So today I finally did something that I've been wanting to do for weeks: there's a coffee shop near the office where we often go after lunch to enjoy some sunshine and have a chat. And on the way there there's a little trailer that's been parked up on the street that we walk by each time. Sometimes you can hear music coming out of it, and sometimes crazy looking people sit on the pavement opposite, but I've never quite got the courage up to ask one of them what it's all about.

But now, on my way back from an errand to the nearby cinema (a colleague is leaving and we're giving her film tickets as part of her leaving gift) I saw a really friendly looking young Chinese girl sitting in the doorway of the trailer. I put to her the question that has been aching to be asked, and it turns out that the trailer is art: inside there's a flat screen TV with short films about Jewish life in Munich on continuous loop. Weirdy!

The weather at the moment is very cold (we had the first frost of the winter last night, and the cycle into work this morning was most chilly; yup, the gloves and scarf are out already), and everyone seems to want to just be hibernating. Or is it the after-effects of the Oktoberfest? But at least it's super sunny during the day, once the fog burns off. Autumn, basically.

I feel like I'm turning into an old man, with aches & pains, visits to doctors & dentists (I have to see a jaw surgeon today about having my lower wisdom teeth removed - eek!) and general crapness. Or is it the after-effects of the Oktoberfest?

The other week I had lunch with Egbert, who I used to work for at E.ON when I lived here four years ago. It was really good to catch up with him. And I have added another nice restaurant to my list. This latest one is called Kaptol, and it's very Melbourne, with arty decor and hearty food.

And I've had the pleasure of spending obscene amounts of money in Ikea in recent days, with nothing but loads of nice furniture to show for it. And lampshades. And hotdog dribble stains on my top.

Culinary highlights over the last few weeks include a fabulous Ethiopian place in Schwabing, a great Italian in Neuhausen, some splendid Japanese food right next door to my friend Maggi's place in the Isarvorstadt, and of course (as ever) my old favourite Greek place in the Au.

Not forgetting the haute cuisine that is available in my very own home: I had my first dinner party in my new flat with Petar, Fadil, Rudi and Irene, where I did a rather scrumptious stir-fry (I'm forever indebted to Fiona in Melbourne for showing me how it's done the Asian way) with turkey strips and a massive selection of cheeses from the cheesemonger round the corner for dessert.

Blimey! I'm up to date with myself for the first time in about a year! And do you know what? I'm going to try to do regular updates at least weekly, even if they're only short ones, just to let people know I'm still alive. This should become a lot easier when I finally get internet at home again, next Monday.

So until soon, my darling readers, and au revoir!