From Deadlines to Donkey Dung in France

From Deadlines to Donkey Dung in France

I’m a screenwriter who is 8,000 kilometres from my West Coast Canadian home spending a pleasant afternoon picking up donkey dung in southern France. I’ve learned donkeys are very neat animals and defecate in one area only until they move on to a new site so collecting the straw-packed, flealess, and odorless droppings is easy. … Continued

Trainhopping in Seaford, the UK

No, I’m not back in the Philippines yet. And no, I’m no way near Batanes. This trip was supposed to be “aimless”. One weekend, I was just thinking of train-station-hopping. I just needed an escape! But then on second thought, I might end up disappointed and that would mean wasting some bucks. So I hurriedly … Continued

Italy’s Best Kept Secret

I have always believed that I was born in the wrong era. The fast placed lifestyle; the hustle and bustle and the quantity over quality thing just never resonated with me. Although, now that I lived in Orvieto, Italy, I have come to realize that maybe I wasn’t born in the wrong era at all. … Continued

Coole Park Ireland Travel

Ireland: Meeting the Queen

“You can’t do that, it’s blocked off.” My friend protested. “I can hop that.” I answered. “You’ll get in trouble.” He said sternly. “Watch the door.” I said with a smirk on my face. If I never got to travel again, I wanted to make the most of it, even if that meant getting myself … Continued

France: A Third of a Pond

When we first saw the neglected farmhouse the spring air resounded with the throb of croaking frogs and we discovered to our delight that it faced a sizable oval pond enclosed by the shimmering arms of giant poplars, wild willows and other bird-filled trees and below the grassy banks yellow flag iris and the spiky … Continued

France: Café au lait

“Café au lait?” asked the square, solid waitress in our Paris pensionne. “No, my wife won’t be coming down this morning” replied the American, firmly, trying to convey he understood what he was being asked, when clearly he didn’t. “Pardon, monsieur, café au lait?” repeated the puzzled waitress. “Yes, she was the one wearing a … Continued

Romania Travel

No Regrets in Romania

No Regrets This might seem an anti-travel manifesto at first. It’s not. I can assure you that I am as wild, free, and wanderlust as one gets. However, we all need stability at one point. And like all the elements gathered here, contrasting and somewhat antagonistic, I have to confess that I’m living in and … Continued

cyprus

Fix of Fantasy in Lofou, Cyprus

Two narrow roads, one easterly, the other westerly, wiggle their way from the main thoroughfares towards Lofou, an ancient Cypriot village ensconced between the hills northwest of Limassol. From either direction, the drive up evokes a welcoming sense of solitude. Grapevines, standing in line like obedient students, crowd the countryside and provide a stark contrast … Continued

Ukraine, Tustan: “Stand Here”

“Tustan!” he yelled out in the melodic tone only locals use. The wind carried the word into the woods and valleys below us. “Tustan!” I echoed him but the sound of my own voice was not as soft and deep as his; he belonged here. Tustan, literally translated, the name of the place means “Stand … Continued

europe travel

How could I choose between Paris and London?

Paris or London? How could I choose between two cities which attract millions of visitors annually ? London is four times as large as Paris and has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. London has London Eye, Paris has Eiffel Tower, London has pub food, Paris has croissants – ok, I have to admit this one … Continued

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