Thursday

I rode in to Dorchester and after going round a few circles found somewhere to park. It was quite a practical visit. I bought magazines in Smiths (how I love Smiths) and stood outside Boots hanging on their free wi-fi to download to my phone notes about nurses on strike and the details of a couple of films I am mentioning that involve nurses – one being The English Patient, sentimental but beautifully shot.

Finally, after passing so many town centre coffee chains and tourist tea rooms, I found a great independent coffee shop off the beaten track just next to where I had parked and had the most delicious coffee before heading back. Does coffee really smell nicer in these places than in chains or is it just that I am thirstier when I go in?

I also found Waitrose Dorchester – in a huge huge new development of fake classical buildings to the West of the city. Every shop there seems to sell mobility aids or be a nursing agency. The demographic here is definitely on the oldy side. Those zimmer frames with wheels and bags attached are the common mode of transport on the streets here.

I am just starting to build up momentum writing. Look: