Last night saw the concluding part of Michael Palin’s series, Brazil. I thoroughly enjoyed all four episodes, and it was great to see Palin back on our screens. Programmes like his certainly make a change from the usual superficial dross broadcast these days, and at least we get to see parts of the world we otherwise might not. After last night’s program, all I wanted to do was get out there and explore – to go see the wonders of the world for myself.

The problem is, I discovered yesterday that I have very poor navigational skills. I needed to go to a dentist in Kidbrooke, which, on the map, doesn’t look too far away. The sun was out, so I decided to just go in my chair. I knew roughly where I was going, and had a map and an Ipad, but could I find the damn place? Could I heck! I ended up having to ask about five people for directions, and in the end one woman had to lead me to the place. In my defence, though, the place was rather hidden away under a car park. It was a good thing I didn’t have a proper appointment but just needed to go in and check something, as I would have been very late.

Getting home was not much easier, though: I ended up halfway across Bexley heath before I realised I was going in entirely the wrong direction. I got back well after dark, knackered, pretty teed off, and wondering if Michael palin’s next series should be set in south London. He never seems to have these navigational problems: mind you, this could have something to do with having a camera crew following him everywhere.