The Day OF The Triffids
Published in 1951, John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids remains a poet-apocalyptic classic. Written during the tensions of the Cold War, it explores how humanity - and individuals - react when society unexpectedly and suddenly crumbles.
Finding Leonardo in Fiesole
Above Florence is the delightful town of Fiesole, once home to the Etruscans (and a summer retreat for the Medici). In the hills above the town a plaque marks the spot where Leonard, using one of his creations, once tried to fly.
Not in Rome: Diary of A Witch Doctor
When the internet gods think I live in Rome - surely a sign (to be taken whatever way I like…)
A Walk With Dante in Florence
Dante began writing The Divine Comedy while exiled from his beloved Florence. The pain of banishment weaves through his work. The poet never returned to his native city; even the tomb built for him in 1829 in Santa Croce remains empty. Yet were Dante to return to Florence today, much of the city would be familiar to him.
Two Mountains
A poem from Anne Harrison’s collection Songs of a Sad Summer
Anchored by memory I reach out, yearning / But the Bridge of Two Mountains has crumbled
Wandering Hoi An
Wandering Hoi An is the best way to explore and discover this ancient city. The buildings reflect her years as a thriving port; now Noi An is filled with art galleries, gastronomic gems, ceramics, lanterns, and, of course, the silk for which the town is famed.
Wandering in Venice
No matter how lost I became, I always found something to see in Venice. Simply walking her streets with no destination in mind is an absolute delight.
An Old Armchair
A poem from Anne Harrison’s collection Songs of a Sad Summer, available from her website anne-harrison.com or from Amazon
A Cabinet of Curiosities
A Cabinet of Curiosities — such a delightful term. In Prague’s Strahov Monastery, a few rooms are dedicated to an eclectic mix of curiosities: from unicorn horns to chain mail, from hand-illustrated manuscripts to a dried whale penis. Then, there is also the library.
The Kingdom Of A Million Elephants And The White Parasol.
Luang Prabang was once the capital of Laos. It may appear a sleepy town, but Luang Prabang remains the intellectual and cultural capital of Laos. Everywhere there are statues of the Buddha, and the monks in their robes of orange and saffron remain the enduring image of the town, a reminder of the depth of the culture.
My Writings This Month
A summary of what I published this month, from the orchid gardens of Singapore to having coffee in an apartment in Florence, from looking over the roofline of Prague to publishing travel journals and notebooks.
Anna Karenina
Anna Karenina is a novel entirely Russian, yet also modern, because of the depth of Tolstoy’s characters and how he develops them. For a work which encompasses such grand themes, the characters are all too human, trapped by the dictums and hypocrisies of their society. Many consider it the greatest modern novel.
Why I loved Nagasaki
Nagasaki was unexpected. Perfect for wandering, uncrowded, with great food and shopping - plus a delightful welcome at the port! It boasts Japan’s oldest arched bridge, and a garden which inspired Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.
An Apartment in Florence
Thoughts on staying in an apartment in Florence above the San Lorenzo Markets. Of course food became a central part of the stay, with the Mercato Centrale just around the corner. Plus the place came with a clothesline hanging out the window.