Reading, watching, listening...

I've just finished reading Tim Butcher's Blood River which records his journeys through the Congo overland and by boat on the Congo River, following the river as it meanders through the country in the footsteps of the explorer Stanley. It was an eye-opener with some interesting insights into the Congo and Africa in general with regard to development and the failures the continent has encountered. Although I enjoyed his writing, Butcher's attitude at times irritated me and whilst I understand his expedition was tough, sometimes his negative outlook was too frustrating.

As Christmas has just been, along with it comes a number of movies! The family settled down to watch Wolverine the other evening. Such an incredible movie about the character of Wolverine pre-XMen. I really enjoy it from start to finish! Laura and I just watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, another favourite! The movies, though great, will never quite capture the magic of the books for me. I enjoy my own imaginations of Hogwarts and co.

The new Snow Patrol CD has been featuring in my life ever since I bought it as a gift for someone! Mumford and Sons always enchant me. Bon Iver's been a resident since we had the snowy icy weather. As Tall As Lions will always be entertaining me, especially since seeing them live. Acrobat is a continuing favourite song by the

Summer Sun

Wandering to the south of England with fantastic friends and splendid sister.


Lyme Regis - a place full of beautiful things; pebbles; imported sand; a cob where many a foot has trod; scrummy scrummy food; home made bread; paddling; beach huts; hills; dinosaurs...
Exeter - home of a cathedral; many a charity shop; a beautiful Quay; lemon curd flavour ice cream; a place to make home-made diaries; to bake cookies; to watch a lot of Wimbledon...


London - wandering around Covent Garden picking up a new hat and some 'fro-yo'; sweltering heat; watching Michael Ball parade around in 'Hairspray'; Trafalgar Square (eventually); Picadilly Circus (accidentally); the tube; Platform 9 3/4...


I just read the beautiful 'Purple Hibiscus' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It's set in Nigeria and narrated by the young Kambili as she experiences such a difference between the rich and poor of Nigeria; and the Catholicism of her father and the indigenous religion of her grandfather. It was written so richly, I loved every second of it.

Just started 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe, an inspiration for Adichie and many other African authors.

Listening to As Tall As Lions - Maybe I'm Just Tired