There’s risk in making, or responding to, contact with distant relatives. Whilst it’s unlikely they are actual murderers, differences in character and expectations can be fraught. Thus it was with some trepidation that I reached out to folk in Ireland who share the same ancestors and, amazingly, are on the original farm. From their perspective,Continue reading “When strangers become family.”
Tag Archives: Trish Palmer
Standing the test of time.
The walls of Conway castle, Wales, were built in 1234. Oh, to weather that well! Conway’s architecture is wonderfully random. As I stood in a Conway stŕeet, the unmistakablebeat of horse hooves behind. A white-grey horse trotting with intent, pulling a black lighter-weight gig. Two gents, one in the driving seat and the other hangingContinue reading “Standing the test of time.”
There would have been more…
Only an aisle seat remained. This was Dublin central bussing, busy at Thursday lunchtime. The gent in the window seat watched me approach. His gaze was steady, from clear blue eyes surrounded by the wear and tear of eighty-odd years. He shuffled slightly to make space. A navy jacket topped grey checked trousers that hisContinue reading “There would have been more…”
Change is all around…
Gwrych Castle, North Wales, is over 2000 years old, over half of that time in the ownership of the Dundonalds. And if you’ve heard of it, then you’ve probably watched ‘I’m a celebrity.’ Imagine staying in a building created back in the iron age. You can; they welcome tourists. The castle is unusual because itContinue reading “Change is all around…”
Ginger nuts are still ginger nuts.
Sandwiches are a thing in UK cities. A big thing, along with coffee, cheese, and vaping. So much vaping. Sandwiches come slathered with mayonaise, rather than butter. A Liverpool shop offers a sandwich, hot or cold, with five kinds of cheese on it, all at once. Vegetables are harder to include in the travelers diet.Continue reading “Ginger nuts are still ginger nuts.”
You don’t need to abduct a child!
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!”
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”
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