Soon conversation is flowing as if everyone is old friends, rather than the complete strangers they were only half an hour ago.

BBC: Vive l����volution in Paris

The atmosphere there was completely calm, and they've been seen by our embassy doctor, they're not suffering any obvious physical ill-effects from this at all, and half an hour ago, when I spoke to Peter Low, his wife and son were sleeping.

BBC: Breakfast with Frost

The two Presidents signed the agreement about an hour and a half ago down at the palace in Kabul.

WHITEHOUSE: Via Conference Call

The lifting bridge, which links Poole port with Hamworthy, opened a year ago and lifts for mariners at half past the hour.

BBC: Poole lifting bridge closure criticised

After doing the hard work with their 3-1 first-leg victory a week ago, Ebbsfleet were given an uncomfortable final half hour in this second leg.

BBC: Aldershot 1-1 Ebbsfleet (2-4)

However, these visitors will face a three and a half hour journey from the airport to Caracas, a trip that took only 45 minutes just a month ago.

NPR: Venezuela Copes with Crumbling Infrastructure