I think it’s going to have to be the other way around. I think NATO is going to have to go hands-off on a Chinese annexation, and no tears will be shed. I cannot imagine a scenario where China allows a Western-installed government or a re-united Korea right on its mainland border unless, perhaps, some agreement can be…

Personally, I’ve always thought that the solution to this would be persuading China that they really ought to just annex North Korea and be done with it. I’m struggling to think of anyone who would take a serious issue to the UN if this happened. S.Korea might not be overly happy about China butting right up to their…

Sadly, a few rather hostile and xenophobic Americans have picked up on the ‘free holiday to Moscow’ part of my post, rather than relating it to the actual issue which was more about ingrained hatred between India and Pakistan.

I do apologise for missing your reply first time around - yes, spot on. Storyville.

Big fan of Nightwish. Caught them live once in the Tarja days, when a concert overlapped one of my layovers, but that was a long time ago.

Ah, my dear chap, for those of us who don’t traverse Finland balanced on a fibreglass board across a piece of public railing, outdoor activities are somewhat limited by the ambient temperatures and the windchill factor which, to a non-local and especially close to the water, can make you feel like you’ve just been…

I’m surprised they even asked! You only get an auto in the UK if you specifically ask for one and the rental companies usually charge a bit more for it; they have to transport the one automatic Astra they have up from London to Edinburgh just for you.

It’s not illegal to manufacture replica vehicles or sell kits in Europe, but putting a genuine badge on them is considered a bridge too far by reputable companies. Most of them will badge the vehicles with their own brand.

You’ve just proposed discussing the most complex military and political wargame scenario currently facing Europe.

A disappointing reply from someone who is clearly intelligent and articulate, judging by your previous posts elsewhere.

One of my favourite off-beat films. Needs a few beers to appreciate, and the humour is so dry, you’ll need to keep adding ice to your whiskey.

I liked winter Helsinki - it’s quite atmospheric, especially in the evening, but we were only ever there for two nights or so and then it was off to the Canary Islands with Finns looking for a bit of sun.

I’d take the opera, the live music scene, the scenery, the superb restaurants and nightlife over the karaoke. There was a bar that was owned by another F1 driver when I was there, but I’m not sure if it’s still open or not.

My eldest daughter falls into that age group. Feel free to look through the entire conversation.

Fair enough. I still think you’re missing my point which is that there is no underlying social, religious, political or ideological divide between the West and the Russians which pushes us into enmity.

Really? The 1.9 JTD?

I am one of those liberals, although British, but I can’t really disagree with anything you’ve written here.

Naturally. It would have been rude not to...

You can disagree with the politics and the leadership, and not dislike the average person, surely? I dislike Trump with a passion. I don’t dislike you or any American .... apart from the one guy who knocked into me in a bar in Florida, spilled my drink over a lady next to me, and then legged it, landing me with the…

Just go to Helsinki full stop. During the day, it’s a normal European capital (albeit a bit chillier than you might be used to at this time of year) but at night it goes a bit mental.