‘Sorry, we’re just out of shorts’, 5 different shop assistants told me that over 3 hours today. I know it’s officially autumn now, the Halloween goods in the shop windows make that clear enough, but it’s over 30 degrees outside and my shins are suffocating.

Some of the apologies felt slightly insincere, as if I had been asking for a ski-jacket in summer.

I did eventually find what I wanted in an outdoor shop, except it turned out to be a skirt. Oh well, I’m sure my tour group will get used to it. It’s only until the snow starts falling.