27th November 2024 Dawn was breaking as we made our way to breakfast. Through the windows of the buffet restaurant, the dark silhouette of the mountains loomed behind Santa Cruz, the capital of La Palma. The ship had already docked, the necessary paperwork had been handed over to the port authorities, and the captain had… Continue Reading

22nd November 2024 We were both wide awake well before Google’s alarm sounded at 1:30 am. Quickly dressing, we snatched a hasty coffee and loaded the car with our suitcases, ready for the dash to Birmingham Airport and our flight to Tenerife. There, the P&O cruise ship Azura awaited, ready to whisk us around the… Continue Reading

31st October 2024 October concluded with Halloween festivities. While the celebration has Christian associations, its origins trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off spirits; a little smoke and some face paint seemed to do the trick. Over the centuries, these traditions blended, giving… Continue Reading