As a writer I often complain about long hours spent working solo - or rather just me and my computer (if only it would talk back when I rant - get that sorted you Apple-boffins). So it’s been a change experiencing other more sociable media while promoting my latest book, Medina Kitchen. By chance, a few weeks ago I also underwent what was euphemistically called an ‘on-camera chat’ to test my presenting abilities for a TV series on women explorers. A wonderful subject, right up my street, but alas the long years of working & playing hard are etched deep on my visage. It was not to be. But for my book promotion, they have no choice, so, spirited away from my desk I’ve been confronted with dealing with OTHER PEOPLE. Help.

Poor Burma. It couldn’t quite swing it. I feel bad for not having blogged about it before but I was hoping against hope, ever optimistic, that things would change. And that they would change through China. Because this giant neighbour of Burma is the only world power who can possibly alter the mindset of the Generals. Shacked up in their new, soulless, purpose-built capital, miles from anywhere and completely out of touch with the people they rule so illegally, they will never be swung by penniless monks nor by the ineffectual UN. It’s money that talks and most of that comes from over the border in exchange for Burma’s incredible mineral resources of gas and precious stones.

I’d forgotten just how easy-going and helpful Andalucians are. I don’t mean Spaniards in general - although I do have a huge soft spot for this country and its people - but very specifically the inhabitants of that vast swathe of (mostly) olive-groves bordering the Med. Having just spent a week down that way, this time focussed on the province of Cadiz and holed up in the delightful little pueblo blanco of Vejer de la Frontera, I’m convinced that Andalucians have a unique genetic disposition. One man even devoted 5 minutes of his life to getting change and operating a parking-meter in Jerez to get us off a diabolical parking-fine. This was just a genuine human gesture for two frantic English-people late for the airport - nothing more. Here’s a pic of what had delayed us - an 11th century mosque inside the beautifully restored Alcazar of Jerez.