Category: AWAY FROM THE DESK
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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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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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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.
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London in the September 2023 Heatwave
If I knew in advance that it would be 30 degrees-C everyday I might not have booked a handful of nights in the capital. Amongst other things it’s famous for not being very comfortable in a heatwave, although it was pleasure not work which makes a big difference. I had an amazing few days though…
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The Ritz and London, August 2023
St Paul’s, the Thames & Old City (Sunday 27th) The Ritz, West End, Royal Parks & Covent Garden (Monday 28th) Battersea Power Station, Harrods & Hyde Park (Tuesday 29th)
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A new London Season (trip #1, Sunday 6th Aug. 2023)
Just a brief stay but a rewarding one: I had lunch at San Carlo’s Cicchetti in Leicester Square and relaxed by the river for a few hours. The sun was out – not something we’ve enjoyed much this year in the UK – so getting outdoors was the top priority. Down by the river
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RIO DE JANEIRO, 18th – 31st JULY 2023
Conference week – Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics (“SASE”) Flamengo and the Windsor Florida hotel Holiday week Copacabana & Centro
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MAJORCA 2023 – A long overdue beach holiday
It had it all: endless sun, golden sand, palm trees, a big pool and large hotel grounds where you had a sense of personal space in an otherwise busy hotel and resort. “Little things” made a big difference, amongst them were excellent air conditioning and food even better than a 4* rating suggests. I’d be…
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Beethoven Symphony 9
This was long overdue, it’s not amongst my favourite symphonies but it’s one I felt the need to get around to anyway – if only for the “Ode de Joy” portion of the 4th movement. It’s hard not to be roused by that. As a comedy treat I arrived 5 mins late for the prior…
Dr Martin James 