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…]
Travelogue
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…]
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…]
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…]
Travel
Overland to Moscow
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Russia due to the ongoing risks associated with its invasion of Ukraine. This includes threats from security incidents such as drone attacks and [more…]
Photography
Postcard From Spain
The dawn cacophony begins with palomas who settle on the roof terrace just before 6am. At one time I thought that they all sang the same song, but if you listen you can hear a [more…]
Hobbies
The Lakes to London by Bus
For a few years I have always fancied travelling to London from my home town only using regular bus transport. The rules would be no trains, no taxis, no trams, no coach travel, however walking [more…]
Diary
Dairy of a Chaperone
Many years ago, during my previous, more interesting life and while still in possession of hair, teeth, ears that could hear and twenty-twenty vision, not only had a bamboo curtain been thrown around China by [more…]
Cycling
West Country Rides, Six
It takes a week to cycle from Penzance to Berwick. It took me 40 years. Because on the way, I wanted to include every town in England, in what amounted to some two years of [more…]