Some books drag you to the depths of your soul, deeper than the cold arctic ocean, where mindless cod hang from steel hooks, left behind by singing fishermen, desperate to cling onto a rock called Iceland. Some books catch your mind on their barbs and don’t let go.

Not many people know about the small but beautiful nation of Georgia, and even fewer know about its rich and turbulent history. More than you might expect, this long history was shaped and directed by powerful but uncelebrated women!

At some point in adulthood you realise your parents had a life before you were born. They used to be young and different. Maybe they were cool, and you could have been friends. Doesn’t it make you curious, to see the places they have seen, to walk through a foreign city, to visit the house where they used to live?

I don’t know much about Germany. I only know I’ve never liked it. I’ve ‘never liked’ it for such a long time, that I kind of forgot why. I must have had a good reason though. Prejudice is always built on strong foundations. Obviously.

What do you do when your mediaeval church tower topples down on top of your head? When Cromwell’s troops visit your home to smash in your windows? Or when the King orders your abbey to be closed, suppressed, and dismantled? Thankfully, someone knows the answer!

Have you ever felt slightly irritated by your younger Sibling? Or watched your older Brother with Suspicion? I know how you feel!

Isaac Newton famously said: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants”. This holds true for countries as well, and in England’s case, we can most definitely speak of a Belgian Giant.

I’ve often searched my room, only to come up empty-handed. I’ve sifted through cabinets without result, and rummaged around the kitchen, not finding the spices to enhance my dish. I…

Admittedly it wasn’t easy leaving Japan behind. In many senses I haven’t yet. I carried home hundreds of articles and papers for my thesis. I maintain links to friends and…

I don’t make friends easily. I’m picky with what movies to watch, which books to read, where to have lunch or dinner. There are only two things I’m always 100%…