Leuven at Christmas time.

A host of friends descend on us for the weekend. They are as wowed by Leuven as we are.

Being energetic Dutch they explore every inch of the city, and we meet them at regular intervals for food and drink. Excellent division of labour.

Lots of tented stalls selling present ideas, ranging from complete tat to expensive art pieces. And seasonal food. Rediscovered Irish coffee.

Made some changes to the heating system, specifically the diesel feed to the stove. We replaced the ordinary filters with water trap filters, and fitted a tap at the high point in the pipe, where we always get an air lock. Then we couldn't get the diesel through the pipes - the weather is so cold it's gone waxy.

Definitely not moving back on board.

An Amsterdam friend, An, is lecturing in Brussels, and came to Leuven for a sociable evening. Discovered Gambinus, a lovely old fashioned cafe on the Grote Markt.

Also discovered that at this time of year the restaurant specials tend to be superbly cooked game.