I had walked past the ‘mystery shop’ several times now and finally my curiosity got the better of my shyness. There was no clue whatsoever as to what this shop was – no sign above the door, no branding and definitely no customers. There were nine square wooden tables laid out in a formal pattern and behind a counter two trendy young men. Steeling myself, I walked towards the counter but as I approached hundreds of trendy young customers suddenly appeared. I was still unsure what I should ask for. Was this a wine bar, a nightclub or a trendy t-shirt shop?

Things were no better at work. The school students thought me a figure of fun, and my singing “who ate all the lemon meringue pie” in a very loud voice in the reception area seemed to diminish me even more in their eyes.