i met a sikh gentleman this week who has been living in the uk for about 40 years. on the face of it he has done very well. owns a good sized hotel and with two sons who are both doing financially well.

before we could get down to business, he asked one of his staff to serve us coffee. before i could take a sip, the old man started to cry - quite embarrassing for me, to say the least!

after enquiring how long i've been in the uk, he lamented his regret for having emigrated at all. apparently he lost his wife for 40 years just last year and now doesn't think he want to go back on his own. he spoke of his brother back in india who has nothing but is happier than he is. he has since lost his appetite for everything.

his sadness confirmed what i have come to conclude after almost 30 years away from home.