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Good morning.

Today a virus knows no social boundaries, but some countries such as

Singapore have had a blind spot when it comes to migrant workers.

Years of argument, plans, border questions, but could a United Island come nearer because of a housing crisis? We head for the woods but it's near Chernobyl

with nosy wolves, thirsty elks and radiation and a spot of happiness, true happiness, with a monk and karaoke in Myanmar.

First to Germany and the present crisis is providing a real test of leaders competence across the world. Some have gone in for the

brush combative style. Others happily continue to shake hands and embrace supporters. Angela Merkel has never belonged to the flashy end of the spectrum,

solid, calm, as befits a woman with a degree in quantum chemistry. Jenny Hill says her political popularity is on the rise again and she's not

the only one. I should have worn a drendel. I thought crossly to myself. It was October 1st, 2016. Women in the traditional Bavarian

corsets and full colourful skirts flounced through the deafening beer tent, greeted by men in Laidahosen.

In our usual work garb, beer tent, greeted by men in Lederhosen.

In our usual work garb, my cameraman and I were miserably conspicuous.

We flattened ourselves against a wall as a cheerful waitress, sweating, squeezed past carrying an impossible number of brim-filled beer

glasses.

We'd been waiting for some time to record an interview with the Bavarian Prime Minister.

The tall white-haired fellow was in no hurry,

glancing slyly over at us from time to time as he held court at a trestle table packed with his friends and

allies. We sighed, enviously at the beer drinkers. with his This was Bovaria's finance minister and I later learnt pretty much regional Prime Minister in

waiting.

Marcus Soda introduced himself, gave us the interview we needed and that was that. None of us could have dreamed as excitable

drinkers caroused under the hot flowers that four years later a virus would

...