Travels by Eurovision 2013
It’s a sad. sad day when the GFC leaks into song and I fear that this year’s black clad, down-beat, disappointing Eurovision is an indication of the mood. Where is the joy, Europe? Where are the crazy costumes and the onstage bread-baking and sand painting? Are things so bad that even Eurovision has woken up...
Kumamon & Japanese “Weak Mascots”
I can’t quite recall the first time I came across these beings, but I remember seeing flashes of these “Mickey Mouse failures” on TV when I first came to Japan, their unbalanced figures waddling about, their bodies so large that they can just about wiggle their hand to and fro in a pathetic wave, attempting...
Welcome to Belgium, waffles, beer and the search for the elusive moules-frites
Anyone who knows anything about the Belgians knows that they live on moules-frites, waffles and beer. All washed down with lashings of chocolate. These culinary delights were my targets on a recent all-too-brief Spa-Francorchamps road trip. The more moules, the more frites, the more waffles and the more beer I could get my hands on,...
Greater Alexander: finding musical inspiration whilst Greek Island hopping
Travelling is a journey that spurs greater insight within an person. This was certainly the case for traveler and singer/songwriter, Greater Alexander. As others before him, Greater Alexander has explored the road and now offers his melodic and lush sounds as a memoir of his travels. He spent time adrift in the islands of Greece, digging at...
Five adventurers, Five continents, One motorbike! @BMWMotorrad
Out of 12,000 applicants five people were chosen to ride a new Enduro BMW R 1200 GS for part of a 44 day trip across challenging terrain the world over. Each rider had their turn on one continent, before the bike was given to the next rider to complete their part of the tour. In...
The Road to the Isles: Fort William to Mallaig
The Road to the Isles might be a famous folk song, but it is also the A830, a picturesque road that passes through several small villages as it winds from Fort William to Mallaig. One of these is Glenfinnan, forever associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie who raised his standard there in 1745. If you arrive...
Recipe – How to make a delicious Mortadella Mousse @BolognaWelcome
One of the intriguing things I ate on a recent trip to Bologna was Mortadella mousse. Bologna is of course famous for its mortadella, but I had never eaten it as a mousse before. A bit of research online and I have found a recipe which I will share so that you can try it...
Macallan 10 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky @the_macallan
Hailing from Craigellachie, is The Macallan a Speyside or a Highland whisky? It is up in the general Speyside area, but since the Scotch whisky regulations of 2009 it is not in a precise location that can call itself Speyside on its labels. Even so, it might say Highland on the bottle but whisky experts...
The Nutcracker; Never a Dull Moment
The Nutcracker: Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Thursday 10th January, 2013. It’s a Christmas classic, but the Scottish Ballet’s take on this distinctive and memorable show is just as fresh as ever, and an enjoyable feast for all eyes to behold. Enchanting and beautiful, we’re taken on a winter wonderland journey as the story of The Nutcracker...
