I'm having a bad run of things. Four consecutive Hilton stays in rooms with adjoining doors. Nothing serious although tonight I'm at the London Metropole staring at the wall, waiting patiently for the guest in the adjacent room to retire for the night. Evidently my neighbour is enjoying the Al Jazeera rolling news service. I've always credited AJ as a credible news broadcaster, so who am I begrudge him his update in world affairs but the adjoining door we share isn't really up to the job.

Masked by the reporters avid commentary is a curious wet slapping sound. I must try to ignore that. It's 2:10am. I'll give it another 20 minutes before making the call.