Went on the annual charity-related company trip last Friday. This year's event was a visit to Dialogue in the Dark, an experience in total darkness where, led by blind guides, you get a taste of what it's like to live without eyesight. The pitch-black walk recreates a number of everyday Hong Kong scenarios, including a walk in the park, a ferry journey and a trip to the market.

It was fairly fun, and interesting - one of the chief lessons I drew from the experience (and I think one you are supposed to get) is that in a lot of ways being blind isn't that big a deal. Sure, not being blind is a bit better, but it's not the end of the world.

Towards the end they sit you down in the pitch dark and play a suite of chill-out sounds and music. Sitting in a darkened room, chewing gum and listening to chilled trance with my pupils dilated - it really took me back to my university days.

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