Category Archives: Travel

Costa del Wick: meadows, marshes and meanders.


A hen party nailed it. Enforced listening to fifteen twenty-something women singing Bohemian Rhapsody at un-rhapsodic volume just fifty yards from our bedroom was not making us happy; the fifth rendition at 5am broke our will to live … there. … Continue reading

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Moving house, Spandangled, Spain … and the joy of magic pants.


Fortewinks’ May post was delivered with little insight as to the Very Difficult Time that was unfolding. Because every now and then the outcome of precipitous events does not become clear until later: this was such an episode. Shortly after … Continue reading

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Hello to half a century (and then some).


Fifty-five is not an insubstantial age but not as old as I hope to be one day – assuming I will remain in fine fettle of course. This year’s birthday celebrations extended to before and beyond the day itself and … Continue reading

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Brighton: a weekend away with the Boss


He proposed the idea with such excitement and enthusiasm that I felt guilty saying no. It just didn’t feel right, didn’t strike the right chord. No brought dismay and disappointment to his face and for several days he tried to … Continue reading

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Austin power: an idyllic week.


Times they are a-changing and Texas beckons; my modest business has found a greater appetite for its wares in the USA than on home turf. With opportunity snapping at our heels and new horizons long overdue, BB and I decided … Continue reading

Posted in Art, Austin, Business, Design and architecture, Education, Entertaining, Export, Family, Food and wine, Friends, holiday, Home, Hospital, Life and romance, London, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Airbnb: the nuisance neighbour


Hot on the heels of last week’s celebration of local loveliness comes a rude reminder that all is not quite rosy in our garden, for there is a fly amidst the buttercups and daisies. Well less fly, more monster for the house … Continue reading

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Up and down in San Francisco: the long walk


My recent ten-day business trip to Texas was preceded by a wonderful day in San Francisco. Arriving at the Stanford Court Hotel, I asked if my room had a view. Not from the third floor, confirmed the Reception Staff. Would you … Continue reading

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Karma Kandara: a travelogue


Last year was long and tough. One of the hardest aspects being how much I miss YoungestOfAll, The Exocet who now lives in Melbourne. Last Spring then, flights were booked for a three-week Christmas holiday. Deeming it necessary to shed some of the year’s … Continue reading

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Scotland: reunions, drama, art & a poet


  One rainy July afternoon, BB and I arrived at a remote part of Scotland where we found forty people sheltering under a large pergola tent, sharing a generous picnic. We had landed at the opening event of an Outlaw … Continue reading

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A London antidote: the joys and jewels of Northern Ireland


Mystical light, ruby skies and shades of green that dazzle the eye; rambling roads, rocky ups and rolling downs … This is Northern Ireland, a striking, beautiful place that flies in the face of expectation to reveal visual joy, drama … Continue reading

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