New York City
Just back from a week in New York .. a busy week which included exhibitions of Gustav Caillebotte and Francis Bacon, attending Britten's War Requiem concert by New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center and visiting friends. The three parts of the visit which are best suited to this travel journal are visits to Brooklyn Botanic Garden (with a separate entry for its fabulous Japanese Garden), the New York Botanical Garden and finally, the newly opened High Line .. a disused section of elevated railway which has been converted to an urban 'park'.
Click here for the entries on Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Japanese Garden, the New York Botanical Garden or the High Line.
Canada and Alaska
In May 2009 I flew to Vancouver to spend a few days before joining a week long cruise to Alaska. After the cruise I spent 4 nights in Victoria, Vancouver Island. Although I am not a fan of cruise travel, this one (on Holland America Line) was exceptionally good. Interesting stopovers and an almost constant background of mountains and snow combined to make this a delightful week.
Click here for the entry on Canada or Alaska
Shophouse online ....
Travel journals from Marshall Crawford
I spend a great deal of time away from my home in London. Southeast Asia (Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia) are regular destinations and last year I went to Sri Lanka for the first time. I also like Mexico and have traveled through much of that country by bus.
I have a special interest in botanic gardens. I have always liked flowers and trees but a visit to Botanic Gardens in Costa Rica (http://costa-rica-guide.com/parks/wilson.htm) was almost a life changing event for me .. situated high in the mountains near the border with Panama, these gardens in a cloudforest are simply one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Since then botanic gardens are an important element in my travel planning.
I enjoy train travel (not as a train enthusiast, but purely for the view of a country and its people that is special to train travel.).
The photograph below was taken by my friend Elliot Simon at the Japanese Tea Gardens, San Francisco in September 2008. I thought it was a photoshoot for my new Tilley hat.
My backyard - Victoria Park .. and my bike Sissy
My back yard. Just a few minutes walk from my house is one of London's best parks - Victoria Park. It is large (218 acres) and bordered on two sides by canals. it was first opened in 1845 intended as place where East Enders in the crowded slums could benefit from space and fresh air.
For more information click here
Why Shophouse ?
I became aware of shophouses on my first visit to Thailand in 1979. I found this type of building .. combined working/living space attractive. When the opportunity came along to buy a shop in London, I did (much to the consternation of some friends). I have now converted it to residential use (it is the white building in the photo) .. and enjoy this very urban space.