Blog

My blog features some of my more personal writing, usually impressions from my travels.

Love, a loch and an empty seat

“You want to go upstairs, don’t you?” His eyes glint with amusement and prophecy. He knows we won’t stay here long, down here where it is warm and dry, where...

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Turn left and leave it all behind

There’s an unmistakeable moment – just one – that completely captures solo travel for me. It is the instant, relieved of my bags and assured of a place to sleep...

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The passions we misplace

The first time I tried to read The English Patient, it took me seven months and I laboured through every word. I endured it because it was a gift and...

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Under the sycamore tree

Imagine skin stripped from flesh. Imagine only the muscles and tendons and fascia beneath, sinewy and strong, revealing and raw. For a couple of metres from her roots up, that’s...

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The fierce fortunes of transient love

“Put this on,” he says. “You’re going to need it.” “What for?” “We’re going out.” “You can’t be serious. It’s snowing.” “Which is why you’re going to need my coat....

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Fall on your feet

When I was living in Toronto, I learnt why the Canadians call it fall. It’s not because of the leaves that descend; instead, it’s the invisible fire in the sky....

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