September 2026

Two highlights for the normally quiet summer months.

In July I summoned up the courage to address a longstanding breathing problem. For years I had felt more comfortable sleeping at a slight angle. This had led to the strange practice of preferring business class (seats at a nice angle) rather than first class (beds flat) and resisting upgrades in the days when I flew frequently for work. The problem gradually got worse, to the extent that when I lay flat I felt I was drowning, being cut off from oxygen completely. Under the new policy of addressing longstanding problems and not allowing them to fester I finally had an operation to address my deviated septum.

The result has been a revelation. For the first time in what seems like forever I can now breathe in and out normally through both nostrils, sometimes even at the same time. That may not seem like much to the rest of you, sleeping easily all these years, but for me it has been a tangible improvement in quality of life.

But a strong candidate for highlight of the year was the 10-day holiday in August in Vietnam, my first ever visit to that remarkable country. Starting with a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (three nights) then an internal flight to Da Nang and three nights at nearby Hoi An, a second internal flight to Hanoi (two nights) climaxing with an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay. Finally home to Hong Kong feeling suitably exhilarated. The place drips with history, and resounds with the lesson the Americans refused to learn there and went on to repeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and – as I write – Iran. Asia has its own rhythms and way of life, and great pride in its own history. It needs to be respected.

I am so glad I visited while still young and fit enough to enjoy. Unhesitatingly recommended.