A collapsed lung, an inspirational doctor and New Year’s resolution ideas
I’ve not been a fan of December for many years. I’m always relieved at the arrival of January, with the stress of frantic festive pressures behind us, and the promise of lighter evenings ahead. This year, I decided I would embrace the month with a little more energy and just accept its inevitability. The Christmas…
It tastes like something you should be rubbing into your skin!
As we were about to leave the apartment to go down the steps into the pool, I announced that I was going to take my laptop. “What will you write? A blog of sorts?” Melanie asked. “Not sure,” I said, before saying my well-used expression, “I’ll start with a blank sheet and see where it…
One week before the Cardiff Half Marathon (88% of fundraising target reached).
It’s been more than 30 years since I had to give up serious running due to a persistent knee injury. It’s taken me until now to fully understand the problem and to find a way to conquer it. Convinced that the problem was with my knee, I was never going to find a solution.…
France Road Trip: Day 5 (Avignon to the coast, and President Macron)
From Avignon, we now head to the Mediterranean coast, another 92 miles to La-Londes-les-Maures. After our petit dejeuner at the Place du Palais des Papes, and a short wander around the city, we set out just before midday. We had options as to whether or not to stay inland for the journey or to follow…
France Road Trip: Day 4 (Cluny to Avignon)
It took us about three and a half hours to reach Avignon from Cluny, after our breakfast and saying goodbye to the owner of La Pierre Folle where we stayed. We had opted for a little bit of luxury at L’Hotel Mercure which is situated on the opposite side of the road to the famous…
Avignon – more than 40 years ago
The first time I visited Avignon was over 40 years ago. Hitching lifts (we never seem to hear much about hitch-hiking these days) and catching trains, I embarked on a solo trip around France in my early 20s. It was then that I disembarked the train at Avignon with my rucksack and tent weighing heavily…
France Road Trip: Day 3 (relaxing at Cluny)
Sometimes, on a road trip, you have to step back and slow down a little. Today was one of those days. After breakfast, we drove back into Cluny. Taking advantage of the many photo opportunities presented to us, we walked for a few hours and took in the fascinating buildings and absorbed the laidback French…
France Road Trip: Day 2 (From Reims to Cluny)
First day completed with no mishaps. It’s lovely to feel and smell France. It’s been a while. Now it’s back to a little bit of business. Today was one of those road tripping days where ground had to be covered. It is 200 miles from Reims to our next stop – Cluny. Pretty much due…
France Road Trip: Day 1 (From Calais to Reims)
Our first road trip together last summer involved us touring the north coast of Scotland in relatively cool temperatures, while the rest of the UK was basking in the heatwave that saw temperatures soar to more than 40°C for the first time since records began. This year, our trip is guaranteed to bring us temperatures…
Scarlett – the yellow Nissan Juke
I was driving up the A449 from Newport to Usk when Daisy said to me, “Listen Dad, I don’t identity with being yellow anymore, and I don’t like being called Daisy. From now on, I’d like to be called Scarlett.” “I respect your decision,” I replied. “Scarlett it is.” I’m a liberal-minded person and I’m…
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MARK D PRITCHARD writes... 