Columnists Archives - Page 40 of 86

The Special Relationship

At some point during World War 2, the United Kingdom and the United States of America put aside their previous military differences and announced that theirs was a “special relationship”. In truth it’s been a rather tortuous rivalry ever since

There Is No Man In The Moon In South Africa

2014 saw its final supermoon of the year. A “supermoon” of course, is when a full moon, or new moon, happens at the same time the moon is closest to earth during its orbit, appearing so large it can seem

Tales from a Spanish Village: Two Old Fools And Wildlife Photos

After 10 years in our Spanish mountain village, we know what to expect in summer. The village fills up with people we haven’t seen for a year as families arrive to escape the heat of the cities. Children, a foot

A Month In The Life Of An English Writer In Tuscany – August Reflections

The continuing adventures of June Finnigan, her Man, and Farty Barty the cat. Benvenuto to all my Loyal and New Followers Here in Beautiful Tuscany, August is the month for winding down a bit. Nevertheless, it remains busy from a

South Africa Diaries: Part 3 – Launching the Transkei Lottery [Dec 1990]

Score-a-lot Mvezo village, Umtata, is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela who was only released from prison in February 1990. Nine months later the main square in the centre of Umtata had been decked out with gazebos, a massive stage had

Studying Abroad: How To Apply To Universities In The UK

Having studied in England myself and wholly enjoyed the experience, I would like to share how one applies to the universities and colleges in GB as a foreigner with you. Many people are daunted by doing their whole degree abroad

It’s All About The People

You can go to the best party in the world, with your favourite music, the most succulent food in the most amazing venue, and still have a terrible time – if you are alone, for instance, or you have a

Are We Slaves Or The Master To Our Digital Devices?

I recently read an article by Matthew Lieberman in Psychology Today headed: “Is Facebook ruining our brains?”. The interesting question for all of us as stated in the article is, “Will more digital screen time change the minds, brains, and

Expat Living – What Is Our Impact?

When we decide to finally take the decision to live in another country, we are naturally nervous. Will we be accepted? How do we fit in? What problems and pitfalls do we need to look out for? In my experience

Could You Ever Return Home For Good?

Do you ever wonder whether you would be better off back in your home country? I guess it’s only natural that we do. In previous blogs I’ve talked about how I often compare my life here to my home country.