EXPLORING MY ADOPTED CITY AND BEYOND
The atmosphere that engulfed Great Britain during the Victorian era was one laden with monumental new discoveries; it was a revolutionary time of new cutting-edge technologies and extensive scientific exploration of the natural world. The British Empire, which during its height in 1922 reigned over more than a quarter of the Earth’s land surface, began… Continue reading
Brighton’s streets are a cornucopia brimming with vibrant buildings, lively street art, and a delightful succession of colourful local characters. Yet there is one place that towers above all else with its utter extravagance and outlandish attitude, and despite its monumental stature and exotic appearance, seems oddly at ease in its humble setting by the… Continue reading
“Ah, dear Brighton—piers, queers and racketeers!” NOEL COWARD 1899-1973 – English playwright, actor, songwriter There is one invariable seaside town that sits persistently at the top of every tourists Must Visit list. A mere hour’s train journey from central London, Brighton lies perched along the southern stretch of East Sussex, and due to the construction… Continue reading
When pondering the perfectly precise way to describe London, the amazing metropolis that I now call home, I so often draw comparisons between this vivacious city and a vibrant, bustling farmer’s market. Both are a compilation of independent and unique offerings. London encompasses fascinating cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, all with their own inimitable architectural details, rich cultural… Continue reading
Although the affluent residential town of Richmond is situated a mere 10 miles from central London, it once was rural agricultural countryside consisting of large houses and hunting lodges of the extremely wealthy. One such estate, a 17th century treasure trove, lies nestled among the naturalistic landscape along the banks of the river Thames. Tucked… Continue reading
“The heavy golden sunshine enriched the old brick with a kind of patina, and made the tower cast a long shadow across the grass, like the finger of a gigantic sundial veering slowly with the sun. Everything was hushed and drowsy and silent but for the coo of the white pigeons.” – Vita Sackville-West There… Continue reading
With spring well under way here in England the variety of wonderful things to see and do seems almost infinite. Grand old homes with their well tendered, enveloping gardens fling open their gates to allow curious visitors the chance to witness these properties at their most glorious. Many of the country’s historic manor houses sit… Continue reading
Although abundant with interesting things to see and do, the Cotswolds is a place that very quickly charms you into slowing down. There is a rural, old-world atmosphere here that evokes images of time immemorial when the skill of the craftsman was revered, and the unhurried nature of a hard day’s work was measured by… Continue reading
“…[Nature] ever bearing witness against man that he has deliberately chosen ugliness instead of beauty…” – William Morris When we were planning our long weekend in the Cotswolds, a visit to one of the many grand heritage gardens that reside here was a necessity. Like resplendent precious jewels adorning a royal crown the gardens of… Continue reading
Is there such a thing as too much beauty? When people think of England, they conjure romantic images of fairy tale villages filled with honeyed stoned cottages enveloped by a seemingly infinite terrain of undulating pastures made verdant by the generous summer rains. The homogeneous landscape, with its endless patchwork of quaint chocolate box hamlets,… Continue reading