Category Archives: category

Breeze Music Cafe

Posted on September 28, 2025 by scatterbrook

Biking home from coffee recently with the Breeze Bandits on a pleasant sunny morning, I fainted or blacked out and crashed, breaking a few ribs. In the painful and boring rehab of the next couple of months I had plenty … Continue reading →

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Kyoto, Nara & Osaka

Posted on April 9, 2025 by scatterbrook

There is an infinite number of Shinto Deities, in practical terms about 8000. So, together with the 3000 Buddhist deities there is a need for lots of Temples, Shrines and removing of shoes. Due reverence and respect are paid to … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, category | 2 Comments

Tokyo

Posted on April 5, 2025 by scatterbrook

We joined the throng of travelers coming to Japan for the cherry blossom season. Luckily many of the trees are in coming to full bloom. In Tokyo some of the trees are about 20 m high. So, what happens to … Continue reading →

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Alaska – Gold on the water

Posted on June 14, 2024 by scatterbrook

In the olden days, gold was to be found in the hills. Today it is scattered on the water, from the pockets of thousands upon thousands of tourists. Harvested with clinical efficiency by the tour and cruise companies. What a … Continue reading →

Posted in category, USA | 3 Comments

Whistling in the fog

Posted on June 7, 2024 by scatterbrook

It’s not always foggy in Whistler, sometimes it also snows. There will be stunning vistas on other days, but for the present we are happy to see interesting stuff looming out of the fog. An adult black bear was grazing … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, category | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Land of the Lumberjacks

Posted on May 27, 2024 by scatterbrook

The west coast of Canada and Alaska have long been popular destinations for Australians. Our friends all chorus “just like New Zealand, but on steroids”.  For me, that had to be a come on, but Sweetiepie had visited Vancouver 50 years … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, category | 10 Comments

Scotland

Posted on September 3, 2023 by scatterbrook

On the last night in portugal, Yunus has won the Darts Murder tournament and is presented with the trophy by Grandma. And now to Scotland. Lovely autumnal weather in the north east. Not the bleak rain and misery that was … Continue reading →

Posted in category, U.K. | 3 Comments

Portugal

Posted on August 20, 2023 by scatterbrook

A week in the sun. Fled the wet and dismal Birmingham along with several plane loads of Brits, heading for the Algarve. Took possession of Casa Serena along the coast from Faro. They have not had rain here for over … Continue reading →

Posted in category, Europe | 9 Comments

Shakespeare, coffee and the Titanic

Posted on August 16, 2023 by scatterbrook

Busy day in Birmingham. An hour on a long boat around the canal system followed by a visit to the library. In 1864 the Birmingham Shakespeare club started a collection to mark the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in category | 3 Comments

Skagen – Banksy – Visby

Posted on August 8, 2023 by scatterbrook

Such a long history of engagement with the sea and fish in Skagen.The coastal Museum of Skagen documents life on land and sea from the time the fishermen used boats rowed by 4 or 6 men. Marine rescue is described … Continue reading →

Posted in category, Europe | 1 Comment

Estonia and Skagen

Posted on August 6, 2023 by scatterbrook

Little Tallinn, the capital of little Estonia. From ages past Estonia had no kings of its own, but had elders who managed affairs of state. The kingdom of Denmark held the grand Duchy of Estonia from 1219 to 1346. After … Continue reading →

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The Baltic

Posted on July 31, 2023 by scatterbrook

On the Cunard Queen Victoria one expects everything, including coffee to be just so. For example, picture us seated thus: In the Commodore club, sipping an Atlantic Love Affair cocktail, to the romantic Guitar of Andrew Scott as the sun … Continue reading →

Posted in category, Europe | 6 Comments

Highgate London

Posted on July 23, 2023 by scatterbrook

We have arrived in London. A few days with Cousins in Finchley, North London. Highgate on the great north road is quite nearby. In the olden days Highgate was the first stop on a journey to the North with a … Continue reading →

Posted in category, U.K. | 10 Comments