I try to be a good influence. I try not to let on, especially to the children in my life (godchildren, niece, nephew, cousins), that I am a terrible role model. Imagine my surprise when last weekend I was presented with my godson Toby's first story, which is to be published in a collection. He [...]
Goa
Having refused to pay 300 rupees extra for an air conditioned cab, I sat sweating in the passenger seat with one elbow hooked on the open window to try and spread some breeze around my body. The road was dusty and wild. There were children leaving school, walking along the side-lines and staring as this [...]
#18 – Take a train ride across India
Ten years ago I was hungover. Not much has changed. On this particular occasion I woke up on a sofa in the basement of my friend’s student digs in Cambridge. Stale smoke sat up in the air along with any plans I had for the day. Ben, the aforementioned friend, wandered into the room and [...]
Rishikesh
I woke up early and bagged up anything in my hotel room that wasn't chained down. I didn't know what the rest of my accommodation would be like so took two toothbrushes, body lotion, conditioner, shampoo, a shower cap, a comb and so many bars of soap that it looked like I was smuggling bullion. [...]
Delhi to Agra
I landed at around 10am, still dressed in the Canadian tuxedo I had worn to work the day before. I had one bag with me, hanging off one shoulder, full of what my friends call "Bastard shirts" - hideously glorious short sleeved Hawaiian-style tops. I also had toothpaste and some cotton buds so I was [...]
What have you done?
This week I have seen a number of posts from people celebrating their personal wins for the year so far. I know I have made similar highlight-type posts in time gone by about my personal achievements for a given period. Due to personal circumstances, it hit me this time around that it's ok if you [...]
Here Comes The Night Time.
I'm struggling to commit to editing at the moment. The whole thing feels like a lot of hard work, which is probably because it is. I know that I'll get to it in my own good mystical time but for now I just need to get the words out of my head and onto the [...]
Tie that knot.
I'm at an age where I go to a lot of weddings. It seems to me that everything is currently doing the wedding thing. My right arm is constantly hooked, ready for another glass of champagne, another toast to another happy couple. That's why it's pretty impressive if a wedding goes above and beyond. This [...]
Running into the past.
Yesterday morning I was getting coffee. This is not news. I turned from the counter and bumped into a girl. I had not seen her there and I had also not seen her in two years. Let me take you back. Fathom this out. Three years ago, I trekked the Grand Canyon for charity (don’t [...]
Desert Island Films.
Note: This post is full of spoilers for the films featured. Consider this fair warning. Earlier this year I put together my list of Desert Island Discs, to save me having to go on Radio 4 and discuss them in person. You know me, I don't like to leave my flat without good cause. This [...]
