Conversations with Strangers: Location Location Location!
Notes from a Travel Writing Course 3: Travel Writing Tips
A Lebanese Lunch with a Splash of Colour
Notes from a Travel Writing Course 2: How to Get Free Hospitality, Making Travel Pay
More travel writing notes from a forgotten notebook – get your flights paid for, and other complimentary hospitality.
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Conversations with Strangers: The Man on the Train
Notes from a Travel Writing Course 1: Pitching to Publishers
More forgotten notebooks – this time filled with notes from a travel writing course – in case you’re curious!
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Brighton: A Vintage Shopper’s Paradise
A Vintage Shopper’s Paradise on the Sussex Coast It’s true, Brighton seems to be a vintage shopper’s paradise these days, and quite a bit more than just somewhere to go for a seaside day out. I mentioned Nottingham had quite a few vintage shops, which is true, but I think Brighton more than tops that! […]
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Quick Brew? Auctioning my Sunglasses and other things!
Time for another quick brew and some idle chit chat…including loo awards and sunglasses!!!
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Quick Cuppa: dogs and Greggs amongst things
Dogs, Greggs and sunflowers amongst other random idle chit chat. Calling all fashionistas, is Greggs the new black?
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Beside the Seaside: Eastbourne
Once upon a time, trips to the seaside used to be prescribed by doctors. I’m sure Eastbourne probably cured a few ills then!
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Emmerdale Village Tour: Quick Summary
Even if you don’t watch the show, here’s a wander around the Emmerdale Village on a rainy day.
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Quick Cuppa: Dogs in Nappies and other things
Feeding Time: Wild Boar at Bolton Castle
Watching wild boar having their lunch in the Yorkshire Dales! Yes there are wild boar in the UK, after a long period of extinction, they’re back!
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Out and About: Yorkshire Dales National Park
Cows that look like biscuits, quirky shops, a retro sweet shop, a bird with a death wish and lots of lovely scenery!!
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More from Morecambe: A Few Other Bits
A crazy bookshop, strange smells and a quirky gift shop. A few more snapshots around Morecambe.
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A Walk By The Sea: Morecambe
Nottingham and a Retro Vintage Lover’s Dream!
Nottingham city centre, and a must see Sue Ryder shop for retro and vintage shoppers.
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A Walk Around Slaithwaite (aka Slawit) and Why Walking is Worth it!
A good walk does a lot of good things to you. Let’s take a closer look as we wander around this quiet Yorkshire village.
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Brushes and Booze: Painting Classes
I’ve been a bit preoccupied with paint brushes and paints lately – not sure Picasso would be impressed but as long as I’m enjoying it, mission accomplished!!
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A Few Quirky Bits! Leeds City Centre
Derby Cathedral
The pride and joy of Derby City Centre. If you love a beautiful church, this one won’t disappoint.
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Out and About: Derby City Centre
Shop Fronts in Derby that Caught My Eye – and Why
Stopping to admire some of the more interesting shop fronts in Derby City Centre!
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Quirky Corner: Antique or just Unique!
A quick spotlight on a quirky little shop I came across in Harrogate. Perfect for antique lovers and those looking for something a bit different.
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How To Be Idle!! Is Laziness Misunderstood?
Calling all deep thinkers and philosophers of life, lets ponder on what is means to be idle, attitudes to laziness and whether we’ve got the whole notion completely wrong!!
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Conversations with Strangers: On the Buses
Random stranger, another conversation. Chatterboxes and solar panels being just a couple of key topics on the agenda this time!
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Cuppa? Birds, Bargains and Other Things
If You’re a Blogger then You’re Just a Show Off
Bloggers are just a bunch of show offs aren’t they, why else would you start a blog if not to show off? Let’s discuss.
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Audio Books Anyone? The Old Fashioned Way!
Anyone still playing cassette and compact disc audio books these days? Let’s discuss.
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A Quick Brew and a Quick Toast
Another cuppa, a quick natter about nothing much, and a toast to each and every one of you.
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Four Books, One Title: Lockdown
Uncanny. Same title, four different stories. Sometimes you win when you judge a book by its cover, but what about judging a book by its title?
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Another Quick Cuppa?
More idle chatter about nothing in particular – just eating bugs, crunching rocks, back problems thanks to the gym, hypnotists and other random things.
