On a late summer trip to Cyprus I was astounded to find two expats discussing a christmas present for another mutual expat colleague.  They were literally hammering out ideas and each one seemed very good – as a normal everyday purchase.  I have to say I would be a bit miffed if anyone thought I’d be excited at receiving a new curly non kink garden hose.  However, there are those for whom a kinked and heavy hose is a bane of life.

These two ersthile ladies were still deep in discussion an hour later and having ascertained that the receiving party was consdiered to be a tad illigical and disorganised, I suggested a document shredder and electronic organiser.   Both ideas were grasped with immense gratitude, almost overpowering me at the time.