Category: AWAY FROM THE DESK
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Birmingham City Vs Sunderland (2-1)
Cheap tickets were available through work as part of “Birmingham Workers’ Day.” This in turn was part of a mission by Birmingham City’s Chairman to “fill St Andrews” (Birmingham City’s ground). The mission was successful, with a capacity crowd of 27,449 for the match (well above the usual 14,000 or so). The energy was incredible,…
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Christmas in Sofia
I took this trip a while ago but have been too busy and distracted to get the pics uploaded. Nice to finally have a spare hour, 3 days from Christmas day ’23 no less. It’s been a full on year! Saturday Sunday Monday
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Winter Wonderland 2023
I try not to let being busy act as an excuse for not getting out, getting away and doing things. There’s never a good time, there’s never not some “emergency” in need of attention but the world does keep turning if you take a few extra hours to respond to those emails. I am committed…
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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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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…
Dr Martin James 