Our train to Tokyo was at lunch time. We had time to walk around central Hiroshima and visit some places on our list. After putting our luggage in the locker, we took a tourist bus to the Peace Memorial Museum. This was as poignant as it was harrowing. The Peace Memorial Park, in which the … Continue reading / view photos Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Category: Culture
Manga and Kanji Museums
We didn’t go to many museums, but we did go to two small ones. Manga and all things related are in the Manga Museum. There are single examples and books. The collected books go right back to the beginning of Manga. Visitors are welcome to sit and read the books and magazines in the library. … Continue reading / view photos Manga and Kanji Museums
Rock houses
The Midlands is full of treasures unknown to me. Of them is the National Trust site of Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses. We visited the Holy Austin Rock site. People lived in these rock houses from the late 1700s to 1963 when the last resident left. Water came from a well and eventually there … Continue reading / view photos Rock houses
Now he belongs to the ages
As I neared the end, I slowed down because I knew what was coming and yet didn’t want to believe that it happened. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s biography of Lincoln, Team of Rivals, describes not just Lincoln’s life but also the lives of his political rivals, who would eventually be part of his cabinet to form … Continue reading Now he belongs to the ages
Pelé
It didn’t seem that long ago when the footballing world said goodbye to Maradona. Now, another footballing great, Pelé, has passed away. Even though we didn’t have a TV at the time, I was too young to watch Brazil winning the 1970 Mexico World Cup. But very soon after, all of us who played football … Continue reading Pelé
Glorious snow
I don’t know what it is about snow but it seems to make people happy. For children, it’s a delight — whether it’s building snowmen, having snow fights, or getting the sleigh (or tray) out. I went for a walk in Hampstead Heath via Highgate Cemetery, taking snaps with my phone. The snow on first … Continue reading / view photos Glorious snow
A hush descends
In 1997, when Diana, Princess of Wales, died, I went into Central London to witness the outpouring of grief that the UK experienced. London had never been so quiet. Earlier today, after the Queen’s death yesterday, I went to Buckingham Palace to join thousands of other people who were there to pay their respects, cover … Continue reading / view photos A hush descends
Food Forever at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, the botanic gardens in West London, is one of the most relaxing places to spend a day in London. I’ve been a member for a few years now and regularly go there to relax. It’s lovely just to wonder amongst the variety of plants. They also regularly have new exhibitions. I remember enjoying … Continue reading / view photos Food Forever at Kew Gardens
Friendship, connecting, and Chess Valley
After my walk this weekend, I had some random thoughts about friendship and the role the internet plays in connecting people together in various ways, from WhatsApp to Facebook. There are many ways of communicating via the internet and they have emerged for various reasons. There is the obvious need for connection that human beings … Continue reading / view photos Friendship, connecting, and Chess Valley
Queueing for chips in Margate
When we got to Broadstairs (by train) and started to walk to Margate, we realised that the Viking Trail looked familiar. Then we remembered that we had walked the trail in reverse last year! Last year, the UK was coming out of lockdown in May and therefore the beaches and trail were largely deserted. This … Continue reading / view photos Queueing for chips in Margate