How times change... it's been 34 years since I graduated in Cambridge, England, and the college where I studied has changed form and become multi-campus; Cambridge Science Park has long since spilt over and businesses in the area have to be accommodated at new sites around the county; and on the outskirts there is a new "Central Mosque"... when I went to Petty Cury last week to consult with my bank (and why not, because all the banks are there?), I was shocked to see so many people out begging.

As I don't have a driving licence any more, I have been forced to use taxis to get around quickly, and this has been a significant expense in itself; the bill for the legalisation of my documents came to over £1700.00, and because I had to come here at basically the height of the tourist season, eleven nights at a local Holiday Inn (!) put me back over £1000.00 (!!!), with no choice in the matter; few other places being any cheaper.

To cap it all, the hotel is OK and you get a substantial, free (complimentary) English-style breakfast, and they have a bar and it is not too expensive, but it all has to be paid with a CC, so there's a big bill on that next month... all this because the Korean authorities demand certain documents to be legalised and this can't be done in-country - and my bank is in Cambridge anyway... this better be worth while!!!