Homemade Christmas is Coming
…and it is starting to look delicious. I’d tell you all about it, but it’d ruin the surprise. More anon festive revellers. Watch this space.
Heaven feels like Pumpkin Soup
Today, I am full of holiday cheer. Holiday cheer, in case you didn’t know, is extremely buoyant. Which is terribly useful just now, considering Scotland welcomed us home with sheets of freezing rain. It’s so dark out I’m not even sure the sun rose this morning. On days like this, it’s crucial to make little … Continue reading
National Portrait Gallery of Scotland
On 1 December, something magical will happen. The Portrait Gallery reopens, to much fanfare I am assured. For the last few years the Gallery has been shut for renovations. While they were much-needed and I can hardly begrudge them the update, I eagerly anticipate its return to my weekend rotation of nerdy outtings.
Thanksgiving Treats
I love any holiday revolving around food. In celebration of this truly awesome day, I’m wallowing in past delicacies and the delights yet to come. Particularly the discoveries I made in Sharjah, and a little bit of traditional feasting too. A meditation on great foods. I know what you’re thinking. Who spends a morning thinking … Continue reading
Sharjah in rearview
This trip has been positively eye-opening. While I may leave Sharjah imminently, this experience has left me enlivened, positively brimming with exciting ideas. Thanks so much to @rupertbu @bodour @nouranoman @kalimat_ books and the Department of Culture & Information for their hospitality and support. Thanks to my drivers and tour guide for their wonderful insights … Continue reading
Sharjah Art Museum & Maraya Art Centre
The first thing almost anyone here will tell you about Sharjah is its immense investment in culture. The city practically oozes with museums, galleries and events. There is a huge concerted effort to celebrate culture and art here. In fact, it’s a major tenant of the Royal family’s work. His highness is a prolific writer. … Continue reading
Sharjah: Comics & Graphic Novels
Britain is notoriously squeamish when it comes to illustrated work. Despite delivering excellent artists and writers like Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and a bevy of other superstars – they still lack a mainstream following or any significant literary respect. Whether that’s the cause of or effect behind the cagey, insular and incredibly risk-averse market is … Continue reading
The Amazing Shobhaa De
The last two days have been amazing – and full of outstanding women. One of them is the excellent Shobhaa De – an Indian writer and broadcaster, and one firecracker of a speaker. She was on the outstanding Women in Fiction panel at #shjibf with Kate Mosse , Oumaima Abdullah al-Khamis (Saudi Arabia) and Dr … Continue reading
Exploring Sharjah
Today I went exploring near my hotel. The city of Sharjah is centred on a large lagoon, so almost everywhere are promenade waterfronts and high rises. Next door to our hotel there is a public park full of palm trees, all in impeccable rows. As I wandered in this garden, hopping from shady spot to … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 