I'd better declare my bad news now. For about a year, I've been trying to get on a study tour that is going to Brazil to focus on the mighty soybean. And yes, that is the week it happens, 23rd to 31st. These study tours are excellent fun; previous ones have been to Chicago, Indiana (including the lamentable pole-dancing incident) and Nyawleens, and to Brussels, Hamburg and Poland last year.

As delicious as that trip sounds, I am going with a heavy heart, as last year's session in the muso's bar was one of the very best I have ever experienced, and I believe I am down to play second box in the MudScratch Ceilidh Band.

Oh bugger.