Yesterday was a relatively uneventful day news-wise due to an early show (6pm) and an afternoon spent following a text report of the Manchester United game. This was due to the fact that we were told they could get the game on TV in the hotel bar, unfortunately when it came to kick-off time there was no-one in the hotel who knew how to change the channels. Frustrated, Roland and I returned to our rooms to follow the BBC text of the game. At least the result was satisfactory (1-0 to United), and yes Karst I still believe United will win the league!

By the time the game was over there was only 40 minutes to kill before driving the 50 miles to Oberhaussen for the show, so no sightseeing today.

Maybe today I should tell you a little about the show line-up. The Angels In Harlem choir? Fantastic and inspirational, watching them perform and having them sing on our songs is truly a highlight. 10cc? Probably the main reason we agreed to do this leg, Roland and I are big fans (especially "Deceptive Bends"). Kim Wilde? Can't say I've been a huge follower of her musically but she's incredibly sweet and down to earth and has kids roughly the same age as mine. Dennis De Young? Being from the UK I was never that familiar with Styx but when he performed the songs suddenly I realized I knew them all, I'll forgive him for Mr.Roboto as he's one of the funniest guys you'll meet. Robin Gibb? I'll plead the 5th on that one.

The show last night was the best yet as we're starting to become more relaxed with the new elements, so by Hamburg we should be up to par! The highlights of the night were probably Robin Gibb saying "thank you Cologne", but I'll stop there - "if you don't have anything nice to say" etc., and my introduction of Roland as "Herr Orzabal" and myself as "(not so much) Herr Schmidt". Boy did we laugh - which was good, as the audience had no idea what I was talking about.

After the show we drove the 50 miles BACK to Cologne and I returned to my room to video conference with the family. I finally tracked them down via Frances' cell phone at a Krispy Kreme in the Valley taking a respite from Christmas shopping, so I'll have to make do with just a vocal goodnight tonight. It's still relatively early so I return downstairs to the bar and spend half an hour chatting with Kim's band and manager about football and American politics before calling it a night around 11.30.

Tomorrow is a day off.

EZEZ

Papa S.