Well, the good news is that it’s no longer necessary to kidnap child an, should you wish to visit the zoo. And you should visit, especially in Dublin, with it’s total focus on endangered species programmes. There’s no parading of animals for human consumption. The habitats are designed to emulate the animal’s home territory, andContinue reading “You don’t need to abduct a child!”
Category Archives: 5-minute reads
She wanted to detain me…
Dublin Airport, Saturday 14th October 2023. A sea of green rugby jerseys catching flights to France for the world cup quarter final. Optimism fills the check-in halls. In the long queue for security checks, perhaps not wise for this lone New Zealander to brandish her kiwi mascot about, but I do it anyway. Immediately, teasingContinue reading “She wanted to detain me…”
When you’re little but big…
Thirty-three miles long, thirteen miles wide… the Isle of Man is little, but oh so big. Not only do the slower-moving vintage trams and trains turn a short trip into a wonderful journey, but there’s another facet which aids the illusion of big. A prime example: A street you may think, but no! Four streets!Continue reading “When you’re little but big…”
Marvels in Liverpool
Looking up at the waterfront wheel: Grass! The Chinese community commissioned this as a thank you to Liverpool: Albert Dock internally, and the walkway along the Mersey externally:
Sweeping the (Liver)pool
One hundred years ago, the Football Pools began in Liverpool. For decades men and women have faithfully bought their ticket, and listened closely to the radio, shushing the kids in order to hear the winning numbers. Everyone knew someone who knew someone who had won the pools. During World War Two, the Pools ticketing machineryContinue reading “Sweeping the (Liver)pool”
Freedom
In her darkest moment, Freda the cow took steps. It was 1986, and she was at the abbatoir. It was do or die. She did; leaping to freedom… actually, the motorway. Police and many helpers gave chase. By the time they finally managed to tranquilize her (in a cemetery) Freda was featuring on the news.Continue reading “Freedom”
Art (apparently)
Everyone should visit a Tate, apparently. Modern art at it’s finest. But is it art if the viewer has to read the explanatory notes in order to understand it? In tunnels, on walls, and on lamp posts, there’s some stunning street graffitti; modern, easy to understand, and beautiful. Poignant or hilarious, graffiti reflects someones communityContinue reading “Art (apparently)”
Of trams and trains…
Getting around the Isle of Man; what a treat! First there’s horse-drawn tram along the promenade: Then climb aboard the electric tram for Laxley: At Laxley, change to the mountain railway, also electric, with a specially-designed braking system involving an extra rail down the middle. It’s been in operation since 1880-something, climbing this mountain. SeeContinue reading “Of trams and trains…”
Why they do it
TT Isle of Man; men and women from all over the world come to race through narrow streets, over a mountain, and through stunning countryside. The island (and museum display below) counts down to the annual event…. … but there’s a year-long package from it’s success. Bikes and sports cars travel across the sea, theirContinue reading “Why they do it”
Wee surprises
Williamson Park, Lancaster, but could have been home: The wee chapel and garden nearer the train station is open to the public; the cottages lining it are private homes:
Stories for you - Enjoy! 