What I Read in January

An overview of the books I’ve read recently.

I didn’t read as much as I expected to this month, especially considering I had the first week off work, but I did read three new authors (well, new to me at least). I also decided that I should try to work my way through the big pile of half finished books that sits by my bed. These aren’t books that I stopped reading because I didn’t like them, but rather because I got distracted by something else and never got back to them. Well, that didn’t happen either. Oh well, there’s always next month. Continue reading “What I Read in January”

Reading the World

Looking for a good book (or six) to read as part of your travel preparations? I may be able to help.

When I go to a new place one of the things I like to do as part of my preparation (and whilst I’m there and when I’ve returned) is to read books by local authors and books either set in or about the area. Continue reading “Reading the World”

Borough Market – A Photo Essay

Prosecco, goat ice cream and tales of marauding Vikings are just some of the things waiting to be discovered at Britain’s oldest market.

Good markets are getting harder and harder to find. The traditional markets with cheap clothes, dish cloths and ‘3 for a pound’ fruit and veg are even rarer. The traditional markets were good for a bargain, but not so great for a day out. These days when you do find a market it’s far more likely to be of the artisanal type and to be expensive, but lovely for a day out. Continue reading “Borough Market – A Photo Essay”

What I Read in December

These are the books I was reading in December

December has been a busy month and I don’t feel I’ve been able to settle to reading anything properly. So I suppose it was just as well I was mostly reading a book of short stories that I could dip in and out of without feeling I was losing the plot (literally and figuratively speaking). I also discovered a new author this month (well, new to me anyway. I seem to be the last person on the planet to have heard of Sara Paretsky) and another book on hygge. Continue reading “What I Read in December”

Kensington Palace

A Christmas trip to Kensington Palace involved music, gambling and an early version of a ‘Shewee’.

Over the Christmas break I took my ten old niece on her first ever trip to London. As a princess obsessive, when I suggested a visit to Kensington Palace, London home of Will and Kate, she jumped at the chance. Continue reading “Kensington Palace”

Looking Back on 2016

2016 was a strange year in many ways, but I did have four big wins.

The web is full of bloggers reviewing 2016 at the moment, so I thought I might as well jump on the bandwagon and write a review post too. Continue reading “Looking Back on 2016”

Christmas at Chatsworth – a Photo Essay

Christmas trees, sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers, ballerinas … it’s Christmas at Chatsworth.

I’ve walked along the River Derwent and through the Chatsworth estate many a time, but I’ve only actually visited the house once before. And that was a very long time ago.

Chatsworth
The house from the side

The house is beautiful at any time of year, but I imagined it would be absolutely gorgeous decorated for Christmas and as my brother and nieces are visiting I thought it would be nice to take a trip to see the house in all its festive glory. Continue reading “Christmas at Chatsworth – a Photo Essay”

Swissport Strike vs My Socialist Principles

Swissport workers are going on strike and I’m in danger of becoming a NIMBY.

I’ve always supported striking workers. I’ve been on strike myself. I know that no-one strikes easily and workers have to be really pushed and feel they have run out of other options before resorting to withdrawing their labour. Continue reading “Swissport Strike vs My Socialist Principles”

13 Things to Eat in The Netherlands

This is the post where I disclose my liking for weird foods like chips with peanut sauce and mayo. And oily balls. Yes, really.

What would be the word for someone who is a bit obsessed with the Netherlands and has an affinity with all things Dutch? If my country of obsession was France I’d be a Francophile; England and I’d be an Anglophile. But Netherlandsophile just doesn’t have the same ring to it. Continue reading “13 Things to Eat in The Netherlands”

What I Read in November

I read a lot. Here are a few of the books I’ve been reading in November.

I’ve decided to trial a monthly post on the books I’ve read. Reading is an important part of my life and I love finding posts on other people’s blogs with their book recommendations. Continue reading “What I Read in November”