Booking a hotel room at the Puerta del Sol in Madrid had not been the wisest choice. The main plaza was undoubtedly central to all, but the incessant noise from the traffic and bustle below made sleeping impossible. I noted a pharmacy downstairs. Not wishing to take sleeping pills, I explained my situation and asked for some advice. The woman kindly suggested earplugs. I had never used them before.

I bought a pair and went back upstairs. I put them in my ears. The cacophony immediately diminished. I could see the traffic and bustle below but the incessant noise was no longer jarring. I took a siesta while the sun was still high.

Since that moment, many years ago, I have depended on a set of earplugs for buffering untold annoying distractions. They have rarely let me down.