The air ban across much of Europe has been lifted today. For many many souls - including Europeans stuck in far-flung exotic locations needing to return home a mighty relief of course. But for 5 or 6 days wasn't it nice to take a step back - rather than forwards for once. Someone on the radio today was talking about a "pause for thought", stopping to reflect on the hectic lives we lead.

How much we're at the mercy of nature though!