Monday 25 August. My day started with Hans. He was not ready when I arrived but had smoked 9 cigarettes in 80 minutes – work that one out and you will know why he usually gets through 4 packets a day! Very slow and I had to push him into showering and cleaning up his room. He also didn’t want to go on an outing – just to a local restaurant. At least he liked that.

In the evening, I went to a village near to Lake Mugglesee (Berlin’s largest lake) to celebrate Angelika’s birthday. She is an ex-student and she plays viola in the Komische Oper orchestra. As usual, an entertaining mix of family and musical friends. Very tasty homemade food and I was one of the last to leave.

It ended a very interesting day for me, which included a visit from Jan in the afternoon.

Next year I shall bring a pork pie, as promised, Angelika. Thanks for a great evening!