The first time I saw Manhattan’s skyline in all its lofty grandeur was in a yellow cab crossing the Hudson from JFK. It was 1998 and I was on my second-ever trip to America with my parents. I’d seen it before of course, albeit in films and TV shows. But taking it in up close, … Continue reading Falling for New York in the fall
Early autumn, one of my favourite times of year to venture on a European city break. The crowds you’d likely encounter in peak season are no obstacle, prices have dipped a little and the weather tends to be appealingly pleasant just as the days begin to recede, darken and develop a chill at home in … Continue reading Autumn warmth in Madrid
Cruising the Varanasi shoreline at dawn, I restrain panic. Water is sloshing underneath the timber haphazardly lining the base of the boat and I fret that this is in no way the relaxing sunrise trip along the Ganges I envisaged. Behind me, my guide and driver sit unperturbed, as though they sail in a glorious … Continue reading Varanasi: a place like no other
My first night in Oslo, amidst a sweltering early June heatwave, and I lie in bed coverless, closely cradling a two-litre Pepsi bottled filled with iced water. An ingenious idea from my Norwegian hosts, apologetic for the temperature of their flat: a tastefully decorated space designed to retain heat, rather than stave it. Oslo doesn’t … Continue reading Heat waves in Oslo
The true heart of Seville emerges on Sundays. As locals gather for mass, I spend my morning strolling northwards from the former gypsy quarter of Triana to the soulful Macrena barrio via neighbouring Alameda. Along the way, I happen across contrasting architectural feats like the Metropol Parasol and ancient Alameda de Hercules, a broad avenue … Continue reading Trends and traditions in Seville
What do you think of when you visualise San Francisco? Quite possibly the burning orange hues of the Golden Gate Bridge spring to the fore. Maybe it's rows of multicoloured Victorian houses or cable cars whizzing up and down hilly inclines. How about the notorious Alcatraz Island emerging from the fog that famously blankets the … Continue reading California solo dreaming part II – San Francisco for one
Everyone deserves a little celebration for their birthday, even more so for the milestones, the ones where we think right, this is good news, I’ve made it this far. So, when I arrived at a full 30 years on earth, I decided it was treat-myself-time and jetted off to California for ten days – yes, … Continue reading California solo dreaming – LA daze
One of my favourite things about living in London is the wealth of transport hubs here that make for an easy escape when one is need of a few days away. In particular I love Kings Cross St Pancreas station and the Eurostar terminal – it’s one of the best train stations I’ve travelled through … Continue reading Wandering in Bruges
One year sure does go by quickly doesn’t it. Last September I started this blog having itched to combine two of my true passions; travel and writing. The thought of sharing my words with friends, family, peers and strangers was daunting, but since my first post I’ve not once felt that way again. Without knowing … Continue reading #Blogiversary
If I were to ever find myself in a scenario where I had to convert to another nationality, it would probably be Swedish. I think I would fit in well with the Swedes; they love great coffee, enjoy spending time outdoors and their style is impeccably simple and trendy, some of the small things in … Continue reading Gothenburg for one
The Art of Travelling Solo 