Puebla It was a hot, sunny afternoon in Puebla. We'd somehow lost the rest of the group after the morning trip to Cholula and were wondering the pretty streets around the town centre on our own. We were on the lookout for ceramic bowls so we stepped into a ceramic shop to see whether they… Continue reading Mexican Souvenirs
Strangers on a Train
Commuting is mostly being in a crowded space with some strangers. Is it any wonder I try to make my commute nicer by giving names to the people I commute with? Leo's Mum and her three children. Leo's Mum has three children but I only know the name of one - Leo - because he's… Continue reading Strangers on a Train
(Mostly) meat free January
So here we are at the end of January, and having just been through a month of (mostly) plant based eating. And let's face it, that is how the majority of the world's population eats all the time, and if we are to sustain the human race, it's how all of us should eat all… Continue reading (Mostly) meat free January
Take the stairs
Blah blah, healthy January. No drinking, all dieting, all queuing up at the (suddenly very crowded) gym. Saying no to chocolate and yes to fruit (but still wanting chocolate). In the northern hemisphere January is grim. None of the joys of December when you at least have Christmas and New Year to look forward to… Continue reading Take the stairs
Office Plant Care
Gardening - is it really so hard? Or am I just lucky to have come from a family that likes gardening so I am good at taking care of plants? I really despair about the office plants. Plants seem to be a standard kind of gift - orchids in particular are popular for birthdays -… Continue reading Office Plant Care
Best books I read in 2018
Not a comprehensive list of the books I read this year, but a list (in no particular order) of the books that made the biggest impact on me this year. Some are books bought new, some second hand, some borrowed from friends, some borrowed from the library. Some I have wanted to read for a… Continue reading Best books I read in 2018
Hello Antwerp, my old friend
I have a soft spot for Antwerp as it was the first place on mainland Europe that I visited after arriving in the UK. I travelled to Antwerp with a group of other recently-ex-students to attend a famous student boat cruise. I had also just quit a bad job and it was my first birthday… Continue reading Hello Antwerp, my old friend
S.A.D.
In the wintry northern hemisphere, this is a dark time of year. Regardless of the Christmas lights, there is less daylight, and quite often when it is daylight, it's grey and overcast and not very light. Lack of light can really affect your mood, as I was reminded this week. I found myself in my… Continue reading S.A.D.
Tidings of comfort and Joy
'Tis the season, as the song goes. The Christmas season when those songs about peace and happiness and joy get played on repeat in every store you go into. But what kind of things bring you joy? You know, those little moments of heart-gladdening, the lightning flash of something that lifts your soul, the glimpses… Continue reading Tidings of comfort and Joy
Speculative
Every year around this time I get excited about Christmas baking. When it's cold and grey outside, it's nice to be warm inside, and who doesn't love the smell of baking? And at the end of course you have something nice to eat with a cup of tea. It's all good! One of the biscuits… Continue reading Speculative
Tales from Tobhamhor 