Friday, January 24/2014

Stop at St Helena's charity shop, usually open 10 to 2 three days a week. It's tiny and crowded, but friendly. A chat with a man called Mike Bailey, who's there on his first stint. He suggests Oman as a travel destination, having served there in the army. We talk about the Middle East and he seems surprised and impressed when I mention the Sykes Picot drawing of the map and the troubles arising therefrom. Surprised because I'm a woman, or just generally? Do have to admit that J is much better informed than I re Middle East in general, as well as on most historical matters. The Sykes Picot moment, though, is symbolic of the moment of pleasure when one discovers a totally unexpected shared viewpoint or interest with a casual acquaintance or a complete stranger.