Last night I shared my room, not sadly with the man of my dreams or indeed with the man of my nightmares but with a giant black and white spider. I only caught a glimpse of it disappearing behind the furniture when I came into the room but it was enough. I knew it was dangerous - you do don't you - I knew that it would be waiting until the darkest part of the night to jump out, grow to the size of an elephant and eat me - well they do don't they!! I considered getting the receptionist to search the room but then decided that the chances were it had been there all the time and I had survived the three previous nights, so I bravely went to bed.

You will all be surprised to hear that I slept soundly and was not eaten - not even nibbled. My present worry is - am I carrying a stow away in my luggage as I travel around the country. If I am it will be bigger and even angrier when it eventually crawls out.