I had two more vaccinations today and was able to continue my conversation with the doctor. Backed up with a bit of briefing on Islam from a colleague, I asked him what he thought would happen when Jesus returned. At which point he threw me another 'curve ball'. Apparently he's not your average Muslim, but was brought up in a small-ish (only 120 million!) but fast-growing sect, which believes in another Messiah named Ghulam Ahmad. About 120 years ago he claimed to bring further relevelation from Allah.

Despite my being once more on the back foot because of my ignorance, we had an amicable and, hopefully, worthwhile conversation. I was able to make it clear that I believe Jesus died to deal with the problem of our sin and not, as Muslims believe, that we have to hope that our good deeds outweigh our bad ones.

He's a genuinely nice guy and happy to engage in conversation. He's not, in his words, 'deeply religious', but open to weigh what others believe.

Pity I can't keep going back for more vaccinations... or maybe not. Seven down; two to go, in a fortnight's time.