Not having received any reply to Tigger’s text, we ventured out into the night to search for food.

Making pizza

British readers will no doubt recognise the stripey shirt as standard wear in PizzaExpress restaurants. There is a branch near our temporary accommodation. That seemed good enough in the circumstances.

On the way back, we even found a shop open for some last-minute purchases.

Street illuminations (photo by Tigger)

Even the back streets were decorated with colourful illuminations.

Street illuminations (photo by Tigger)

Although it is a degree or so warmer here than in London, we did not feel like hanging about and so returned to the apartment.

Our temporary home is on the third floor. It is accessed by a steep, narrow staircase comprising 53 steps. Yes, 53, and there is no lift. If I lived here, that staircase would either kill me or make me healthy. All being well, I won’t be here long enough for either outcome to occur.

We have just arrived in Ramsgate where we have rented an apartment for the three days over Christmas. The apartment is pretty basic but at least the heating is working.

From the lounge window we have a view over the harbour.

Illuminated boats in Ramsgate Harbour

The boats in the harbour are decked out with Christmas lights as you can see in the above photo. Most of the lights are flashing which the photo doesn’t show.

We have brought food with us but it needs to be microwaved and – guess what? Yes! There is no microwave.

Tigger has texted the landlord to ask whether the bowls provided in the kitchen can be put in the oven. If we don’t receive a reply, we shall have to try our luck finding a restaurant still open.

We have made tea (at least there is a kettle) and when we have finished this, if the landlord hasn’t replied or the answer is negative, we shall sally forth in search of food.