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Forgotten Notebooks: Good Morning from a Hotel Room Window
More random reflections from a hotel room window, or perhaps just a ramble about nothing depending on how you look at things!
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Turkish Lunch: Vegetarians Look Away Now!
Looking for somewhere for lunch, a Turkish lunch? Well if you’re in London you might stumble across one of the popular Gökyüzü Turkish restaurants. Meat eaters, if you haven’t tried this place, you might want to give it a go because as you will see – they absolutely pile on the meat, that lovely chargrilled type […]
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Time for a Quick Cuppa? Pop the Kettle on.
Idle chatter about nothing in particular, just belly buttons, bananas, toasters and a few other things!!!
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Conversations with strangers: Are shoes worth fighting for?
Trips to the Maldives, and fights over charity shop shoes….more things that came up in conversations with strangers!!
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The Book Snob Tag & Book Addiction Tag
Do I qualify for The Book Snob Tag and perhaps the Book Addiction Tag? Yes – well I’m definitely a bookworm, so book additive behaviour certainly applies, and I probably am a bit of a book snob, since I’m quite particular about certain bookish things. I came across The Book Snob Tag other day via […]
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The other virus, Affluenza. Is society sick?
Affluenza the status and consumption virus plaguing society, can we spot the symptoms and help reduce the spread?
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5 Alternatives to Charity Shops: Give clothes to people who ‘need’ them
So you want to make sure your unwanted clothes go straight into the hands of someone who really needs them? Here’s five ways to do just that!
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Swallows and Robins by Susie Kelly: Memoirs of a French holiday rental!
She exits the UK, sets up a holiday rental in rural France. Hates cleaning, loves some of her guests and can’t wait to see the back of others. Read all about it in Swallows and Robins!
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Ankle Bracelet Etiquette: Forgotten Souvenirs
So it turns out there used to be a bit more to ankle bracelets than meets the eye!! Just an innocent fashion statement? Well maybe more so today, but history shows a very different story around the world.
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Are Charity Shops Misunderstood?
Are charity shops just second hand and cheap? Do the neediest people buy your donated items? A testimony from a Big Issue seller helps shed some light!
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Billionaire Jet Setters vs A New Life in the Wilderness, Off the Grid! Book Reviews
Secrets of a private flight attendant vs making fires and foraging for things to eat in the mountain forests. Glamour in the high skies, seeing the world through a champagne glass vs growing vegetables and fishing for you supper.
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Air Travel Antics, and Smirk Worthy Observations
Musical departure gates, baggage claims chaos… Past travel shenanigans are still amusing to look back on, I wonder what new amusements and annoyances will emerge as travel opens up again…..
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Pandemic Life Changes 2020 and Beyond
U turns, big life changes, new priorities? The pandemic has led some of us heading down new paths and in new directions, and perhaps inspiring others while we’re at it.
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The Outstanding Blogger Award
Thankful to be nominated for this the Outstanding Blogger Award, but it’s always hard to pick nominees – every blogger deserves a spotlight.
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A Walk in Richmond Park: The Biggest Park in London
A winter walk in London’s biggest park, famous for its deer, and never-ending walking trails.
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Rethinking Christmas Movie Favourites!! 15 Alternative Reviews with a Twist!!
Warning: May contain sarcasm.
15 Christmas movie favourites, with a twist, read on for the bits missing from the official synopsis.
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Tokyo Tittle-Tattle and an Indian Robin Hood? Tieless in Tokyo and The White Tiger
A couple of book reviews, one about a 10 day galavant around Tokyo, the other about an Indian rags to riches journey.
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From A Hotel Room Window
What have you witnessed from a hotel room window or balcony that has stayed in your thoughts, that you’ve never forgotten, outrageous or not?
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12 Gift Ideas for a Travel Addict: Coffee Machines and Wine Glasses?
Gift Ideas for the travel addict can quickly turn to the predictable and cliche, but with a bit of extra thought, you might just strike it lucky!
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Fancy A Cuppa: Lets Talk Travel Moments
It’s amazing what a little bit of imagination and a few travel memories can do!!
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A Tuk-Tuk for Two by Adam Fletcher, Holidays With Strangers!!
When conversations with strangers lead to catching flights to India with them the same week, racing Tuk-Tuks amidst good old Indian traffic!! Have you or would you ever…?
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Conversations with Strangers: Cakes and Suitcases ✈️
This time we talked packing for flights, bottles of rum, house prices and baking cakes. Conversations with strangers can work more wonders than you’ll ever know!!
