How a November birthday trip became an unexpected Scottish festival, a culinary adventure, and a slow-travel win for our ADHD seven-year-old There are many ways to celebrate turning another year older. You could have a quiet dinner, pop some champagne, or, if you’re me, sitting on a gorgeous rooftop terrace in Athens, while a waiter accidentally dumps a full glass of sticky juice directly over your head. The view of the beautifully lit Parthenon was spectacular. The ambient November air was perfect. The apology from the staff? Non-existent. They didn’t even offer a discount on the bill! So, yes, I spent my birthday dinner with juice dripping down my neck,…
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Move Over, Pompeii: Why Herculaneum Stole My History-Loving Heart
Venturing into Herculaneum was a first for me, and I was utterly captivated from the moment we stepped through its ancient gates. For years, my imagination had been primarily captured by Pompeii. I’d seen countless documentaries, read books, and envisioned the sprawling city frozen in ash and visited three times over the last twenty years. So, I arrived in Herculaneum with certain expectations, mostly taken from its more famous, larger sibling. What I found, however, was a personal surprise. Herculaneum is undeniably smaller and much quieter than Pompeii. There are fewer crowds, less tour groups, and a more hushed atmosphere that immediately sets it apart. But it was precisely this…
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A Summer of Inspiration: Unveiling My New Pirate Adventure
Dear Readers, It is September already! Summer is almost over and with my daughter heading back to school in a few days I am going to miss spending everyday with her. On the positive side, I should have more time to focus on writing. I have the sequel to Even Gods Are Blind in progress but lately the main character from another work in progress has been clamouring for attention and demanding I continue her tale. So over the last few months, as we trailed our vintage caravan back and forth across Italy, I have been gathering inspiration for my upcoming magical pirate adventure. From the ancient ruins of Rome…
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Beyond the Tombs: Unveiling the Vibrant World of the Etruscans
Imagine stepping out of the blinding Italian sun and into a dimly lit tomb. Cut directly into the rock, the air is instantly cool and holds the faint, metallic scent of ancient earth. But look closer at the walls: they are alive. Vivid frescoes burst with color, depicting muscular athletes in mid-leap, musicians playing double-flutes, and guests reclining at lavish banquets, all guarded by fantastical, coiled sea monsters. This isn’t a somber monument to the dead; it’s a defiant, roaring celebration of life. Welcome to the captivating world of the Etruscans. Long before Rome grew into an empire, thriving between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE, this advanced civilization held…
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Want to Unveil the Secrets of the Gods? Enter The Giveaway for “Even Gods Are Blind”!
Love, devotion, obsession… the line can blur in the face of immense power. In Even Gods Are Blind (coming June 2024!), a captivating new novel, the consequences of such blurred lines unfold in a story that will leave you breathless. But before you dive into this epic tale, here’s your chance to win a FREE copy! Intrigued? Here’s a taste of what awaits you in Even Gods Are Blind: Ready to unlock the secrets of Even Gods Are Blind? Here’s how to enter our giveaway and be one of the lucky readers to win a free copy: The deadline to enter is 15th June 2024. I’ll announce the winner on…
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Meet The Awesome Main Characters in “Even Gods Are Blind” – Out June 2024
Welcome, intrepid readers, to the fantastical world of Even Gods Are Blind! As we inch closer to the book’s release date in June 2024, I’m thrilled to introduce you to the cast of characters who will guide you on this epic journey. Claudia Claudia, in three words – nurse, positive, avid reader. (ok that was four, I know) Claudia is getting married to the love of her life next weekend. Everything is ready: the dress, shoes, flowers, caterers, band, you name it, it is ready to go. But the Gods don’t care. They need a hero now. Claudia finds herself in an alternate Roman Empire, and she can’t return home…
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Awesome Ancient Aqueducts Of Rome
In the heart of ancient Rome, amid the grandeur of temples, bustling forums, and majestic coliseums, lay a network of engineering marvels that ensured the city’s survival and prosperity—the aqueducts and water systems. These monumental feats of engineering, designed with precision and executed with remarkable craftsmanship, provided Rome with the lifeblood of civilization: clean, flowing water. In this exploration of ancient Roman aqueducts and water systems, we delve into their construction, the visionary designers behind them, their incredible reach, ingenious drainage solutions, and their role in powering street fountains and sewer systems. 1. The Architects of Innovation: The construction of Roman aqueducts and water systems was a testament to the…
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Apicius Recipes For The Modern Kitchen 6: Wild Boar (Ofellae Aprugneae)
Continuing our culinary journey through the pages of Apicius’s ancient Roman cookbook, I find myself drawn deeper into the rich tapestry of flavours and traditions of this remarkable era. These recipes are not just a taste of history; they’re a connection to a time when food was both sustenance and celebration. Today, we explore “Ofellae Aprugneae,” a dish that embraces the hearty essence of wild boar and the elegance of Roman culinary expertise. Join me as we venture into the world of Apicius once more, adapting this for a modern kitchen. Ingredients: Instructions: With our modern twist on “Ofellae Aprugneae,” we pay homage to the Roman love for wild boar…
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Apicius Recipes For The Modern Kitchen 2: Spiced Meat Patties (Isicia omentata)
As we journey deeper into the gastronomic world of ancient Rome through the recipes of Apicius, I find myself continually enchanted by the creativity and flavours of this bygone era. Each dish is like a whisper from history, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions of a civilization that left an indelible mark on the world. Today, we venture into the heart of Roman cuisine to prepare Isicia omentata, a delectable dish that combines ground meat, aromatic spices, and the essence of ancient Roman dining. Join me as we recreate this timeless recipe that has transcended centuries. I have adapted this as simplly as possible for today’s kitchen. Recipe: Isicia…
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Todays random question – what’s my #1 priority tomorrow
What’s your #1 priority tomorrow? It would have to be buying a suitable gift for a 5 year old boy. We have a birthday party at mcdonalds… yeah. Any suggestions?
