Edinburgh has produced and inspired some of the UK’s best-known writers. Trade at cafes such as The Elephant House went through the roof when people found out J K Rowling sat at its tables to write the first Harry Potter novel. Fans pay an exorbitant amount to stay at the suite…
On my last day in Glasgow I saw a man steal a pair of second-hand shoes. This shady act fitted perfectly with the image people had painted of the city. The siren I heard from my friend’s apartment was apparently the perfect soundtrack to this rough, dirty and dangerous place. But does Glasgow deserve all the trash talk? I didn’t think so.
The working holiday program is one of the best ways for young Aussies to explore the UK and Europe. As long as we’re over 18, under 31 and have a bit of coin to support ourselves, we’re generally good to go. In theory, it sounds like an awesome concept. And it is. However.…
A couple of weeks ago, I met a friend for coffee and he handed me a copy of Graham Greene’s A Quiet American. “I thought you might like it to read it,” he said. At the time, I knew nothing about the book, other than there was a movie…
Every time I visit Paris, I fall in love with it a little bit more. But it wasn’t love at first sight. There are people for whom Paris holds a special draw. It’s one of the cities to see in the world. But it wasn’t like that. I’ve…
English weather often reminds me of what I grew up with in Tasmania – frequently wet and cold, occasionally sunny and beautiful, but most of all: consistently unpredictable
A cute medieval town filled with chocolate, chips, waffles, beer, canals and that tower that’s in In Bruges. Everyone thinks they’ve got Bruges all summed up. But even this town that takes hardly 30 minutes to walk from end to end, has some surprises. You can’t get lost The house…
Better than sex. That’s what I’d heard about Belgium chocolate. I’m no tart, but I was definitely up for a fling. I’d even been saving myself. On Christmas Day I indulged. Perhaps overindulged is more accurate. I don’t have much self-control (OK, none) so the giant bowl of…
Last week marked seven months for me in England’s Lake District. Not bad for what started out as a two-week job. I’m still in love with this place. My jaw dropped when I caught the bus to Keswick for my job interview and it still drops regularly at…
The coast of northern France is a sight seen by so few visitors to the country. I’m reluctant to use the expression “hidden gem” because the size of the car parks at Cap Gris Nez and Cap Nez Blanc suggest this area sees plenty of traffic. Just not…
