Soapbox

The expression “The Countryside” is very British don’t you think? I don’t think that the French or Germans think really in the same way, the Australians certainly don’t with their outback and bush, the Americans have their prairies and mountains, the Russians their “steppes” and the South Americans their pampas, but it is the British […]

Welcome to Bali, not only a place of spiritual tranquility but one of the world’s great “wellness” destinations. Yes, I know this word “wellness” doesn’t sit well on everyone’s ears as the older generation thinks more about health and “wellbeing”…. both of which fall nicely under the “wellness” title, but wellness is more than that. […]

The English Heritage Society created a really meaningful “virtuous circle” which really appealed to me. A virtuous circle as opposed to the opposite, a downward cycle of destruction, is a process of self-improvement and positive reinforcement. This circle was something they had figured out worked for the appreciation and preservation of historical and cultural sites, […]

In many ways the disruption caused to Bali’s tourism industry by the continued volcanic activity has put a number of things into perspective. While I am really sad for the employees who have been laid off, the small businesses that have suffered, and the thousands evacuated from the danger zone, I have to say, seeing the […]

It is so wonderful to be in Bali in the sunshine when there is a balmy breeze blowing and the waves are breaking gently on the shore (but strong enough to surf on of course!). But hold on, not every day is like that and – guess what – nature is still completely out of […]

Welcome to Bali, formerly the island of the gods, now the island of motorcycles! For those of you who come from countries where motorcycles are a rarity, Bali’s population of Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki/Vespa/Lambretta/Motoguzzi/BMW/Harley’s may come as a shock, and indeed as your holiday rolls out you may even get a bit frustrated at them blocking, turning, polluting, […]

It’s a funny thing that we human beings need to have sporting pastimes to both keep fit and to release our stress from everyday life. We were originally designed as “hunter-gatherers”, and had to work very hard to survive chasing down wild animals in prehistoric times; then later in the middle ages, cultivating the soil. […]

Famous British playwright Shakespeare started it all with his memorable lines from Twelfth Night, “If music be the food of love, play on”. And it is! Music is the food of love, the author of emotion, the stirrer of memories, the instigator of passion, the cause of sorrow, the source of joy and the balm […]

I tell you, as a young boy (not being sexist, I only have this experience!) there is nothing like the thrill of going to the beach. From the moment you arrive and kick off your shoes, to the minute you leave, being dragged by Dad, kicking and fighting, it is heaven on earth. Boys find […]

I am often amazed at the illogical ways of the human race, but none more than their shopping habits. Why buy French fashion in New York, Italian shoes in Tokyo, German bags in Singapore, American perfume in UK and Scotch Whisky in South Africa? Well I can understand the last one, being Scottish and happy […]