You’d be forgiven for imagining that you’re entering a #film set when standing aboard a #Halong Bay #cruise ship (Wooden Junk Boat) looking up in awe at the magnificence of a sight that not even #CGI could replicate. As far as the eye can see, these #limestone formations protruding out from the Bay- 1600 in number, create the backdrop for 3 days of what can only be described as a journey into the unknown; at least it is for those of us who inhabit the #Western #world. Moore

“Remember remember the fifth of November”, yes it really is November already and Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated this month. Guy Fawkes was a rebel who with others, conspired to blow up the House of Lords during the eighteenth century, but the plan was foiled as he was arrested whilst guarding the explosives. Centuries have passed but we still remember the potential tragedy that #London was saved from back then, with an array of bonfires and firework displays. One such spectacul

Numerous #headlines have been devoted to north of the border over the last few weeks, but I thought we should take a quick look at a more-gentle change that has occurred there in recent years. I see a much greater interest in the origins of the #place names. Many signs now appear with the #Gaelic name from which the current name is derived, together with a #translation of Gaelic meaning. For example, you have heard of #Ben More, the highest #mountain on this #island, right? T

In learning #languages, one might notice that people from different #regions may speak the language differently. Languages generally come in many varieties, or #dialects, but what exactly makes it a variation, vocabulary, accent or maybe grammar? In truth, it depends. #English, #Spanish, and #American #Sign Language all have varieties that are mutually intelligible, that is, #speakers of those languages could in fact communicate with one another. Someone speaking American Eng

For a big city, #London has a pleasantly surprising amount of green space to enjoy. Most will be familiar with the #capital’s larger parks, but there are also dozens of smaller parks and gardens hidden across London that are a must for anyone needing a tranquil spot amongst the mayhem. Postman’s Park Just north of #St Paul’s Cathedral lies Postman’s Park, named so for its #popularity with the #workers at the nearby Old General Post Office. Opened in 1880, the small parkis fil

Bonfire or fireworks night, on the 5th November every year, was in remembrance of the failed gunpowder plot by #Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators to blow up the Houses of #Parliament on the 5th November 1605. This custom has long since disappeared in some towns, having been overshadowed by the more popular Halloween celebrations. As a child growing up in the UK in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s I remember how popular #Bonfire night used to be. On the days leading up to th