The Birds He didn’t want to go. He eyed the fishing boat doubtfully. “What if it sinks?” “It won’t.” What if there’s a storm?” I looked out to sea. It was as still as a millpond. “There won’t be.” “I might get sick.” “I doubt it.” I might get blown overboard.” I sighed. My son, … Continued
The Lost World of Arkwright The stillness is unnerving in this dark, dank, virile valley. Nature is out of control here: Ivy, moss and lichen are choking stone and tree, swallowing the stream even. This place was once very different. I catch glimpses of the past through snaking roots and shrubbery: a gable here, an … Continued
Some people would say that I live in vacationland. Sunny Spain…where the climate rarely disappoints you with a rainy day. History and culture, sun and sand or wine and tapas are your short list of free-time activities. Europe awaits out the back door. If I had unlimited “me” time and equally endless funds, I’d be … Continued
Top 5 Greek islands for 2014 Despite the economic downturn, Greece is still one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits. It’s easy to see why; her islands offer beautiful weather, spectacular scenery, miles of sandy coastline and an abundance of activities. However, every Greek island is a little bit different. So, if you’re … Continued
With Halloween knocking on our doors, I got to thinking of…Dracula. Oh wait, in fact , I got to thinking of the real places where the real Vlad Tepes lived and ruled. Now let’s look at some historical facts. Vlad Tepes (the Impaler) has been “confused” with the blood-sucking vampire Dracula thanks to Bram Stocker’s … Continued
It is midnight in St. Mark’s Square in Venice and the entire piazza is under water. Special tidal conditions and a full moon have caused the water levels to rise a metre and give the impression that one of the world’s most beautiful cities is sinking. A knee-deep flash lagoon covers what Napoleon referred to … Continued
It was a hot day in July 2011. My third trip to Budapest but the first time I would make it off-the-beaten track. My now husband – then boyfriend – suggested we should visit a tower on top of a hill. He’s always known about my passion for climbing to the top of…anything possible to … Continued
Dubrovnik: An Unofficial World Wonder by Armand Diab I’ve only been to Dubrovnik twice in my life: as a child, when I lived in Bosnia and visited it during a field trip with my 2nd grade class, and as an old adult, only 2 years ago. The beauty and history of the Old City fascinates … Continued
Albayrak: The Red Flags all Over Turkey! I will start by saying that I’ve never seen so much Red in my life, as I saw in Turkey in a few weeks, when I visited a couple of years ago. Whether on boats sailing past the Bosporus, on the façade of buildings, over balconies of … Continued
Life can get pretty hectic in the run up to Christmas, so why not leave the hustle and bustle behind and escape to the great outdoors. There is no better place to wrap up against the wintry weather and enjoy some fresh air in the miles and miles of rolling countryside in the Yorkshire Dales. There … Continued