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Blogger Recognition Award
A huge thank you to Chocoviv at Chocoviv’s Lifestyle Blog for this nomination!!
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Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
A bit less show business and a bit more Lenny Kravitz. Reflections from the man himself on growing up, family and the beginnings of a musically fuelled career.
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Road Rage
Road rage, maybe there should be a highway code sign for this, placed strategically on certain junctions, and anger hotspots!! My poor taxi driver nearly exploded, that time when…..
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The Last Day of the Holiday: Oh Happy Day, Or a Hard Goodbye?
On the last day of a holiday, are you wishing you could stay a bit longer or raring to get to the airport? I think its probably a sad day for many – but I’m curious to hear whether you agree.
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St James Park, London
A walk in the park, St James Park, where pelicans steal the limelight and squirrels steal the nuts.
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Liebster Award
Warm hugs and a big thank you to ‘Travel and Share’ for this Liebster Award nomination – very kind of you!!
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Robots Travel and Artificial Intelligence. The Good the Bad and the Ugly!
Robotic airport staff, robotic luggage, and robots that can go on holiday on your behalf!! The evolution of AI is sweeping the travel industry in its wake, especially on the back of Covid 19.
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One Lovely Blog Award
Thank you to blogger Juvie at ‘Paradigm Shifter’ for nominating Cherrylsblog.com for a One Lovely Blog Award, a lovely and much appreciated surprise!
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Mary L Trump on Donald Trump: Too Much and Never Enough
Mary L Trump gives us her take on Uncle Donald Trump, from childhood to present day in her ‘tell all’ book.
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Armchair Travel with Bruce Parry: Culture Trips
Imagine having to shake the hands of 250 people all waiting for you on a beach, or jumping over a herd of cattle to prove your manhood. Ladies – how about having three husbands at once? Perhaps you’d be up for a nomadic tent-life in freezing cold snow storm territory. These are just a few interesting highlights from the some of the world’s lesser well known tribes and indigenous populations. Curious?
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Hate Going on Holiday? Or is it a Love Hate Relationship?
So what’s your position, do you hate going on holiday, is the agro of planning and packing all too much, or is that all part of the fun? Are you a holiday hater?
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Dear Jamaica
Beach bars in Cuba! Forgotten Souvenirs
Of all the things I could have bought in Cuba, I didn’t think a beach bar would end up on the shopping list!! Its interesting to look back at some of those forgotten holiday souvenirs, many of which I treasure all the more now!!
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How to Speak Jamaican!! A Great Book for Newbies to Jamaica
There’s more to Jamaican patois than ‘irie’ and ‘yeah man’. If you want to get a better grip on Jamaican patois, this funny little book gives you some common words and phrases written with a Jamaican dialect and pronunciation.
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Renaissance London Heathrow Airport Hotel: A Quick Look
Heathrow bound? Fancy more than a mere 40 winks before or after your flight? The Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel gets a thumbs up from me. Here’s a quick look!
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Lets Talk About India: Animals, Food, Hustlers, Marriage and more…
Push the guide books aside, here’s my first hand round up of thoughts and observations after a first and very worthwhile trip to India.
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The Pink City, Carpets and Palaces: Snapshots of Jaipur India
Snapshots from the iconic Indian Pink City, loved for it’s royally dressed elephants, pink palaces, chamber of mirrors, and endless shopping bazaars.
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A Monument of Love? The Taj Mahal
Well it’s undisputedly a fantastic work of art, one of the world’s seven wonders and perhaps the selfie capital of India, however….
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India Hotels: A Ranthambore Hotel and a Jaipur Hotel
The other two Indian hotels were just as lovely, delicious food, a good nights sleep and welcoming staff.
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On Safari in India: Stalking Tigers in Ranthambore
There’s far less exciting things you could do than stalk tigers on a jeep safari through India’s Ranthambore national park, taking in an array of wildlife and beautiful scenery while you’re at it. Just saying!!
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Out and About in Delhi, India
I felt an almost unbelievable sense of being in an entirely new world, a world with ‘ways’ that are not to be labelled or ridiculed, but simply accepted as ‘the way’ for where we were – a different way to what I was used to seeing or experiencing.
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Indian Hotels: A Delhi Hotel and an Agra Hotel
A quick glance at a couple of Indian Hotels, The Vivanta by Taj Dwarka in Delhi and The Clarks Shiraz Hotel in Agra, near the Taj Mahal.
