Communism
Overland to Russia, Part Three
“So how are things in Russia today?” The taxi driver was a burly, working-class man in his 50s; I imagined a brickie now too old for the game. He thought briefly and mumbled a reply [more…]
Travel
History
Postcard From Northumbria, Part Two
The second half of our trip into Northumberland started with a drive into the countryside to the village of Heatherslaw which is the home of the furthest north narrow-gauge steam railway in England. The Heatherslaw [more…]
Culture
A View From The Sofa; Ennui And Pain
I’ve hardly been out of the house since I got out of hospital. I’m sure some of you will know what it’s like, believing you’re fifty four when you’re actually twenty years older than that [more…]
History
Postcard From Northumberland, Part One
Some time back, Mrs JT decided we needed another break and arranged to rent a remote holiday let in Northumberland. I have been suffering from a chronic chest infection for most of the year but [more…]
Arts
Ocean-to-Ocean, Part 10
The ultimate destination of this Ocean-to-Ocean trip, which started in Southampton six weeks ago, is the small town of Tofino, right on the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island. It’s not the most westerly point in [more…]
Arts
Ocean-to-Ocean, Part 9
Today I shall be boarding a ferry, but its departure time is 12h45 and the terminal is only 15 miles away, so no huge rush and there’s plenty of time for breakfast, which is apparently [more…]
Communism
Overland to Russia, Part Two
Last time, I discussed the manifold problems you face setting up a trip to Russia. This piece is about the manifold problems you face when you eventually get there. For me, they began at the [more…]
Arts
Ocean-to-Ocean, Part 8
We finished last week heading north up the Icefields Parkway from the Athabasca Glacier towards Jasper. In Summer 2024 two large wildfires had swept through the area causing significant damage to the town and many [more…]
Arts
Ocean-to-Ocean, Part 7
Last week, we explored Yellowstone before heading north again, 370 miles deep into Montana. Another National Park is on the agenda for the next few days, Waterton-Glacier. This one spans the US/Canadian border, the Glacier [more…]