book section, bought a few science fiction books & a cookbook.  Then we were meeting Helen at Dubray Books, so headed over there (and bought another cookbook while I was waiting).  Then the three of us wandered over to the Cork on a Fork food festival, and got something to eat.  A had bhajis, Helen had Palestinian flatbread with a topping (I forget what) and I had a nice red dal with rice & some "Bombay" potatoes.  Ate & chatted for some time, then we headed back to Kinsale and took it easy:  Sunday afternoon & all!  Charged the car.

6,953 steps, 4.8 km (no walk)

17 August, Monday

Went to Cobh which I've never really visited (and only been once).  Took the ferry across the river to get there (it cuts, what, 35 km off the route?).  Lovely little town, we had a bit of a walk near the water before lunch at the Seasalt Café.  After, we strolled up to St Colman's Cathedral (and "up" is very much the word -- Cobh is built on the side of very steep hill), and came back down via the "Deck of Card" houses on West View.  Saved the harbour cruise and Spike Island for next time.  When we got home, I made part of dinner & paid some bills, then cooked the prawns for dinner.  After which, a bit unexpectedly, A suggested we go the the session at Dalton's (which is now 4 or 5 nights a week).  A good crowd, but not jammed full -- just perfect.  I had a couple of pints of Guinness 0%.  We stayed until the final song, as always "Amhrán na bhFiann" (and everybody stands up). 

8,335 steps, 5.7 km (no walk)

18 August, Tuesday

Started with some work -- hoovering, laundry in prep for the trip.  took it easy.  I head up-river, not as far as the old bridge, but well past the marsh & Black's of Kinsale (9,069 steps, 7.4 km).  A and I have another stroll around town at some point. 

13,670 steps, 10.0 km. 

19 August, Wednesday

Up early, charged the car, did my ironing, packing, kitchen, etc etc.  The water works have finally reached our house, just in time for us to load the car in the afternoon.  On the road for 13:30, right on time for a target 13:00 departure.  Good drive up to Dublin, and we left Kinsale just in time:  the dry, warm, sunny weather has finally broken, and it's much cooler with much needed rain!  Presents after we unpacked, then a rest.  Dinner at Bellagio's in Terenure.  We went there after closing on our house, so many years ago.  Always a friendly place, with a solid Italian menu (the pizzas are excellent, I am told, but I generally have one of the Italian dishes, which they do very well).  Walked there & back, so "made my 10" (approx 1,800 steps / 1.3 km, each way).   Cold and wet in Dublin too.

10, 764 steps, 7.7 km

20 August, Thursday

Easy morning, then off to see cousin T & his wife S for lunch.  We were going to have a good ol' walk, but it was too cold and wet.  Talked about our trip to see T&S in South Africa in Jan-Feb next year, then lunch.  Discussed politics afterwards; there is too much wrong with the world (and the sorry state of transport and energy in Ireland is a feature of that).  Relaxed after we got back home.  Later we walk to Bastible on S.Circular Road for an 8:15 reservation, mostly paid for with a voucher that F gave us for our 30th anniversary.  No walk today either.

4,737 steps, 3.4 km.  No walk.  Sometimes it is like this when travelling.

21 August, Friday

The morning devoted to packing, charge up the car, wash the sheets, load the car, etc, then off to Dublin Port for the 4pm Irish Ferries sailing.   Great views of Bull Island, the Poolbeg Stacks, etc.   A period of enforced idleness is upon us; we are thrilled.  Stayed up late watching "27 Dresses" starring Katherine Heigl & James Marsden.  Perfect boat (or airplane) fare. 

7,557 steps, 5.3 km.  No walk, not sure how I managed that much.

22 August, Saturday

Dock at 11:30, but as expected it takes us around an hour before we are on the road, through Normandy into Seine-Maritime, where we stay overnight in Aumale, at the Logis Hôtel la Villa des Houx.  Charming from the outside, comfortable within, we have a surprisingly good dinner there.  Maybe there is something to the "French food" thing after all...

3,250 steps, 2.3 km (no walk)

23 August, Sunday

Not up as early as planned, but we're on the road for 10am sharp.  A missed exit adds 15 mins to the trip, but otherwise uneventful.  We are home around half-one, then me to the foodstore for provisions & A starts unpacking.  A bite of lunch.  A gets to work, I get to synchronizing my travel laptop and my main computer -- my unpacking can wait.  As can my walks:  It would be good to stretch my legs, but I just don't feel like it.  Tomorrow!  Watched an episode of "Silo" after dinner.

2,691 steps, 1.8 km (no walk).  Jeepers!  I was a slug today.

24 August, Monday

Unpacking.  Foodshopping.  Walk in the Bois (6,710 steps, 6.7 km).  Some reading.  Listen to some jazz.  Recharge the car.  Just settling into being back home.   Spoke to the neighbor's son, to have him move their car out from in front of our garage.  Dinner was a bit late as A had a call (which went on longer than planned, but I had expected that).  Watched another episode of "Silo" after dinner.

