“The best form of preparation is to have no preparation.” — Buddy, illustrious host of the Festival of Slow What do you get with 170(ish) tiny hatchback cars, 50 or so second-hand ambulances, a handful of firetrucks (all sirens still definitely in working order), and approximately 700 people crazy enough to think they can drive … Read More
“Origami appealed to the same aesthetic which created the tea ceremony, which one scholar has described as “essentially a worship of the Imperfect, as it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life…” — Kakuzo Okakura, The Book of Tea So there’s a bit of backstory I … Read More
“By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show.” — Samuel Johnson The Southbank never ceases to amaze me. When my beloved mother came to Londontown for a visit in April, we had such a good time meandering past street performers and carnival rides that I knew I had … Read More
“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.” — Jimmy Carter The plan had been the Tate Modern. Jen and I, best friends since one fateful April day in the fourth grade, were on our way to the third instalment in our day … Read More
“I was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, for a while, about which the less said the better, and then I was in the Mediterranean, about which the more said the better.” — Harry Matthews Brief note: this is my entry into the TBEX Blog Carnival Contest sponsored by Choice Hotels International Services Corp via Cambria Suites. … Read More
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” — Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist During my first stay in London nearly three years ago, I kept track of both my inner and outer journeys in something called the Wanderlust Travel Journal. It was a graduation gift to me by two … Read More
“Where the remote Bermudas ride / In th’ ocean’s bosom unespied, From a small boat, that rowed along, / The list’ning winds received this song…And all the way, to guide their chime, / With falling oars they kept their time.” — Andrew Marvell, “Bermudas” When it comes to staying in hostels, I’ve found who you’ll be sharing a … Read More
“I’ve always believed in straight-up reportage. None of this new style of photography–stopping people on the street, asking them for permission and having them sign release forms.” — Norman Anderson, a.k.a. Normski Last October, I wrote about a festival I went to in honour of the Bloomsbury area of London–although the event I attended was … Read More
“I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.” — Nancie J. Carmody As the Royal Wedding drew to a close a week ago today, Will and Kate waving a final goodbye from the balcony of Buckingham Palace before turning inside, I thought that … Read More
“Checkmate, Kate–you’ve taken the King!” — A banner in the crowds outside Buckingham Palace “What are you doing for the wedding?” It’s been a popular question in London all week, and the answers have ranged anywhere from “What wedding?” to impressive tales of setting up camp overnight outside Buckingham Palace or along the processional route. … Read More