This was the first weekend that felt normal since the start of the pandemic last year. That’s not to say everything is back to the way it was or will be soon. Like our last weekend of freedom before the pandemic, we had a full weekend of activity. On Saturday, we started with lunch at … Continue reading / view photos The old normal — in Kew and Tate Modern
Squid Game
This Netflix thriller has become a global phenomenon. I watched the first episode to see what the fuss was about. It was compelling viewing and now I’ve finished the whole series. There has been much coverage about the violence in the show. This is a shame because the violence is of a particular sort (people … Continue reading Squid Game
A man gotta have a code
A friend organises film nights and, many years ago, an elderly member recommended the TV series The Wire to me. I was somewhat hesitant to start watching a five-season drama but he persuaded me to watch the first season, whilst simultaneously giving me the five-season DVD boxset. When I watched episode one, something wasn’t quite … Continue reading A man gotta have a code
Anglesey
This was my first holiday since I went to the USA two years ago. Last year, for me and for so many, was a write off because of the pandemic. One of the few people I knew who did travel abroad found the whole experience stressful. It put me off even attempting to go abroad. … Continue reading / view photos Anglesey
Battle Cry of Freedom
When I was in the USA, I was exposed to parts of American history. It was mostly odd facts like California was once part of Mexico or the history of independence in Boston. I became curious, especially about the American Civil War, a pivotal event in American history. I’ve just finished reading Battle Cry of … Continue reading Battle Cry of Freedom
There’s a light beyond these woods
Like so much music, I think I discovered Nanci Griffith whilst listening to Whispering Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 in the Nineties. Her voice, musical storytelling, guitar playing, and melodies instantly appealed to me. I think she’s classified as a folk singer but there was country in the music too. She’s probably the only … Continue reading There’s a light beyond these woods
Can we have two golds?
As the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ended, I was reminded of the London 2012 games . I remember how excited everyone around me was. And when the opening ceremony celebrated the best of British, it heralded what would be a wonderful Olympics. The demand for tickets at London 2012 was high. Of the tickets I applied … Continue reading Can we have two golds?
London 2012
Pictures from the Olympics Games in London 2012. View photos London 2012
Japan
In 2006, I went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Morioka and the their surrounding regions, visiting cities and hiking with other Japanese people. Japan is one of my favourite countries and I would love to return there. View photos Japan
Cradling sun
During my trip to USA in 2019, I met Ajeet in San Francisco and visited him in Berkeley. You can read about it here. I was delighted when he sent me the above photo, which he took at Albany Bulb. This is a photo he’d tried to capture many times without satisfactory results — until … Continue reading Cradling sun