Images of Osaka, Kobe and Takamatsu. January 2023. “Osaka had a population of 2.7 million in the 2020 census, it is also the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Japan. Osaka means ‘large hill’ or ‘large slope’. It is unclear when this name gained prominence over Naniwa, […]
Images of Tokyo. November and December 2022. “Tokyo is the capital and most populous city of Japan. Formerly known as Edo, its metropolitan area (13,452 square kilometres or 5,194 square miles) is the most populous in the world. Tokyo serves as Japan’s economic centre and is the seat of both the Japanese government and the […]
History and science fiction took centre stage this time. This is my list of 45 books read and rated in 2022. (* Indicates it has been read before.) Five stars The Travels, Marco Polo, c. 1300 The History of the Kings of Britain, Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1136 The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and […]
Images of Cardiff. June 2022. “Cardiff, (Welsh: Caerdydd), city and capital of Wales. Cardiff exists as both a city and a county within the Welsh unitary authority system of local government. It is located within the historic county of Glamorgan (Morgannwg) on the Bristol Channel at the mouth of the River Taff, about 150 miles […]
In a year of lockdowns, literature provided ways of escape. Here’s my list of 70 books read in 2021 and a brief verdict. (* Indicates it has been read before.) Five stars Guide to Greece 1: Central Greece, Pausanias, 2nd cent. ADGuide to Greece 2: Southern Greece, Pausanias, 2nd cent. ADThe Secret Pilgrim, John le […]
With an anniversary to consider, here’s my fifth album review. My tastes cover all genres and time periods, but few albums can last the ravages of time and retain their power. This time it’s a look at Movement by New Order. Review Number: 5Review Date: 28 November 2021 Album: MovementArtist: New OrderCountry: EnglandRelease Date: 1981Genres: […]
Images of Exeter. October 2021. Exeter is a city in Devon, South West England. It is situated on the River Exe, approximately 36 miles (58 km) north-east of Plymouth and 65 miles (105 km) south-west of Bristol. “In Roman Britain, Exeter was established as the base of Legio II Augusta under the personal command of […]
Images of Cirencester. September 2021. Cirencester is in the county of Gloucestershire, southwest-central England. It lies on the River Churn. “Cirencester occupies the site of the Romano-British town Corinium, capital of the Dobuni tribe, at the junction of the important Roman and British roads known as Fosse Way, Ermine Street, and Akeman Street. The walls […]
A long time ago I discussed Six Unforgettable Novels. This time it’s not fiction, but a brief analysis of historical documentaries. The six titles below represent the perfect combination of narration, visuals, testimonies and an explanation of history free from agenda or amateur dramatics. The first three on the list have each been watched around […]
Here’s my list of 42 books read in 2020 and a brief verdict. Considering the amount of work and chores I had to do last year it’s amazing anything got read. (* Indicates it has been read before.) Five stars Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, John le Carré, 1974Don Quixote, Cervantes, 1605-1616Masters of Reality – Black […]