Terry Pratchett wrote “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” (A Hat Full of Sky)
“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.” - Beethoven We’re surrounded by secrets, awaiting discovery. The efficiency of a thumbnail secret, ‘The Underground Railroad’ by Colson Whitehead, ‘Platform Souls’ by Nicholas Whittaker, and the Shetland Bus.
To Australia and back, for free? The dangers of crate escapes and the impact of breaking barriers.
Finding a new destination when trouble lies ahead. Reducing the impact on ourselves of a bubble bursting. As Dana Milbank writes "Stop trying to be happy — and start figuring out how to make other people happy."
Shadows in the dark, imagining the worst and the safety provided by the travelling community. I've never been locked in a station before.
John Steinbeck, California, bright shiny technology, bubbles and the giant with a scarred face and an evil white eye.
The inspiration and tenacity of those who ride the storms and the Great Horse Manure Crisis of 1894
Village life with a horse, a mouse and rabbits. Train politeness, buses in Samoa and the art of John Noakes in Dunedin. Together with the long-lasting relevance of a Victorian Act of Parliament.
The Delta Lady and random direction choices. Remarkable navigation, the human fishing fleet, and sailing down the Thames
A story of survival and recovery. From Singapore to New Zealand via Japan. A new family and communities of mobility. Not forgetting Granny’s bottle of rum.
A 1625 atlas, the Swedish Mile and the Kiwi Kilometre confuse, and William Whyte laments that the human backside is a dimension architects seem to have forgotten. ‘On Looking: A Walkers Guide to the Art of Observation' by Alexandra Horowitz. The Trooping Of the Colour and birthday suits.
Meeting the wise, appreciating a vegetable, and making unexpected discoveries. Buddha’s tooth is revealed and a Tardis on wheels saves the day. All wrapped up with the delights of the Lost Gypsy Gallery and Peake’s Kitchen.
Trusted friends are important as a market correction or recession looms, and trusted strangers can help too, just like the Trail Angels. New opportunities will arise, as they have in the past. Meanwhile, for Willow, a long unexpected journey has begun. And ‘If This Isn’t Nice, What Is?’ by Kurt Vonnegut is a good read in these turbulent times.
Flocking herds, pearls and possums. ‘Careless People’ by Sarah Wynn-Williams and ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix. The silent majority, the vocal minority and the assumptions we make about people. Thankfully, kindness and common sense invariably prevail.
A new life and a long journey begin. Travelling around the World demonstrates again the kindness of strangers and that our goals so often fall short of our reach.
Swifties and Deadheads, engaged, loyal travellers all. Whether it’s great distances or 15-minute neighbourhoods. Proximity, accessibility and safety matter. Hopefully you know the route.
A demonstration of multitasking, human service, engagement and how apparent solutions commonly put carts in front of horses. Strange misconceptions and engineered addiction.
It’s surprisingly easy to make a difference, however small we feel. And our goals are shared by strangers, frustrating those who stoke fear, prejudice and friction.
The squirrels, Growth and Progress. Applying the skills of Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street. The art of seeing, rather than drawing, and where you might roam for free.