12,702 steps, 9.5 km

25 August, Tuesday

We've restarted the Perm Rep Spouses & Partners weekly coffees.  Met at 10:30 (as always), at La Fabrique en Ville which we've been to before.  Five people, which is about average.  Discussions about places to go in Belgium (several people in their last year or two... general feeling of not having "done" enough).  I walked down there (3,228 steps, 3.0 km), and afterwards walked back with Siobhan (3,743 steps, 3.0 km -- that's odd, I know the return route was a bit longer, yet the same km!).  We had a nice chat on the way up Avenue Louise.  She mentioned the Tictac Art Centre, which they went to last weekend for a jazz dance performance -- sounded interesting, both the performance and the art centre.   A has a dinner to go to, so on my own tonight.  Looked into going out to jazz, but only the Music Village had anything & wasn't in the mood for that.

9,165 steps, 6.9 km

26 August, Wednesday


The usual morning of jazz & books followed by a walk in the Bois but on the way home I detoured to Tartes de Françoise to pick up a quiche (9,117 steps, 7.8 km).  Ended up getting a vegetable tarte, not a quiche at all.  A very very late lunch (not much leftovers left now!), and then to Bascule to do the food shopping for tomorrow.  The little old lady who runs the traditional Asian food store is very helpful (and I have almost always picked the wrong item, BTW -- but her suggestions are better and generally cheaper).  Then a dip in the pool & read my Spanish book while I drip dried.  Which I was still at when A got back from the goodbye drinks she was at, so we ate together, quite the nice surprise!

14,727 steps, 11.2 km

27 August, Thursday

Listened to some recordings from the Debrecen Wine & Jazz festival last year, and set up some appointments that were needed, so not a totally unproductive morning.  Then walked what felt like half way around Brussels (link opens in new tab).  Bought a bottle of kombucha towards the end of the walk & then took the No.7 tram back to quite close to the house.   (8,536 steps, 6.9 km + a bit more from the tram to home.)   So to lunch, and then made the curry paste for tonight's dinner.  (It's Thurs afternoon now:  I still have to learn how to cook Sticky Rice...).   Another dip in the pool + reading/vocab in late afternoon.  After dinner, we started "My Brilliant Career", the recent(ish) series, not the movie from the late 1900's.  Oh, that makes it sound so long ago, but surely it was?

13, 240 steps, 9.8 km

28 August, Friday

A medical morning, blood tests now, to be ready for my regular checkup in 2 weeks, and then straight to another consulation (no, nothing serious, thanks for asking).  Since the car  was out, set it to charging fully to 80%, then home & onto the computer (here I am, writing this!).  The day is a bit unsettled and I am tired, so no walk today, but will try to get to at least 5k steps.   Popped out to get some dessert from Le Pan d'Antan, our local bakery. 

6,589 steps, 4.7 km

29 August, Saturday

Out the door around half nine for my walk (7,707 steps, 6.6 km).  Swung by the foodstore for some shredded cabbage & carrot, then to Le Pain d'Antan for A Breakfast Surprise for A, i.e. some of their very fine pastries (viennoiserie).   Not much else the rest of the day -- did a bit of food shopping, A was working in the afternoon, then off to dinner.

11,776 steps, 8.8 km

30 August, Sunday

Slept in a bit, then off to the store (more bottled water; mozarella; baguette; a giant yellow tomato), and then on my walk (8,223 km, 6.9 km).  A funny day, very unsettled and often cloudy, but no rain.  Did not do much, but uploaded 9 shows from the Debrecen (Hungary) jazz festival to Dimeadozen.  A did a lot of work, then some calls, then off to Zaventem for a flight to Dublin (and actually still on  a call when she left).  Over dinner, I finished watching "Knocked Up" starring Katherine Heigl & Seth Rogan.  A sweet movie, be good fare on a long flight. 

12,568 steps, 9.3 km

31 August, Monday

Dropped my iPad on my right foot overnight, when I got up to put on another blanket (and it is still August).  Foot's quite sore, so I won't go on a walk today.   A is in Dublin for meetings, caught the early-evening Aer Lingus flight back.  I did little during the day.  A's flight back was delayed, so home even later than expected, but she had some soup despite the hour. 

5,860 steps, 4.2 km

1 Sept, Tuesday

Or "September Day", as I said to A, "Why does only May get a day?".   The weekly Perm rep spouses & partners coffee:  7 of us (which is a lot!), all of us men (which has never happened before), including one new person & one seldom-seen (at these coffees) person.  As always, great to see everyone.  Food shopping on the way home, but my foot is still at me (and the other one's got a mysterious ache -- it's trying to go out in a sympathy strike!  Will not allow this) so will take it easy.  Had an appointment with a physio about my knee, but they cancelled on me.  Not sure I can schedule again before going to Madrid.  Need to keep up the walking, I've lost well over 3 kg.