June 2014: Riffhams, Danbury, Essex
I am fortunate to live a few hundred metres from a footpath crossing the grounds of Riffhams, which offers one of the most attractive garden landscapes in Essex. Three times week it provides me with with the inspiration to keep going on my morning run. The house was built in 1815; Humphrey Repton was called […]
Galungan: when Balinese Ancestors Return to Earth
The Balinese festival of Galungan symbolises the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). To Balinese Hindus, it is one of the most important events of the 210-day year, a time when they express their gratitude to the creator of the universe, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi. It is a time of feasting, when many return […]
April 2014: Blake's Wood, Essex
I spend a lot of time in the countryside, both in the UK and elsewhere, whether as a holidaying visitor, accompanying my partner, or walking or running. Some plants, trees, birds and animals I can identify and recognise, although not being able to name them does not diminish the pleasure. It seems a good idea […]
Haute-Ville, Antananarivo, Madagascar
The Haute-Ville district of Antananarivo is a lively community located, as the name suggests, high above the centre of the city. The roads leading up the hill rise steeply; it takes almost half an hour to reach the top. After three days of this I noticed an improvement in fitness, although I was envious of […]
The Invisible College Trilogy: March 2014 Progress Update
With a publisher's contract for my trilogy signed and two volumes completed and ready for editing, I am keen to complete the final volume. I have a beginning and an ending; the challenge is to resolve outstanding issues and develop the plot in a measured, logical and credible manner. I am looking forward to feedback […]
Ganesha Statues in Seminyak, Bali
Ganesha, together with Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga, comprise the five prime Hindu deities. Ganesha is easily recognisable with his elephant's head on a human body and large belly. He wears a sacred thread, or belt, in the form of a serpent. in his right hand he holds his broken tusk and in his left […]
Daily Life and Commerce in Timor Leste
It is now two years since I visited Timor Leste, though I often look back through the photographs I took of daily life. At that time the UN presence was very visible, though this ended on 31st December 2012. Here are a few selective photographs, chosen to give a feel of life in the capital, […]
Timor Leste: By the Shore at Dili
Timor Leste has had a very troubled history, up to its independence in 2002, following 24 years of Indonesian occupation and centuries of Portuguese rule. Prior to independence nearly 70 per cent of all buildings, homes and schools were destroyed, and an estimated 75 per cent of the population was displaced. Internal political tensions, which had […]