Author: martinjamesphd
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Rat Kings & Soldiers, 29th Nov 2023
We’ve all heard the music from the Nutcracker countless times, myself included. I’ve never got around to seeing the ballet though, at least until now. I cannot pretend I am cultured enough to know what was going on but it was a sight worth seeing. It’s only my second ballet, the other was Swan Lake…
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Shropshire Hills & Shrewsbury, 25th & 26th Nov 2023
I got lucky with the weather (at least one day out of two), so the walk portion of the weekend was perfect – cold and crisp but at the same time spectacular. The best thing about Shrewsbury is its natural geography, I’d love to get my kayak over there for a few circuits of the…
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Cambridge & Bicester, 18th & 19th November 2023
Unfortunately I was struck down by a mysterious illness over the weekend, but it was still nice to get across to the best of the ancient university cities. With Christmas not too far away I swung by Bicester Village too. The lighting was very atmospheric. The crowds however undermined my will to live.
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Rediscovering my magic golf touch (and an Exorcism)
I don’t get out much to do novelty activities, in part because I’m not really the type. My home city (well, nearest big city) has much to offer though and I’m trying to get out and about to learn more. I also went to see the new Exorcist movie. It was excellent…
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Ludovico Einaudi live in Birmingham, 18 Oct ’23
No words can describe – in ’23 I have seen two contenders for the world’s greatest living composer. Hans Zimmer’s Manchester show was amazing in June and Ludovico Einaudi simply refused to be upstaged in Birmingham. It started soft and meditative (one man and piano) but after about an hour the strings and other instruments…
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Lickey Hills country park, Sunday 15th October 2023
I have only lived in this part of the world for 7 year so you can’t expect me to get around to everything. Or anything in fact – it’s been busy! This place is beautiful though and it’s half way between home and work so I might be able to pop here for the odd…
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Halloween ’23
It’s always an exciting time of year. It’s a shame that summer did not really happen in the UK, you always feel kind of cheated. The Halloween season always happens though, partly because it’s not dependent upon British weather. Cold and a bit spooky works just fine, as does much else.
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International Teachers Programme 2024, Europe
Last week I was delighted to hear that I had secured a place on this prestigious course, which was developed by Harvard and then migrated to Europe more recently. My School sends two faculty each year and I am incredibly grateful for its generosity and my inclusion, as the fees represent a substantial investment on…
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Ahead of the curve: preparing for my next house
It’s Sod’s Law that if you wait until you’ve purchased a house you’ll them struggle to find what you want to fill it with. I love these rugs; they come around in Home Sense every now and again so I grabbed 3. A time will come when they will make a big and inexpensive splash.
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Cotswolds, Sunday 24th September 2023
I took a friend on a disorganised tour of this beautiful part of middle England. We crammed in Bibury (too many tourists), Bourton on the Water (same but more able to absorb them), Stow, Morton on the Marsh, Chipping Campden and Broadway. We had Sunday dinner at the Ebrington Arms. Very nice.
Dr Martin James 