All Roads Lead to Rome

 

On our way back from Tuscany, we decided to stop in Rome—purely for the food. After all, it’s not as if British Airways meals are anything to look forward to (honestly, what is it with airline food? The only carrier that seems to do it properly is Swiss Air).

This visit to Rome felt different. We wandered as though we belonged there, weaving through familiar streets without the crutch of Google Maps. The last time I had been in the city was back in April, when the Pope’s funeral was taking place. The trip had been planned months earlier, but it seemed as though half the world—and every major leader—had descended upon Rome at the very same time. Chaotic, fascinating, unforgettable.

Now, back in England (I returned just a few days ago), it feels as if summer slipped away on cue with the turn of the calendar page to September. The rain hasn’t stopped since. I find myself thinking back to that fleeting Roman stopover: sandals on my feet, fan in hand, basking in late-summer warmth. Here, meanwhile, I’m already eyeing the wardrobe, wondering if it’s time to pack away linen and bring out the jumpers. It isn’t cold yet, but there’s a new sharpness in the air, the unmistakeable sense that autumn is on its way.

All Roads Lead to Rome

Thursday, 4 September 2025

Freedom at Midnight (2024-)

 

Freedom at Midnight (2024 - )

Is the electrifying story of India's struggle for independence. Based on the bestselling book of the same name, it recounts the partition of India and Pakistan, and the religious and socio-political dynamics of the era.


Review: I watched 'Rocket Boys' by SonyLiv and went on their website to see what else they had done and when I saw this series (based on the excellent book of the same name. That book was also the source material for 'Gandhi' starring Ben Kingsley ) I had to get a subscription. It is beautifully shot, extremely well acted and cast and it is thought provoking and also very tough to watch at times as it shows the communal riots and what happens when politicians use the masses for violence to get what they want. I highly recommend it if you like history, movies based on historical facts and period dramas.


I just read that there will be a second series out soon. I cannot recommend this enough.

Freedom at Midnight (2024-)

Scooter Today, Fiat Tomorrow

 

I recently bought myself a scooter — mine is a vintage Japanese Shadow (or Joker, depending on the market). Originally, I wanted a Vespa and even tried a few, but unfortunately they’re ever so slightly too big for me. That doesn’t stop me from admiring them, though.


I was in Italy recently and, just like every time, I couldn’t help but fall in love with all the cute little cars — old and sometimes new. I think I need to find a way to use a Piaggio Ape in England. Just look at them, they’re adorable! Another car I’d really love is the old Fiat 500. Unfortunately, in the British climate you really have to take care of them (I suppose elsewhere too?) as they rust quite easily.

But I think I could avoid the rust issue if I bought a Fiat Topolino! Have a look at it — it’s just so sweet. Unfortunately, for some bizarre reason Fiat isn’t selling it in the British market. It was supposed to be available last year. I’ve seen a few in Rome and they look absolutely perfect for me. I’m not a big fan of huge cars; I prefer something cute and easy to park. For now, my lovely Shadow is sufficient as my “second” car. My first car is a Mercedes, which is also fantastic. Even though it’s a lot bigger than the cars I’ve been talking about, it really is a joy to drive. Plus, it has all the little sensors dotted about, which are very useful when you’re trying to park in a tight spot. Still, I’d love an Ape just to pop over to the shops or to the garden centre.

A man riding his Ape in Umbria.

Vintage Vespa in yellow - Pienza, Tuscany.

Topolino in Rome.

Vespa in Siena, Tuscany.

Ape in Pienza.

A little banged up but still cute Fiat 500 in Rome. 

Scooter Today, Fiat Tomorrow

A Tangent Home

Woolsthorpe Manor, nestled in the Lincolnshire countryside, is the birthplace and childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton. At first glance, it might seem like any ordinary English farmhouse, yet its history is nothing short of extraordinary.

In 1665, when the plague forced him to leave university, Newton returned to Woolsthorpe and spent 18 months in quiet solitude. It was here, amid these humble walls, that he conducted experiments which would lay the very foundations of modern science.

The home itself is simple but quietly elegant. There’s a charming imperfection to it—slightly wonky beams, uneven lines—that gives it a genuine Wabi Sabi feel. It’s a house that feels lived in, ready to be explored and appreciated for its history and character.

Here’s a little glimpse inside this remarkable property—where genius once quietly stirred and where every corner whispers stories of discovery.

