Online booksellers and eBooks are making it hard for independent bookstores to survive. Thankfully a handful of bookstores around the world are defying the online giants. They know that for many avid readers, searching for a book, then holding that book and slowly flipping through its pages is a tactile sensation no online purchase or download can … [Read more...]
Skip Scotland’s whisky trails and head for the hills on the Isle of Skye
The Magic of Skye Part Two The Isle of Skye on Scotland’s west coast offers a delectable assortment for the outdoor enthusiast. I recommend deviating from the popular routes and uncovering a few of Skye's lesser-known gems in the more remote regions. Thanks to isolation and no travel during the Coronavirus pandemic, I've finally found the time … [Read more...]
Skip Scotland’s whisky trails and head for the hills
I wrote most of this story 18 months ago for an outdoors/adventure magazine that ended up changing their editorial focus and no longer required my story. During these quieter times with Coronavirus placing a 'hold' on the need for travel stories, I want to continue writing and sharing my travel experiences. So I dug out this story on a trip to … [Read more...]
A London serendipity moment
“I recognise that building.” There’s been so much hoopla in the media around Julian Assange’s arrest on Thursday and his removal from his diplomatic refuge at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. News channels have repeatedly shared the video of the 47-year old being ‘escorted’ by British police officers down the embassy’s steps before being shoved … [Read more...]
Eat your way around one of London’s trendiest inner city ‘hoods’
Visitors to London keen to tap into one of the city’s rapidly changing neighbourhoods should take a walking tour in London’s East End. In the back streets of Spitalfields, Hoxton and Shoreditch, not only will you discover the area’s fascinating multi-ethnic history, you’ll be indulging in a range of tasty treats. My foodie exploration of inner … [Read more...]
The Caley Hotel in Edinburgh
Ed Sheeran’s song ‘Castle on the Hill’ plays in my head as I take in the view from The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian. Clinging to the craggy outcrop of an extinct volcano are the imposing fortress and mottled sandstone buildings of the Edinburgh Castle. The Caledonian, or the 'Caley' as its affectionately known, proudly boasts more … [Read more...]
Scotland and the Outlander Effect gathers momentum
The story behind writing the story Earlier this year, I wrote a travel story on Scotland and the Outlander effect published online on New Zealand's Fairfax stuff.co.nz This explains why I wrote the story: Rewind back to April when I celebrated one of those milestone birthdays, some prefer to forget. One of my besties presented me with a gift … [Read more...]