Leaving 33 degree heat last Thursday, I flew home. Riyadh airport does not have alcohol in its duty free, so I took the opportunity to stock up on the layover at Istanbul. Biggar was a cool and lovely 16 degrees - ahhhh.

A few days at home and an extensive "to do" list. High on the agenda was a getting a proper sun hat. I am now furnished with a Panama hat, the cost at home was less than half of that in Saudi - seems bizarre as it is classified as a luxury import item there, but as the native gentlemen wear the Kufiya (tea towel type arrangement with black bands - think Yasser Arafat), actual hats are not common items.

Social events included my niece's 21st party; and something on the bucket list - an ELO concert. That was in Glasgow last night, and was unbelievably good. 

More tedious but essential activities included registering at an ex-pat for tax purposes, buying an International Driving Permit (a remarkably quick process over the counter at a main post office), changing mobile phone contracts, selling a car, and accumulated DIY tasks. We have now employed a gardener to look after things, so I had to get her up and running - as well as the lawn mower which refused to start.

Next, I am off to Sweden tomorrow for the world seniors curling championship. This will be my third time representing England (eligibility due to previous residence then parentage). Details of the competition can be found at http://www.worldcurling.org/wscc2016   We are hoping do even better than our 2014 showing when we came 5th.

Back to Saudi on the 25th.