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I Get Around Round …..🎶 Traffic in India
Traffic in India is not for the faint hearted – its a bikers paradise, a barrage of beeps, the rush hour seems ceaseless, and chaos might just be the new calm.
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All Things Bright and Beautiful: India Loves Colour
Are you curious about India? India and colour go hand in hand, vibrant and flamboyant, cheerfully extrovert. Dull and dismal doesn’t seem to feature. The people, buildings, flowers, the food. When the sun’s out and everything twinkles and gleams, the colours are dazzling and India will certainly give your camera a run for its money!!
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A Solo Trip to India!!!! Leaving my Comfort Zone
Taking a solo trip to India was a welcome escape from the UK’s winter weather and long month of February (even though it’s technically the shortest month, lol). India had been sky high on my bucket list for a very long time and I can honestly say it was everything I’d hoped for and more […]
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Getting to Know Sir Trevor McDonald: ‘An Improbable Life’ Book Review
An autobiography by Sir Trevor McDonald, with detailed insights into his journalistic escapades, world politics, childhood memories and reflections on his media career.
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Courtyard Luton Airport Hotel by Marriott: Review
One night at the Courtyard Luton Airport Hotel was very pleasant indeed, with a few ‘little things’ that made it a particularly comfortable stay. It’s the first time I’ve stayed here and I’d definitely recommend it. I arrived quite late in the night to very friendly and helpful reception staff. The next morning I had […]
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Let’s Go to Gozzo: The Sister Island of Malta
Calm and quiet, untouched by mass modernisation and tourism – Malta’s sister island of Gozo is proudly held as something of a national treasure, and here’s a little snapshot….
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Let’s Talk About Malta! 23 Things Worthy of Note
Before heading off on your Malta holiday, here’s a few observations, tips and bits of info that might interest you or prove useful to know if you’re curious about Malta, since the guide books don’t tell you everything!!
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Slow down in Bugibba or Party in Paceville and St Julian’s
More of Malta’s nooks and crannies!! Bugibba vs Paceville, they couldn’t be more different. One attracts a very lively, club/pub crowd whilst the other appeals more to those seeking a quieter life.
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The Blue Grotto From Above, Malta
Looking for some peace and quiet? Soak up the rugged costal views of Malta’s Blue Grotto. It’s busy with boat trips in the summer, and featured in the Hollywood blockbuster, Troy.
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A Walk Behind the Scenes: Sliema Malta
The old is being quickly replaced with the new in Sliema Malta, so wander it’s inner streets to capture what’s left of it’s original charm before the high-rise hotels and apartments take over completely. Malta is evolving, with Sliema leading as the modern tourist hub of Malta.
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A Storm Brewing and the Great Flood in Malta
There was a storm brewing in Malta, cooking itself up since the night before, growling with thunder, pouting grey mist and bringing back Sliema’s floods.
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Marsaxlokk Sunday Market and the Secret Beach!!
Malta’s biggest fishing village sports its most colourful boats, and turns into a mega market every Sunday, with a secret beach tucked away around it’s little corner!!
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Shopping in Malta: Shopperholics Take Note
Shopperholics listen up! Sliema has the giant shopping mall, Valletta’s brand names will pass some time and Marsaxlokk is the mother of all Maltese markets.
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A Valletta vs Sliema Standoff, Across the Harbour
Sliema and Valletta, the siblings that couldn’t be more different, staring each other out across the harbour. Valletta could well be the Vatican’s little brother, while Sliema seems more like the Manhattan of Malta.
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Food in Malta: Forget the Diet
Interesting pies, unusual doughnuts, pastries, rabbits and octopus, with plenty of Turkish kebabs thrown in for good measure. Welcome to Malta!!
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On the Buses: Malta
Forget taxis, and drive if you dare. The easiest and cheapest way to get around Malta is by bus.
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Valletta and St John’s Cathedral: Icons of Malta
A Valletta show that leaves you staggering out of the cinema, a church with enough gold to go head to head with Buckingham Palace (no doubt) and those iconic streets of Valletta that seem to come alive at night – interested? Then read on.
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A Medieval Fortress, Mdina The Silent City of Malta
It used to be the capital of Malta, and has the mood of a bygone era, or a film set. The Silent City of Mdina feels like a hidden world, and a must if visiting Malta for the first time.
