A few strands came together this week to make for a trip over to the continent with an old mate and a visit to an even older mate.

It was a diverse and intense few days: taking in a French seaside town that could’ve been twinned with Jaywick,

OMFG

grand meringues on the beach, a 5 course feast, gate mending, watching England lose to Croatia, a dear little three month old German baby,

and an extravagant pan European classical concert in Maastricht,

All in all a heady mixture, anchored by a wonderful church,

with the most glorious romanesque apse.

So today’s been a day to unpack, reorientate, celebrate England levelling the ODI series against India, and prepare for whatever’s next.

On n’est point toujours une bête pour l’avoir été quelquefois.