Mixed bag

Today I shall share with you, dear reader, the further joys of widening one's horizons.
Recently I met a chap who spends his free time rescuing and healing maltreated reptiles. In his tiny house I was introduced to a variety of animals including Sly the redtail boa constrictor and Jackie the... um... lizard. [My memory isn't what it was, sorry.] It was floor to ceiling tanking and care products. Very interesting. Hot and a bit claustrophobic but very interesting.

From him I learned that the main difference between a snake and a lizard is that the snake has no eyelids. Also, to sex a snake one has to insert a rod into a specific hole and see how far up it goes. My eyes were watering at the mere concept.
He also mocked movie style life saving techniques regarding snake bites. "if you suck the venom out into your mouth, you'd be dead quicker than the person who'd been bitten".

I felt all Indiana Jonesy just standing next to him.

A day later I found myself exploring different territory. This time I was accompanying His Nibs to a celebration of Chinese New Year. I knew no-one there except my driver. In a professional setting this is fairly normal but in personal and social terms this is rare for me.

The host and hostess were lovely although I didn't have lengthy conversations with them because there was a fair number of guests. Two of the guests happened to be two company directors and also the bosses of everyone at the party except myself and the hostess. It was quite surreal. The bosses, who could have used the opportunity to build positive relations with the team, completely dominated any and all conversations. The most senior boss regaled everyone with stories ranging from the grand daughter's skill at colouring in, to the traumas of EU legislation on the sale of herbal medicines. Scintillating stuff.
The other boss who happens to be the daughter of the senior boss [ are you still with me?] followed suit with exciting tales of price reductions in garden centres and the intricacies of hanging metallic backed wallpaper. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Thank god for the delicious food.

Perhaps they were genuinely trying to socialise successfully with their employees but I wish we'd had longer to hear the views of the hosts or other guests. Just once even.