Alex’s passport shot was 2mms. too small, mine had grey lines in the white background. On their advice, we used their instant photo-booth which turned us into Fred and Rose West. Worse still, I looked like Rose and….. no, let’s not go there. They’re fine, said the clerk. So now, immigration will either laugh out loud or ask for the name of our plastic surgeons.

Next day, I submitted the original versions for an Indian visa and wasn’t certain they’d been accepted till the clerk punched a staple between our eyes. Professionally, I feel back on course.

Arles in Provence is more beguiling in rain than most cities in sunshine, especially during their Photo Festival which was losing out to rival shows in New York and Madrid until ex-Magnum boss Francois Hébel took over in 2002 and revived it. Worth a detour. July 8 to September 14, 2009.  Here’s their  site.