So a few people have been asking what life is like in the Bavarian Palace and I am too lazy to respond to each and every email so here is a generic one instead.

Well, dammit, life here is pretty good. The view from my (one's) balcony is stupendous and I have never lived in such a fantastic place. I reckon when the year is up I will be barricading myself in here! Some random Mexican guy swung by yesterday and was gobsmacked. 'Aye carumba!' he said. 'My gob is smacked.'

Meanwhile I am trying to be fit and active - not just writing a lot but cycling and walking. I need to work hard - for my conscience and for my deadlines.

Oh hey, and to the people from Lewis - fight those guys trying to demolish the pyramid! It's been there since at least 1989 BC.

Respect and peace and other big words,

Kevin