There's no Christmas rush in Germany. Apparently everyone's been organised for months. No hustle, bustle or frenzy. Just orderly, controlled shopping.

All around the streets in Frankfurt there are trees adorned with brilliant and delicate decorations. None have been vandalised or even affected by the weather. I can't imagine they would remain in this state in Melbourne. Some passing yobboes would have destroyed them for the fun of it.

We are becoming accustomed to piling on layers everytime we venture out. As Melbournians we know about layering but not like this - I have more skins than an onion at the moment and look rather like one too. The need for hats means that I am in a constant state of helmet hair and am becoming quite dextrous at doing things with my gloves on.

We had good news from Hil today - all looking good at the 20 week scan but she declined the opportunity to know the gender - dang!