Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica

Pushing the boundaries of ‘beyond London’ here, but wanted to share some pictures taken of Ostia, the ancient port city of Rome. Brought to our attention by Mary Beard and her excellent TV show ‘Meet the Romans’. Ostia kept Rome’s population fed with imported grain from Africa - freely dispensed to citizens to keep them [...]

London’s best districts – Clapham (part 1)

London’s best districts – Clapham (part 1)

This is part one of a two-part article on one of London’s best places to live. The article covers the sights to see in Clapham, South West London. You’ll discover compelling facts about the area, its residents and renowned architecture. Plus, an awesome selection of pubs and cafes to visit! Introduction Clapham is perhaps best [...]

The view from the Marble Arch Mound – but be quick!

The view from the Marble Arch Mound – but be quick!

The deputy leader of Westminster Council has resigned over the 25 metre high artificial hill and the council will dismantle it soon. It's London’s lockdown-induced £6 million white elephant; the Marble Arch Mound - a ‘one-of-a-kind viewing experience’. But adverse publicity over the architect-designed temporary structure has forced the council to scrap the entrance fees [...]

Normandy’s D-Day beaches, Bayeux and Caen

Normandy’s D-Day beaches, Bayeux and Caen

Before the lockdown, my brother and I took a trip to Normandy (ahead of the 75th anniversary commerations of VE day on 8th May 2020).  We visited the D-day landing beaches, museums and memorials.  We also visited the Bayeux Tapestry (depicting the Norman invasion of England in 1066) and the burial tomb of King William [...]

Finale Ligure, Italy

Finale Ligure is an Italian comune on the Gulf of Genoa in the Province of Savona in Liguria.  We visited in autumn, flying from London to Turin and hired a car for the eighty mile drive south to the coast.  Finale Ligure is a popular resort for Italians living in the north, but has very [...]