Despite layers of complex admin – proof of vaccination, FFP2 masks, destination forms and tests every five minutes, travel is on again.

At the moment I am ensconced in a Premier Inn at Heathrow. Not exotic so far but necessary when check in is at 7am. The novelty of hotels has returned – I was getting very blasé by the time I returned from my round the world jaunt. Although Premier Inns could hardly be described as ‘novel’.

Some interesting observations. Why is it still impossible to buy proper food when travelling in this country unless you have time to find a decent pub? Everything is either burger and chips or cake and chocolate. You could buy a salad in whichever supermarket is in the motorway services, but then you’d have to eat it in the car. Why does motorway petrol have to be so much more expensive than any other petrol? Especially now. Why is the sight of a foreign lorry now unusual? (That one might just be me.)

Off to Venice in the morning – there will be pictures!