I hadn’t really relished the thought of spending a few days in Cusco. After the chaotic – but honest – hustle and bustle of the developing city of Lima, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to a city described in all the guides as ‘touristy’. How wrong they were, as it proved to be one of […]
Back in July, I mentioned that Alpine walks 1,950 metres up would help prepare me for my Summer holiday. Well it did, even though the Inca Trail, at over 12,000 feet above sea level, was quite a different story. To be honest, I’m amazed I did it, as I do rather like my creature comforts. […]
At least that was the question that I was asked by some confused colleagues the Friday morning before leaving! Well if you don’t know already, Riga is the capital of Latvia, one of the Baltic states. I have to admit to a personal fascination with these ex-Communist states that curve northwards around the Baltic towards […]
We all need a break. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Sort of like when you eat too much chocolate! Every morning, I count my blessings and think how lucky I am to be able to work in the world of antiques and collectables that I love so much. However, it […]
The more perceptive of you will note that I haven’t bought much yet, having only spent the parsimonious sum of £14.75. Well, to be honest, I have been clutching my wallet close and saving myself for the highlight of my trip – a visit to the famed Esceri flea market. Billed as ‘the biggest and […]
After enjoying the blazing sun, wonderful warmth and success of the previous day, I was up and out early, being for more. The second stop for anyone visiting the city must be the street called Falk Miksa in the north of the city, and near the Elizabeth bridge. This really is ‘antiques central’ with at […]
Loathe as I am to leave the comfort of Hill Towers, I do enjoy travelling. Particularly when it allows me to spend time touring the antiques, collectables and junk shops of my destination. Today I find myself in the 30 degree warmth of the Hungarian capital of Budapest, celebrating a friend’s pre-wedding jaunt. While I’ll […]
It didn’t look promising. I suppose I should known – after all, it was a British bank holiday. As we were also briefly caught in between workloads, the banker and I decided to escape to Mediterranean sun and warmth in Madrid. Having never been before, I also welcomed the chance to explore the antiques and […]
I’ve just got back from a working and (thankfully, latterly) pleasure weekend in Berlin. The results of my Fat Lava this time hunt were rather surprising! I found one design shop in trendy Mitte where they actually had a selection of Fat Lava on display in their vintage design section. This is the first time […]
I’ve just had a fascinating telephone and email conversation with the curator of Greenway House, near Brixham in Devon, who was seeking some advice. Currently owned by the National Trust, it was the family home of Agatha Christie who is known, of course, for her crime novels. It appears that she was also a keen […]
This weekend saw the Banker and I taking shameless advantage of the cheap flight fad and enjoying a short weekend break in Stockholm. As ever, was looking forward to trawling around the design shops and antiques and collectables centres in the capital of one of the countries that has contributed the most to 20th century […]
I hope you’re enjoying the Summer so far, despite the continuing restrictions. I’m off on holiday from Friday 9th July to Sunday 25th July inclusive. My office will be closed during that time and any books ordered between those dates will be sent out on Monday 26th July 2021. The Mystery Spot If you were […]