Category: AWAY FROM THE DESK
-
Unforgettable Winter Trip: Belfast and Carrickfergus Highlights
I took a short, wintry escape to Northern Ireland, spending a couple of nights split between Belfast and Carrickfergus, and it turned out to be one of those trips that feels compact in time but rich in atmosphere and history. I based myself first in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, a fitting place to begin any introduction…
-
Poland’s Christmas Markets
The Christmas market in Poznań felt intimate and welcoming, set against the colorful Renaissance façades of the Old Market Square. Wooden stalls clustered around the illuminated town hall, filling the air with the smell of mulled wine, grilled oscypek cheese, and sweet pastries. Traditional decorations, handcrafted gifts, and festive lights gave the square a cozy…
-
Winter Trip to Scarborough
I ventured north for the first weekend of December, dropping off gifts and seeing my brother’s new house. Also catching up with my mum, it was her retirement and birthday weekend. As part of the visit I spent a couple of hours in Scarborough on a beautiful clear day. A great start to the festive…
-
Highlights from Sigur Rós’ Enchanting Performance, Royal Albert Hall
I was lucky enough to have two life firsts very recently: seeing Sigur Ros play live and seeing a show at the Royal Albert Hall. The combination was transcendent and hypnotic, a two-hour journey that blended sonic beauty with emotional depth, leaving the audience spellbound. Opening with the swelling strings of Blóðberg and anchored by…
-
Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro & Croatia
It was an absolute delight to extend my tour of the Balkans to include these incredible countries this year. Dubrovnik was truly mind-blowing—its Old Town easily holds its own against any of the world’s most celebrated attractions. Budva in Montenegro and Ohrid in North Macedonia both met—and in some ways exceeded—my expectations. Tirana, meanwhile, was…
-
A rare trip home to Nottingham
In truth, I stopped seeing Nottingham as home many years ago. I’ve long since become a citizen of nowhere—or perhaps everywhere, if you prefer a more glass-half-full view. I chose Rugby as my UK base not for sentiment, but for logistics: it’s on the West Coast Main Line, nestled between two motorways, and within an…
-
Experience the Magic of My Neighbour Totoro in London
I’m no great fan of Japanese anime, but I am a fan of stepping out of my comfort zone—especially when it leads to something that reconnects you with the magical world you once craved as a child. My Neighbour Totoro, currently playing in London’s West End, offers exactly that: a few precious hours of escapism,…
-
Experience London’s West End: ‘Manhunt’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’
I had the pleasure of seeing two West End shows over the Mayday bank holiday, 2025. The first was called “Manhunt” – a gripping new play written and directed by Robert Icke, currently running at the Royal Court Theatre in London until May 3, 2025. The production delves into the harrowing true story of Raoul…
-
Exploring Santiago and Lima: My Journey at the ILPC
I was lucky enough to visit Chile and Peru whilst attending the International Labour Process Conference in Santiago. There was a lot of work, it was no holiday but it felt like one nonetheless. The closest I came to a true break was during a day off in Lima, where I got to walk alongside…
-
Best of Amsterdam
It’s hard to top if you want an incongruous balance of fast paced relaxation. Sadly, it’s become expensive to stay but it’s quick, cheap and easy to get to, making it work for a re-charging one or two night stay. Here’s a few pics from recent trips.
Dr Martin James 