The Trouble With Goats and Sheep – Joanna Cannon

‘The Trouble with Goats and Sheep’ is my new best friend! Love this book and this review summarizes its appeal very well.

Savidge Reads

One of the joys of reading a book way in advance is, if it is a corker, that you feel like you are holding on to a precious little secret that no one else knows about, selfish but true. One of the perils though is that you are desperate to rave about it and discuss it with everyonebut you can’t. This is how I found myself feeling when I first wrote the bulk of thisreview of Joanna Cannon’s marvellous debut The Trouble With Goats and Sheep last year, which I have now tweaked a tiny bit as the book can finally be in all of your hands this week (well in the UK, you have a little longer to wait elsewhere but it is worth it) and I cannot urge you enough to get your hands on it. I have bought three copies of it today alone for some very…

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Closing one door…..

If you are a professional blogger, considering blogging as a work choice or just interested in the story of one passionately commited blogger, read this 🙂

Not Just a Granny

After much soul-searching and serious consideration I’ve made the heart-wrenching decision to close or more accurately shut down (since it’s an internet based entity), my ‘business’ 3 Days in London.

3 Days in London came about through my passion for sharing the many beautiful places and amazing secrets I had discovered in London during my many walkabouts. Born out of that passion the first few years were a labour of love, a joy that lifted my heart whenever I go into the city, and while that joy is still there, the business of 3DiL has become a weight on my heart.

I’ve invested years, months, days and many thousands of hours on my twitter account, sharing articles and snippets of information ….for FREE. Likewise the website and my facebook page.  I get very very little interest or activity on either despite spending money on facebook ads. I’m disheartened when I…

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A Heart is like a Compass

A Heart is Like a Compass

A heart does not understand boundaries
A heart is like a compass
It only knows what it feels
and points that way

A compass needle knows only to point to true North
A heart only points in a direction it feels True
My heart only points, without shame, to you
The same, no matter where I turn, or what I do

Loving you seems the only thing to do

By James T Adair

“Life is a journey” is seen as a cliché these days yet, as with many clichés  it has a resonance to which we can all relate.  The compass is a tangible symbol for the adventure that is life and the different paths and directions we take along the way.  

The Amphitheatre of Aphrodisias in Turkey

Cicadas zither noisily in the midday sun.  The heat is all-enveloping and brings out the scent of oregano and basil, whilst in the distance the tap-tapping of a lone archaeologist travels across seemingly endless columns, archways and fallen statues.

Sitting half way up the cool marble seats of the Theatre at Aphrodisias, Turkey, you are transported to another world; a world without the immediate gratification of internet access, mobile phone messages, plane travel and fast food.

Exploring the coast of Skane in southern Sweden

First impression of the quaint fishing harbour of Molle (Mölle) on the west coast of Skane (Skåne), Sweden, is that you’re in some New England seaside village.

Maybe it’s the old wooden houses painted in white with traditional red roofs which overlook the ever-changing ocean twirling and swooshing along its stone walls and sandy beaches.  Originally a prosperous fishing community in the 19th century, the village is now a popular holiday destination, with many Swedes having holiday homes in the area.

The One Hundred Year Old Man – Book Club questions

Our book club meets every two months. There are about 12 of us and our literary tastes vary greatly, but we all enjoy the variety of books we get to read and the stimulating (and at times quite challenging!) conversations we have about them. It was my turn to pick this month and I chose ‘The Hundred Year Old Man who climbed out of the Window and Disappeared’ by Jonas Jonasson‘ *

I had given up on the book when it first came out but because so many recommended it, I persevered and enjoyed its idiosyncratic romp through 20th century history and the somewhat amoral adventures of its central Swedish character Allan Karlsson. 

Europe Cultural gems: Amsterdam, Barcelona and Krakow

Batllo House, Gaudi – photo Matinibz

Looking for a city break that combines beauty with brains? There are so many to choose from! Here are 3 cultural cities in Europe where you can have a great time exploring and also relax in style.

Amsterdam, Holland

One of my favourite cities in the world, never mind Europe, Amsterdam has culture and great beauty, plus a fun vibe…

Lakes Culture interview – 5 minutes with Zoë Dawes –

Lakes Culture aims to bring together the area’s tourism and cultural sectors to better promote the wealth of cultural activities on offer reaffirming the area as the UK’s leading rural cultural destination.

In a this interview with Lakes Culture I talk about my love for the Lake District, share tips on places to eat and stay, winning the Culture & History Blogger and my favourite view on the Lake District.

Read 5 minutes with Zoë Dawes – Lakes Culture.

National award for travel writer Zoë Dawes

I won the DFDS ‘Best Culture and History Blogger’ Award! See previous post Vote for Best Travel Blogger for why I entered. Click here to visit The Quirky Traveller Blog 🙂

Thanks so much to everyone who voted for me. Read all about it and interview here National award for travel writer Zoë Dawes.

Vote for Best Culture and History Blogger

Those of you who read my blog regularly will know how much I love culture and history. Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated by both subjects.