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Mosta Rotunda Church, Malta: and the Miracle Bomb!!
The miracle bomb and Mosta Rotunda church is a popular tourist attraction when visiting Malta.
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Time Out: Give Yourself a Break
Are you due for some time out? I’m talking about taking a break, getting away, an escape from the daily grind – a much needed mental and perhaps a physical rest. Maybe some time alone to flop around with no demands on your attention. The freedom to think, read, write, daydream and explore creative ideas. […]
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The Sardine Capital of the World: Morocco
Morocco and sardines – not something I would ever have thought of as having anything significant in common, but they do!! Morocco is a global sardine giant, and clearly very modest about it because they never seem to mention it.
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Travel Comedy Giveaway: Win a tripod for your travel photography!!
Want to win a tripod to improve your travel photography? Share your funniest travel moments to enter the prize draw and you could be a winner!!
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Cuban Photography by Andrew Moore, A Perfect Coffee Table Book
Cuban photography by Andrew Moore is a little different to your typical cuban tourist photographs of vintage cars, Varadero beaches and people smoking cigars. Moore’s cuban photography goes beneath the surface Moore captures scenes that the average tourist probably wouldn’t see unless they ventured away from the predictable tourist traps – this is what drew […]
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Red Sky at Night…..another Beautiful Sunset
Apparently, a red sky at night really is a shepherds delight because it means the weather will be good the next day. The photographs below capture a sunset one evening on the west coast of Barbados. Without a camera, these sights would have so easily been forgotten – it doesn’t bare thinking about. I love […]
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Time for a Cuppa: Read all about it!
The guy in the picture above doesn’t look very comfortable, one false move and he might tear! Let’s sink into that nice deep soft sofa, feet up and relax while we have another natter about nothing in particular – just crazy clocks, newspapers and a message about germs!! Tell it like it is: The News […]
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Misty Mountains of Snowdonia
Even if you’re not going for a hike, the misty mountains of Snowdonia will certainly take you mind for a walk – away from the stresses of the day to day rigmarole. Snowdonia in North Wales is a very popular national park in the UK, with its mountainous, scenic views, pretty woods, waterfalls and the […]
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That Rainy Night in Tobago
A rainy night in Tobago, up in the thick green tropics of Mount St George, wasn’t quite the soothing experience I imagined it would be. There’s a noticeable trend for metal roofs in Tobago, roofs that have that crinkle corrugated effect – so when the rain pelts down at night, you know about it. A […]
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8 Writing Tips: a Gary Younge Guardian Masterclass (find your voice)
I learned a few things at a recent Gary Younge Guardian Masterclass, Gary’s a popular columnist and broadcaster, amongst other things. I’m curious about writing and writers, their quirks and creativity – so this kind of offering was hard to resist. The session was three insightful hours long, entitled ‘How to Find Your Voice as […]
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Mount St George: Tobago Snapshot
On the north easterly side of Tobago, the higher up Mount St George you go, the thicker, greener and more lush the forests become, and with that there are plenty of mosquitos, I came home with plenty of bites to prove it, and I remember hearing the mosquitos buzzing around my ears at night, making […]
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First Time in Morocco: 10 tips to note
If you’re off to Morocco for the first time you might want to note a few things, including the weather, cats, haggling and ‘Morocco belly’
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A Quiet Night in Tobago: Star Gazing Before Bedtime
On a quiet night in Tobago, I sit out on the upstairs veranda and look heavenwards into the ink black abyss above. The sky offers a sparkly shelter, with stars shimmering like jewels in the light, it’s the kind of sky that hypnotises, and locks you in a ‘starry eyed’ trance. I see a shooting […]
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Strange dreams when you’re busy sleeping
The mysterious business of sleeping and dreaming is full of unanswered questions, like the meaning of dreams, and how we can be deeply asleep when the brain is wide awake!
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Kicking yourself? What are the most expensive mistakes you’ve ever made?
So what are the most expensive mistakes you’ve ever made? Some mistakes cost us physically – like stepping on an upturned plug or chewing raw chillies. Other mistakes may take an emotional toll, but today we’re talking about the mistakes that hit us hard in the purse and wallet, like a nuclear torpedo. The expensive […]
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The most Popular Beach in Tobago: Pigeon Point
Pigeon point is the beach that seems to gets all the attention on the Caribbean island of Tobago.
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