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Musings

Life in India is extraordinary and exhausting, fascinating and unfathomable but always thought provoking. Simple daily tasks that we, from 'first world countries' take for granted for being just that, can become expeditions in India. The most mundane activity can cause endless causes for frustration or amusement. Life in India has tested me, more than occasionally, but amused me endlessly, perhaps that's just me, but my musings are where I record these, fondly.

The Mistress That Is India

India can’t be instantly appreciated, nor can she be rushed. She will reveal herself in her own time, she will move at her own pace. You can’t demand from her nor hurry her along. India is magical, baffling, confusing and unfathomable and frustrating.    She is captivating and beguiling, fascinating, awe inspiring but most of…

Vindaloo,Who Knew?

This is, or should I say was, a pork vindaloo.  I kind of forgot to take the before picture. It was rather tasty. Now, the mere mention of a vindaloo in the UK gives connotations of toilet rolls being placed in fridges and lager louts at the end of the Westgate run, a pub crawl…

Five Things You Never Knew You Needed to Know About Rhubarb

It’s cold, even by normal Yorkshire standards. Snow is on the ground and for several days temperatures hover around 0C, to which phone apps add comments such as ‘feels like -5C, which aren’t terribly helpful. Weather like this means a couple of things. The first is quite obvious, yes, it’s winter in Yorkshire, fortunately we…

The Mysteries of Mountains

Ghostly, ethereal Layer upon interwoven layer of  mountains Shrouded in a gossamer mist Haunting, mysterious. Standing proud or hunched? Kind or cruel? Smugglers, nomads, shepherds, Centuries of stories Love? Maybe But bravery, grief, hardship, sorrow then death Hidden in their rugged and steadfast embrace. The view, this view induces gazing Wistful Pondering The mysteries of…

The Indian Train Experience

Some people, in fact many people, have the notion that train travel in India is romantic. It is not. Interesting, entertaining, and an excellent way of witnessing culture up close and personal, yes, but romantic, no.  Basic is a word that springs to mind. If cleanliness is important, then it is best to find another…

Portrait, Graceful in Old Age, Holipura, Uttar Pradesh

World Tourism Day 2020

What’s in a smile? I’ve been writing content for a new travel website for a client, somewhat optimistic perhaps, but he’s determined to be prepared.  In doing so, I was flicking through past content for other websites I’ve written seeking inspiration; “Infectious smiles,” was a phrase I came across and smiled to myself, and thought,…

Why India?

It’s a fact that most people who think of travelling to India don’t know much about it. They only know what they have heard about – which I understand is a ridiculous statement to make, but hear me out. People have heard of certain destinations and some monuments and these are what they ask for…

Global Storming

A picture clicked in colour. The harsh steel grey of the buildings Blend in with an angry sky. Storms are devastating the world we live in A world we have created Dominated by selfishness and greed. The bounteous nature we have destroyed. When will we realise that mother nature speaks. Her anger evident in her…

Smokescreen, Diwali, a Poem

Smokescreen Diwali, the festival of light, Diwali, victory over evil Diwali the triumph of light over darkness and hope My hope The re-emergence from illness, incarceration in the wrong place, the wrong body, the wrong mind My thoughts; a new beginning And yet, my arrival, A day late. A day post Diwali and Delhi, a…

Meetings, Dreams & Cycles of Life.

Around 13 years ago, over breakfast at the Malabar House Hotel in Cochin I was introduced to one of the most extraordinary, fascinating and yet unassuming men it has ever been my privilege to meet, Anderson Bakewell. He had just spent three years living like a local in Mandvi, Gujarat, building a 120ft sailing dhow,…