Strolling About on the Roof of the World ( Strollers, to its friends) is the title of a book published in 2001 to mark the first hundred years of what is now The Royal Society For Asian Affairs. They have another centenary to mark this year.
Category: Travel
Autumn in Umbria
It is distinctly autumnal in north Umbria. Mushrooms, truffles, gourds and pumpkins are on display in the shops; and chestnuts. The view across the valley from L’Ospidale to Monte Santa Maria Tiberina is beautiful. L’Ospidale was probably a hostel for pilgrims and was restored by its current owner about 25 years ago. Today we drove… Continue reading Autumn in Umbria
Toast
First World Problems
Only Connect
What did E M Forster mean when he wrote “only connect” at the beginning of Howards End? I may have had a theory when I sat English A Level but I don’t have a clue now and I still remember that Howards End was not only not a page-turner but massively boring. OK, so now… Continue reading Only Connect
Two Nights in Kunduz
This is what I wrote in 2008 about two nights I spent in Kunduz, now perhaps captured by the Taliban. What I didn’t write then, was that on the first evening, walking through the streets, I felt for the only time on that trip to Afghanistan very much in danger and that, returning to our… Continue reading Two Nights in Kunduz
“Swing, swing together” – Slovenian Boating Song
A few days ago I mused on the shape of Europe I’d like to see in the years ahead; smaller government, more flexible institutions, accountable local government, and I pointed to Singapore as a conspicuous success. I didn’t need to look so far; Slovenia has achieved a lot for a similarly small country half the… Continue reading “Swing, swing together” – Slovenian Boating Song