Books, travel, and everything else. “Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”
Scotland is famous for many things - gorgeous scenery, whiskey, bad weather, Loch Ness, kilts - but less so for its status as a global hotspot for the planet's second-largest fish. The basking shark can grow up to 11 metres long, ceding the gold medal only to the tropical-dwelling, much more famous whale shark. Every … Continue reading On the hunt for basking sharks in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland
A couple of years ago, I was taken with a book called The Outrun by Amy Liptrot. The author, whose parents are English but who had grown up on the Orkney Islands, returned to her hometown after a tumultuous decade in London that had culminated in alcoholism. Her beautiful book charts her recovery, and her … Continue reading “Probably the worst weather we’ve had all year”: finding space under big skies in the Orkney Islands, Scotland
One of my favourite quotes of all time is from the 18th-century writer, Samuel Johnson: "a man who is tired of London is tired of life". It's a quote, and a sentiment, familiar to many Londoners - and one which I thought of regularly when I first moved here as an 18-year-old. I would be filled … Continue reading My favourite places in London
It’s hard to overstate the transformative effect of Ethiopian food on my idea of “going out for dinner”. Since discovering the cuisine here in London a couple of years ago, the delicious blends of aromatic spices with deceptively simple ingredients have shaken up my palate and induced a ravenous single-mindedness when it comes to choosing … Continue reading London’s best Ethiopian restaurants: Kokeb, Wolkite Kitfo, Mesi’s Kitchen, Andu Café
One of the wonderful things about travelling afar is that it gives you a deep and true appreciation of what you've left behind. While I explored the majesty of the Peruvian coast or drank in the pure magic that is the Brazilian landscape this spring, I realised that there is so much to discover on … Continue reading A day out in the New Forest
Quick back story: Open House London is an annual festival celebrating the best of London's architecture and design, and it's been going for over two decades. Every September, for one weekend only, the doors to some of London's most iconic and protected buildings are cautiously unlocked to the general public. My choice was the Gherkin, … Continue reading Going up the Gherkin – one of London’s most iconic buildings
For August Bank Holiday weekend, we decided to venture east to a part of the city we rarely explore - Mudchute. The weather looked like it was going to hold up as we set out on our bikes through Limehouse; swirling grey clouds fogged the sky, but I'd been *somewhat* reliably informed that they wouldn't be … Continue reading A visit to Mudchute City Farm & London river bus ride
Every year since the age of about eight, I have come to the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire to camp, hike and explore with my family. This little peninsula of the United Kingdom is barely 20 miles from top to bottom, yet it boasts a coastline of over 180 miles. seals are a common sight around the … Continue reading Wild swimming on the Welsh coast
Farewell to my final destination: New York City, as viewed from a fabulous balcony in Long Island City One of the questions long-term travellers dread upon their return is: "so how was it?" You've spent three months or more out of the loop, straying from most everything which formed the makeup of your life before, … Continue reading Returning from a long period away – an ode to London
It is the perfect winter's day. Bon hiver. The sun leaked out of a swathe of blue sky, the wind took his paintbrush and dusted our pale cheeks pink. Armed with rubber wellies, a camera and high spirits, we took to the hill which led to Highgate Cemetery. It is a palimpsest of bodies, memories; … Continue reading Sunday
no cash on the highway 