Sir Issac Newton's Bedroom

Newton's Bedroom.

Kitchen

Kitchen and dining area

Beauty in simplicity

The entrance and a quirky door in the kitchen

THAT apple tree.

A Tangent Home

Wednesday, 3 September 2025

The Artist’s Garden at Eragny (1898)

I love art that depicts beautiful gardens and gives you that feeling of actually being there. One of my favourite impressionist paintings captures this so beautifully. I must admit, I’m not always drawn to certain strands of “modern art” — they can sometimes feel a bit try-hard or even pretentious. What I love instead is art that doesn’t need to explain itself, but simply speaks through its beauty.

In that sense, I feel a little like William Morris, who famously said: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” For me, art should make you fall in love every time you see it. From time to time, I’ll share paintings here that “speak to me” in that way.

One painting that captures this perfectly is Camille Pissarro’s The Artist’s Garden at Eragny (1898).

Situated in the small village of Eragny in northern France, where Pissarro lived from 1884 until his death, the painting depicts a lush, sun-dappled garden alive with flowers and foliage. With his characteristic short, broken brushstrokes, he conveys the vibrant hues of the garden while softening the background with muted tones, so the whole scene seems to shimmer with life.

There’s also a gentle narrative woven into the picture: a woman — thought to be Pissarro’s wife, Juliette — is shown tending the garden. Her presence lends a touch of intimacy, suggesting the quiet rhythm of domestic life rooted in nature.

For me, The Artist’s Garden at Eragny is more than just a pretty garden scene. It’s a testament to Pissarro’s mastery of light and colour, his gift for capturing fleeting moments, and his deep connection to the natural world. It’s exactly the kind of painting I could fall in love with again and again.

The Artist’s Garden at Eragny (1898)

The Thursday Murder Club (2025)

The Thursday Murder Club (2025)


Four irrepressible retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.


Review: It has a charming setting and all the perfect English charm you’d expect, plus a stellar cast. However, the “mystery” is laughable — one of the worst whodunnits I’ve seen. They’ve also wasted Jonathan Pryce’s considerable talent. If you want to enjoy beautiful settings and lovely scenery, it’s worth a look, but don’t expect much else. I’m surprised this book sold so many copies — and that there are more! Hopefully, the other mysteries are better.

The Thursday Murder Club (2025)

Summer memories

 

I think flowers are impossibly photogenic. Have you ever seen a truly bad photo of them? Ever? Since I was a little girl, I’ve been in love with nature’s colours and the scent of flowers (the fragrance of narcissus, in particular, always takes me back to my mother’s spring garden, where I’m suddenly five years old again). With the arrival of digital cameras—and later, phone cameras—I must have captured thousands upon thousands of gardens and blooms.

Here are a few moments from one summer.

Summer memories

Sunday, 17 August 2025

Rustic Love

 

I have always been drawn to rustic and old things, maybe it is the history lover in me but I just find a lot of beauty in things that aren’t always “perfect looking”. What do you think? Does it do the same for you?

I am sharing some of the photos I took. Sometimes the urge to capture that rustic beauty is so strong that I end up stopping my car (if I happen to see something that captures my imagination) and then taking that photo :-) These photos inspire me.

Old Town, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England.

Staircase inside Anne Hathaway's Cottage (not the actress, William Shakespeare's wife!), Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England.

Inside the Chapel, Haddon Hall, Derbyshire, England.

Rustic walls of a Pizza restaurant.

Old boat turned restaurant, Barbados.

Vintage style wedding.

Drive by shooting from a train in Berlin, Germany.

Kitchen inside Wightwick Manor, West Midlands, England.

Rustic Love

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Ballard (2025-)

 

Ballard (2025 - )


LAPD Detective Renee Ballard oversees a new cold case division in the department.


At first, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this because I was still upset over the cancellation of Bosch: Legacy, but I was letting my hurt feelings get in the way. I absolutely loved this series and the characters—it was so nice to see some of the usual faces from the Bosch Universe! Loved seeing Bosh, Edgar, Mo and Chandler! Who needs Marvel Universe when you have this?!


What I love about the characters and stories created by Michael Connelly is that they feel authentic and have many layers. The stories and mysteries seem real, with no preaching—just straight-up storytelling.


I truly hope they bring Bosch back again and that we see more crossover between the various characters. It would be a crime not to! I highly recommend this series; it’s quality writing and well worth your time. A must-watch.

Ballard (2025-)