I know Mel through the world of the flute. Though we were both music students at the same time (in different colleges), it was many years later through British Flute Society events and Wonderful Winds roadshows that we actually got to know each other. We stay in touch via Facebook, and I look forward to … More Mel
After five days of solo travelling around Andalusia, I met up with my kids in Malaga for the second half of my adventure. I arrived by train and picked up the keys to our AirBnB, while they flew in from Bristol and made their way by local train. Our first evening involved a trip to … More Seeing out my 50s (and in my 60s!) – Part 3: Malaga
My stay in Cordoba was literally just 24 hours and I have to say, it was too damn short! I arrived mid-morning by train from Seville, found a bus to the old town, and dragged my (still noisy) suitcase across yet more cobbles to reach my hotel. What a location – literally across the road … More Seeing out my 50s – Part 2: Cordoba
I can’t remember for how long I have wanted to take my two kids away to celebrate my 60th. I think the idea stemmed from having once wished my parents had wanted to do a family holiday when we were adults, but it has gained traction because I can’t think of two people I’d rather … More Seeing out my 50s – Part 1: Seville
Back in September 1984, I moved into Henry Wood House in Camberwell, London – a shared hall of residence for students at the music colleges of London. My tiny room (as in so tiny I could only play my flute facing in one direction as it would otherwise hit the wall) was in the attic, … More Alison
When we met up this week for a coffee, Sue and I decided it was about 12 years ago that we first met. At that time, I had a thriving flute teaching business and one of the pleasures of that was teaching adult learners / returners. Sue came to me for lessons, and not only … More Sue
Firstly, let me confess that I have never actually met Maxine face to face! A few years back, a mutual friend connected us, with it in mind that Maxine might be a good person for me to talk to about my relocation plans… which actually have yet to materialise. Our conversation about turning 60 revealed … More Maxine
Turning 60 is a series of profiles of people turning 60 around the same time as me. These people may be friends old or new, colleagues, and the occasional person of interest who I have persuaded to take part! Based on conversations arising from a set of interview questions, my aim is to present a … More The ‘Turning 60’ project
Let me start by saying that I had an amazing trip. I am, however, glad to be home! I felt the difference of being a year older than last year, I felt the impact of having ‘stuff’ going on at home and needing to stay connected, and I also discovered that the format of this … More Cambodia and Vietnam – reflections on my trip
My Hanoi stay has been in two parts, with a trip to Halong Bay in the middle (see my previous post here). I arrived into Noi Bai airport after a slightly delayed (which it seems they *all* are) 1-hour flight from Da Nang, and it then took me almost twice as long to locate my … More Vietnam part 5 – Hanoi
50shadesofbrave 