There were no deadlines. There was no pressure. There was nothing I had to do and I could take my time not doing it. There was nowhere I had to go and I was in no hurry to get there.

I had at my side a bottle of red wine; nothing special, but preferably Burgundy. I also have a glass and one of a series of books. Other supplies included sun cream and, for a couple of days, a tranny on which I followed the Test Match cricket commentary.

It takes a bit of practice to hit that balance between inactivity and sufficient stimulation not to be bored..... but if you can do it, what bliss!!! Are you in the right frame of mind yet? Good! Now we can move on.

THE PRETTY WAYTHE QUICK WAY