Because LucY needs to do a bit of charging, we drive to McDonald’s. And have breakfast there too. And it’s really good! My wrap has everything you need for a good start to the day, as does Gabi’s donut.

On the way, we stop off at a toy shop that I can’t remember exactly how I came across. It was probably recommended in a Facebook group I’m in. And indeed, the ‘Vintage Toy Monster’ has all kinds of retro toys, many of which are still in their original sealed packaging. Star Wars, Star Trek, Turtles, A-Team, Airwolf, Gremlins, Ghostbusters, Lego and much more. I marvel at a lot of things, but in the end I don’t buy anything.

Then we meet our friend Clare in the large Gunwharf Quays outlet centre. We explore the shops together. And who buys the most? Me. A nice suit and three pairs of trainers – one for everyday wear, one for outdoor sports and a pair of indoor shoes, as my previous trainers have lost their soles due to long periods of not using them. Clare gives me wonderful advice as she’s a real pro when it comes to sportswear. Gabi finds a tester set of perfumes that she’s been interested in for a long time, and together we buy some Cadbury chocolates and Haribo sweets.

We had been looking forward to lunch at Slim Chickens for a long time. Gabi and I share a basket of fried chicken pieces, chips and toast and several dipping sauces, and also get fried pickle slices.

Later in the afternoon, we buy various nibbles at the supermarket before heading to Clare and Dan’s place. Here we finally get to meet Lincoln the dachshund. He is now almost five months old – he was born when the two visited us in Switzerland after Christmas. Lincoln is not named after the 16^th President of the USA, but after the Lincolnshire sausage; fittingly for the sausage dog. Clare and Dan had already agreed on their first date many many years ago that they would have a dachshund with this name. And Lincoln is a real bundle of energy! It’s adorable how he jumps over the doorstep into the garden with the toy dachshund we brought him. He romps around, climbing over the stool onto the sofa to be petted.

After a lovely evening, we say goodbye to the three of them and look forward to our trip together tomorrow.