New Posts
My 2026 writing course on Lesbos
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026.
Who’s afraid of autocracy?
“Mr Nobody against Putin” and “The Wave” highlight the seductive danger of autocracy, and why we should never assume “it couldn’t happen here”.
Jeeves in the Offing by PG Wodehouse
“Jeeves in the Offing” – a hilarious masterpiece by PG Wodehouse: 15 hilarious quotations and 8 examples of peculiar Wodehouse vocabulary.
When to visit the Vienna Central Cemetery
When to visit the Vienna Central Cemetery? It is one of the great sights of the city. Explore the old Jewish cemetery, the mausoleums and more
The perfect martini
The perfect martini can be found in Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, “Casino Royale”. I’ve been drinking them for years, with success.
Literary quiz: “I’m Trudi and I’m irresponsible” and more
Literary quiz: an introduction to the quotations on this blog – you can find hundreds of literary quotes here.
What are Russians like? A visit to Vladivostok
What are Russians like? A 1994 visit to Vladivostok revealed the dark side of a Russia in turmoil after the collapse of communism.
Austria smoking laws: When smoking in cafes was a Viennese speciality
Austria smoking laws: until 1 November 2019, smoking was allowed in bars and restaurants in Vienna. I published this in September 2018. I can claim zero
The 3 best Vienna cafes? Are lists like this any good? In this case, yes.
The 3 best Vienna cafes may or may not include the Bräunerhof, the Cafe Central and Hawelka. But it’s a selection worth testing out.
Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon: Avenue of the Heroes
My 1979 visit to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon left a vivid image of national symbols – some of them strangely Soviet.
Hitchhiking around the USA: The Americans: leaving New York
Hitchhiking around the USA has lost its mojo. When I did it in 1979 it changed me and left me with a profound love of country and people.
Thrillers for reading groups and book clubs
Looking for thrillers for reading groups and book clubs? Do yo need some questions to encourage a lively discussion? Try “Blood Summit”.
The best cities on earth
The best cities on earth are hard to judge. Different surveys can produce radically different results. Here are some reasons why.
How women think? Is “Prep” realistic?
How women think: Curtis Sittenfeld’s novel “Prep” drove me crazy. The idea Lee Fiora is a realistic depiction of a teenage girl is terrifying
7 ways to be understood
How to be understood when you are talking to non-native English speakers. Several simple actions can make a big difference.
The Third Man Museum: a Vienna gem
The Third Man Museum is one of Vienna’s hidden treasures. You can learn about the history of Vienna, and the movie itself.
Hard boiled thrillers
Hard boiled thrillers don’t come much tougher, or more violent, than Chandler, Spillane and Hammett. Classics? Or relics? You decide.
Stiff Upper Lip Jeeves: juicy quotes
PG Wodehouse Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves – laugh out loud moments but not my favourite in the canon of Jeeves and Wooster masterpieces.
How to be an Alien: George Mikes makes fun of the English
George Mikes’ “How to be an Alien” is one of the funniest books you can read. It’s not about aliens, of course. It is about the English.
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