I’ve just spent several days in the capital of Scotland. I went once before a few years back when I released loads of balloons from Edinburgh castle for Standard Life when they floated on the stock exchange, but never got the chance to look around. I flew up with EasyJet, who in fairness, are better than BMIBaby when it comes to stupid hidden costs. I went up on a Thursday and came back on the...

There is a great scam in England that goes by the name of budget airlines. They tempt you in with great prices like London to Rome for a penny. Except it’s not London, it’s Luton and it’s not Rome it’s some provincial town 30 miles away. Upon further investigation you discover that the actual flight that is a penny is at 5am. On a Wednesday morning. In November. 2012. My ire...

So here I am, back home. Back in England and back to Western culture. India is wonderful of course, but there’s only so long you can go before you start craving the Western vices (like friends). Last year I managed 12 months, this year I didn’t do so well and had to come back after just 10 months. Well, I say had to come back, the words of my father are still echoing in my ears “son,...

The other Saturday a friend came over for a few beers (ok, I had a few beers, she had a fruit juice) and to watch a couple of movies. Since I subscribe to the can’t cook, won’t cook school of thought I informed her before hand that while I can lay on the entertainment, catering will not be provided. Not a problem, she announced, she’d just order a takeaway when she got to my place. Now...