I know you have seen this photo before - me, at Poenari, Dracula’s ruined castle. But I repeat it because I was there a year ago today. Spent five hours almost alone there, then descended to the house where I was staying at the village of Arefu. And because it was St George’s Day, and because my host’s name was ‘Gheorge’, a celebration was held for his saint’s day. Bigger than birthdays there. Various themes on the pig - steak, minced, sausage, pickled were munched and washed down with home made plum brandy - tuica.

Great fun! And different fun awaits me tonight. I am going to my favourite bar in Vancouver - The Cascade Room at 10th and Main, where I have been asked to be the resident Englishman and celebrate all things English. I shall stand on the bar and recite Coward and Churchill. I shall deliver the St Crispian’s Day speech from Henry 5th. I may even sing ‘Jerusalem’ depending on how much Fullers ESB I drink.

Slightly different from a year ago today. Anyone in Vancouver? Come along!

‘Cry God for Harry, England and St George!’