Travel and Novelty

“Adventure is the discovery of the self, it is both feared and desired.” – Joseph Campbell In these times of restricted movement, it’s good to remember that travel is not just about the places you go. Although unique cultures and natural beauty are worthy of our attention, there is always a common denominator in your experience…

Travel Diaries #9 – The Hero’s Journey

My loop of north-east Vietnam wasn’t my first bike trip, and I was happy that the sum total of my prior experience meant that, if nothing else had been learned over the years, at least on this one I didn’t pack much. Another product of experience revealed itself quite early on, as I became aware…

Travel Diaries #8 – Return

This is part 6 of a series about a solo motorbike trip I took around north-east Vietnam in December 2018. Each story can be enjoyed alone, and together they form one big over-arching story. It’s about road trips, motorbikes, solo travel and finding yourself on the open road. And of course, it’s about Vietnam. Sign…

Travel Diaries #3 – Float

The view from my homestay in Pác Ngòi village, Bắc Kạn province, Vietnam. The southern edge of Ba Bể Lake is visible in the background This is part 2 of a series about a solo motorbike trip I took around north-east Vietnam in December 2018. Each story can be enjoyed alone, and together they form…

Bird-Feeding

“I feed the pigeons, I sometimes feed the sparrows too, it gives me a sense of ENORMOUS well-being” –          Blur – Parklife A momentary burst whips my attention, particles dispersing in a brief explosion before returning to their centre as if pulled back by the sharp inhale of gravity or a length of bungee cord.…

The Function of Small Talk

Photo by Juri Gianfrancesco on Unsplash Here we go again So we’re facing into the strictest of lockdowns, and it’s just been announced that we’re not allowed to visit each other’s houses. We’re not even allowed (legally? No-one knows) step into our neighbour’s or our friend’s garden. You can practice anything, including being alone. And…