Knowing my two other blogs focus specifically on the late 1960s & 1970s (Once Upon a Time in The ’70s and Loud Horizon) you may take some convincing I’m really not one for standing in the road of progress.

Of course the world must keep moving forward. Were it not to have done so in the past, I’d be unable to enjoy slurping a steaming hot Chicken Jalfrezi Pot Noodle while watching endless videos of cats pulling funny faces on a video streaming App I’d previously downloaded to my generic tablet.

Unfortunately, as we all appreciate,for every ‘ yang’ there’s the inevitable ‘yin.’

For every tablet- based app that can screen episodes of the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ cartoon series, there’s one that insists on promoting some self-aggrandizing (but obviously very social media savvy ,,, and doubtless now very wealthy) irritants opening up a sealed container of goods and squealing with delight when they discover a pair of never-worn Limited Edition Nike Basketball Boots.

For every tablet- based app that provides quality sports commentary and debate, there’s one that focuses on the rights, though usually wrongs, of Government policy

Each to their own, I suppose.

But what’s even more irksome, is the ‘advancement’ in Apps that supposedly make life simpler; help make specific tasks easier and more efficient .

Apps, for instance, that help a server (I still call them ‘waiters’ … so sue me) take customers’ orders in a restaurant.

Does any customer actually get what they want, when they want it when one of these fancy- dan efforts is used? I’ve not.

I’ve been in Goa, India for a week now. It seems these apps / the waiter / the chef can’t distinguish between a ‘starter’ or ‘main’ course and at what point each dish should be plated up and served.

And forget going to these restaurants with a group of friends and expecting to all eat at the same time. That’s just so ‘not going to happen.’

Hey look. It’s India. I love the place. I love the people. I love the food Everything always gets sorted in the end.

I’m happy to forgive. And I will return to these places. Of course I will. 😋

(As I write this on a glorious, sun-drenched beach, a woman has just passed by, begging for money. I do often buy a meal for those looking for food – but we know any cash normally goes to pimps who will not be far away.

(I do feel rather guilty , and I do realise the topic of my post is very much a ‘first world ‘ concern.)

But that said, if I’m looking for a delicious, stress-free evening out tonight, I’m headed straight to the wee old shack where orders are still taken in ink, on a scrap of paper.

And with a smile.

Ismile.

Namaste.

😎🇮🇳