January 14, 2017

Somewhere on a train, in the depths of Western Germany....

Back in the game.

In fact, I never left - which is strange, given that the last three New Year’s Eves have seen me dotted all over the world with trips to Moscow, Sydney and Tokyo. This year I was in London, singing songs from Frozen on karaoke, dressed as Elizabeth Fry (given that one of England’s great losses of 2016 was the last £5 note), and still eating portions (in various guises) of leftover Turkey. It was a great evening. Add that on to a lovely time spent with my parents at their new home in the Cotswolds over Christmas, and I’d say it’s been a pretty successful and lovely break.

2017 has been a promising year so far. I’ve started my training in earnest for this year’s London Marathon (I’ve never run one before; I may hope I never have to run one again); I’ve bought a lovely new working chair for my apartment; I’m busy planning my 30th birthday (which is terrifyingly soon); and I’m excited for all the weird and wonderful trips the year has in store. Not least this one.

I’m writing this on our train journey this morning from Düsseldorf Airport to Heerlen in South Holland, where our concerts are this evening. It’s very pleasant. And though there is some evidence on the ground that snow has fallen, it isn’t doing so right now - which is great, as I’ve forgotten my gloves. Whoops….