A very cautious indeed, my dear SITARA, one ought to be if I may, especially when attending to such delicate matters with the gentle sex lest they take him, on their slight acquaintance, to be an ill-tempered man! (Wait a minute, was I just reading Jane Austen or what?) :):) This side of the pond appears to be a little shallow for yours truly! The sole reason for his wading through it now. The idea of treading further on deep towards its dredge would therefore be pure idiocy if anything, well unless he has the full range of scuba diving kit/gear handy! It's a lot murkier down there, mind you! :) No, I have not read the old Cantabian's new book ' Shalimar the Clown'. Have you? Any good? Oh btw, read your review of the Naipaul book. Riveting. I seem to be missing interesting threads. Always. Oh, btw, recently read two illuminating pieces: 'Vermillion' and 'The Meat on Phat'. Forgot who wrote these - you might perhaps know who? :):) I am currently re-reading my fav chapters from Alain De Botton's 'The Art of Travel'. Lovely. Oh, can I recommend one British author to you if you'll: Zadie Smith. It is hers and Louis De Berniers's writing that I follow most. I don't know if you have read them - both Cantabians. The latter was apparently in Sandhurst as a student but dropped out after a few months. The former was a Radcliff fellow at Harvard until last year, I think. Her 'White Teeth' is an edifying read. Berniers's 'Captain Correli's Mandolin' is also cracking - you must have seen the film. Penelope Cruze is lovely. Enough for one post. Have a good day. Carpe diem