"Follow your dreams, the sky's the limit! Don't let anybody hold you back!"

This was Ace, after a beer or two, discussing ambition with a well-dressed local young businessman with whom we were enjoying a quiet drink in a secluded bar.

Earlier, we had enjoyed listening to a local band on a lively rooftop bar, whose singer was neither attractive nor talented. Still, she tried.

Earlier still, we sat on cushions at a low table in a room adorned with mahogany and sandalwood filigree, where we enjoyed boti kebab and tandoori chicken with a little Patak's Lime Pickle on the side. "It is most pleasurable with nan or rice," commented our cordial Indian waiter.

Life is fine.