Unfamiliar territory
Venturing into new territories – the sprawling hutongs of Beijing and the dreary country of ill health.
Brompton perambulations
A few months ago I bought a new bicycle. The classy British Brompton had long been on my list of dream bicycles. One that allows me to travel in a …
Holiday in Heyang
In November 2021 I handed over the lease of the house I lovingly restored and happily lived in for a year in Heyang to my friend Chang. I didn’t know …
The street of eternal happiness
First impressions of the Street of Eternal Happiness in Shanghai. A world away from life in a Yunnan village – or maybe not?
Return to China
I’m writing this on a quiet and cold Sunday in the warm Amsterdam house of a friend. I have to eat my words from the last blog post – the …
Happy 2023
A quick recap of 2022 and a look at what might be in store in 2023. It was a quiet year despite all the travel and ambitions.
Why Bulgaria!?
The answer to a question that I have received many times before and after my return to Europe to settle in a new country – why Bulgaria?
Balkan beats
Finding my Balkan beat – building a rhythm of freelance work, travel and study.
Exercising freedom
On the road, pondering the unfairness of my privilege and freedom to travel while a war has started next door in Ukraine.
Happiness is a warm gaiwan
After returning from Amsterdam to Bulgaria with a nasty bout of Covid I discover why gong fu cha is still a great experience – even without taste or smell.