Get back on the road! The borders are opening again
By Brian Crisp I always thought 60 was old.When my dad, a coal miner, was 60 he was old. At least he seemed old to me. Not just old in the body after years of heavy lifting, but also old in the mind.He didn’t want …
What gives you the right to speak to me like that?
It seems we no longer will accept being told what to do. Let me set the scene. We are in a classroom and a 15-year-old girl arrives late, sits down, pulls out her phone and starts texting. The teacher tells her to put the phone away …
Tel Aviv is another city that never sleeps
OUR guide Igal explains that in Tel Aviv people never stay at home. “The flat is just for sleeping,” he says. “We are always going out to eat and have coffee. “Or shop. It is hard to go a day without buying something. Even if …
What’s the best way to view the Northern Lights … sea or land?
Astronomer Ian Ridpath spoke with the Chronicles of Brian while Hunting the Northern Lights on the Viking Star sailing from London to Norway. COB: Ian, what is your background? IR: I’m an amateur astronomer, and I got interested in astronomy when I was a kid. …
In search of the hair of the dog in whisky country
The internet stated that the famous Glenfiddich whisky Distillery, just a half mile north of Dufftown, was open. The sign at the top of the driveway also said it was open. But even in my state I knew something wasn’t quite right when I pulled …
Nothing compares to Irish rock ‘n’ roll museum
A group of lads gathered around the Wall of Fame at Dublin’s Irish Rock ’n’ Roll Museum. They’d successfully identified historic artworks of Rory Gallagher, Shane MacGowan, Bob Geldof, U2, Phil Lynott and Luke Kelly. But the image of a young woman, with a full …
Born-again Albury attitude attracting travellers
There’s so much more to Albury than just the mighty Murray River. This regional NSW city, and its surrounds, is experiencing something of a rebirth. More and more people are abandoning big cities to find peace and quiet – and affordable living – in regional …
Cove luxury in the palm of your hands
It’s standing room only around the long poolside table where Emma is teaching guests how to make cocktails. The couple next to me are from just south of Amsterdam. They are staying at Reef House for five nights to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding …
Welcome to the wonders of Edinburgh
Designer shopping, cutting-edge festivals and history – Edinburgh has it all. It also has some of the best cafes, gastropubs and gin joints in Great Britain. Here’s how to navigate your way around this ancient city and discover its hidden treasures. BEST TIME TO VISIT Most …
Is it time to change the soundtrack at our Care Homes
I was asked to play some gigs in care homes in Scotland. The lady who booked me asked if I played and sang “Care Home” music. That got me thinking … what exactly is Care Home music these days? You see, my father-in-law Drew is in a care home in Arbroath, on …