I am staying for three nights. It’s 10 degrees warmer here than in southern England, positively Spring-like.

A little stroll down a gentle incline took me to the Riviera Centre, a little mall adjoining a big hotel. It was football night on the several big screen TVs around, including the one where I ate.
For the first time in my life I was charged for the food by its weight – each 100gm added about €1.50 to the bill. So, not knowing what the buffet was, I had lamb, blood sausage, flaked tuna fish, octopus, frites, french fries, corn and some black beans. It wasn’t a conscious choice, colour was the decider and identification was by taste.
Just down from the mall was an open square, pretty full with parked cars and every cafe was hosting soccer fans. No one noticed I was wearing a rugby shirt.
21 February 2011
