Arts
Postcard From Lockdown
In Spring 2020, tired of the usual holiday destinations, it was decided for us that all holidays abroad and domestic destinations were to be cancelled. The wife, kids and dog were thrilled by the prospect [more…]
Holiday
Arts
A Street Corner in Pest
Friends tell me that I’m a ‘Master Raconteur.’ At least, I think that’s what they’re telling me. Perhaps it’s an anagram? No matter, I must recount the following. Every tall tale should have its own [more…]
Engineering
“And what have the Romans ever done for us?”
Introduction It is interesting that in Monty Python’s ‘Life of Brian’ when Reg , the leader of The People’s Front of Judaea, poses that question the very first response he receives from his gang of [more…]
Arts
Life In A Hungarian Village
Our village is situated in Vas County, the far west of Hungary close to the Austrian border and is surrounded by forest and agricultural land. Although we can see the Alps in the distance this [more…]
Arts
Postcard from the Past: Ailsa Craig
Most people will be familiar with Ailsa Craig as the big rock on the horizon during the ferry journey between Loch Ryan in Galloway and Ulster. It stands as a sentinel at the seaward end [more…]
Arts
Postcard from Lille Part 52
If you still need proof of the existence of God through nature then take the bus, jeepney and pedicar as far as you can. When the way gets too steep for the pedicar cyclist, alight [more…]
Arts
Postcard from Lille, Part 51
I’m in my room, above my ‘Anglo Philippine’ office, in the Durian building in Davao City, in the wild south of the Philippine Islands. It is siesta time and I’ve been interrupted again, despite barricading [more…]
Arts
Postcard from Lille, Part 50
Roberto rolled out of his hammock and felt the soles of his feet against a mud floor. He could hardly stand up. An empty bottle of local brew fell from him and bounced by his [more…]
Arts
Cruising at Christmas (and the New Year) – Part 3
Wednesday – St Maarten (New Years Day) I woke this morning feeling pretty good, somewhat surprisingly considering the volume of champagne consumed last night. Sensibly the restaurant was open for breakfast an hour later than [more…]