Category: Travel

Hermitage and Chapel

Let me introduce you to Santa Lucia. In her right hand she is strangling a frog, a bit of Catholic iconography with which I am unfamiliar.

To the Lighthouse

The villas in Javea cling to the hillside. Architecturally they are more imaginative than those I have seen around Malaga.

Published
Categorised as Travel

Sea Views

Javea is bounded by two national parks; both are a little far to get to on foot from the Parador but the walks from the hotel are pretty good.

Published
Categorised as Travel

Two Churches

Javea is a different kettle of fish to its neighbour on the Costa Blanca, Benidorm. Actually I’ve not been to Benidorm so maybe it is a city of culture with architectural integrity.

Worrying

I’m champion at worrying. I think I learned it from my mother. This time last year I was in a stew about making a speech to the Loriners. Now, non-swank, I am a Freeman Loriner; a privilege not dependent upon being a fluent public speaker, fortunately.  

Published
Categorised as Travel

Of Teeth and Travel

Cereal House on Mark Lane was home to the London Commodity Exchange when I started in the City in 1976. There were futures markets for sugar, coffee, cocoa, etc there, as well as a bar. In 1981 the grandly named International Petroleum Exchange opened in a room that had been home to a defunct futures… Continue reading Of Teeth and Travel

Take the Pine Line

Having a cheap and cheerful lunch in Venice reminded me of a day out in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence some five years ago. If you like a good train journey and a cheap lunch, read on Macduff.

Published
Categorised as Travel

Venetian Sunset

Taking a water taxi to or from the airport in or at Venice is an expensive luxury. In the old days the water bus went direct from Marco Polo to San Marco, threading through the canal at Arsenale. Then it re-routed to go via the Lido which takes over an hour.

Art & Architecture

At least my ninth visit to Venice but my first in January. Among the advantages at this time of year are clear skies and a low sun, creating a coruscating light show on the canals, and the absence of crowds.