Six Minutes Somewhere Else

I was having a mango lassi in a cafe in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu when I had an unexpected spiritual experience. A group of saffron-robed monks walked past me and I chased after them, following them up the many steps to Swayambhunath, one of the city's numerous temples, which stands on a grassy hill at the western edge of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a symbol of religious harmony and gave me stunning views of the Himalayas just to the north. If you...

I strolled through the quiet streets of Paris searching for arguably the most lyrical songbird bird in France. I finally found it in a pocket park or jardinet and was thrilled to get a private performance. It was a blackbird but one that had clearly attended one of the finest choral schools in Europe. It was the Dame Nellie Melba of the bird world, the Edith Piaf of Parisian parks. If you are wondering 'where can I spot birds in Paris', 'what are Paris's jardinets' or 'which arrondisement in ...

I had a midnight meeting with a voodoo priestess, a seer of visions and all things mystical. It was a magical if spine-chilling hour at the New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple. This is a Halloween ghost story. If you are wondering 'is voodoo still practised in New Orleans', 'where can I have a real voodoo experience in New Orleans', or 'which is the best voodoo temple in New Orleans', this podcast could help to 'spirit' you in the right direction. Listen to a Halloween podcast about a mid...

I had a thrilling encounter in the Scottish Highlands with a remarkable red squirrel. It's not just its beauty and playful behaviour that are so amazing – this animal also has a miraculous story to tell. Populations in the UK have declined by as much as 90% over the past 150 years but a courageous fightback is underway, spearheaded by partnerships such as Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels. Dedicated work by volunteers, wildlife groups and charities such as the Scottish Wildlife Trust means the ...

I spent several hours relaxing on the banks of the sacred Yamuna River near the mighty Taj Mahal in northern India. The Taj Mahal is an incredible building and a worthy UNESCO World Heritage Site but its gardens and the river that glides past it are, in my view, equally as enchanting. If you are wondering 'what's so special about the Taj Mahal', 'is it worth it to go to the Taj Mahal', 'what is special about Yamuna River' or 'can I see peacocks at the Taj Mahal', this podcast might help. Li...