I noticed it the first night I was here. Was happily chatting away to Cara, when I heard a distinct something in my voice.

That something being the world's quickest onslaught of a faux British accent.

Now, last time I was here - for a year and a half - it was positively charming to have picked up the dulcet tones of the natives. Calls back home were peppered with a much more colourful voice, etc. The words said whatever my mouth mouthed, but the accent said "Aren't I marvellously international and don't you miss me so much?"

Wore of on its own accord as soon as I was back home, so I was a little surprised to hear it return.

Realised I must be parroting. A new low: copying other people's accents to make myself better understood.

This is the verbal equivilant of wearing a bowler cap because your friends are.

And I am THERE.