by Julie

Remembrance Run

On Sunday I took part in a lovely 5k event for Remembrance Day, the Remembrance Run. As the MC said, it’s not a race, it’s an experience. It’s an event focused on remembering the dead and celebrating their lives. It also falls exactly two weeks after the marathon, so a good excuse to see if the legs still work. The good news is they do. It was a lovely easy run on a beautiful clear cold autumn morning. There was music beforehand and a gospel choir afterwards who were absolutely amazing. I stood listening and dancing…
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by Julie

The end of an era

Tomorrow is a big day for me - I go back to work after a long time away from the workplace. I lost my job in 2014: it was difficult but I came to realise it was a gift, a gift of time and money. I knew that this was my chance to do all the travelling I ever wanted to do. So I took it! It was a daunting prospect, but I knew it was 'now or never',  and if I didn't go I would be just the person talking big but not following…
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by Julie

On putting down the camera

'If a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make a sound?' This is an old philosophical question regarding the nature of reality - if things aren't witnessed do they actually happen? I was reminded of it when thinking about today's writing prompt, which was a selection of photos designed to stimulate some reflections. I love looking at my own photographs from my travels and I am so grateful to have them as a visual reminder of my experiences. However, if I had no photos of my…
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by Julie

Why I write

As a returned traveller, right now I write to help myself remember. To remember the places I have been and the experiences I have had. To secure them in my mind and heart so I will never forget.  I have lots of photos, but someone I met along the way told me that the best memories are in your head and in your heart.   I write because I want to consider and reflect on the things I have learnt, fascinating things about other cultures and peoples, their history, and how they live. I write…
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