We think we are ‘worldly’, but we are ignorant of one country, Israel

WE don’t get out as much as we should. Not that you would know it from the notions we have.

Sophisticated is our signature aura: well-travelled, well-informed, know our wines and our way around several Continental cities; so there, we’re the cheese.

A great sign of national resilience is the magnetic pull towards airports. As they become ever more unpleasant, queues become longer; as the amount of apparel that has to be taken off to get through security increases, the more we love it. I admire the patriotism of those who, in the teeth of deepest recession, still took off on a sun holiday; maybe several. It was a morale boost for us all.