Our guide in the astonishing town of Lalibela had promised us a free African massage, and we were now getting it. Bouncing along a rough partially made road in a Toyota van I felt, well, massaged. Chris next to me; Beth and Paul behind, the arid countryside of parched grey earth, scattered acacia trees and primitive farming rushed by backed by truly spectacular mountain scenery.

On our balcony there are a collection of plants. Some I’ve been given, one I bought and a number have been carefully nurtured from cuttings. They look rather attractive and I enjoy tending them.