Travel Talk

What do locals think about tourists?

A thought struck me as I tootled along behind a visiting driver enjoying the scenery at under 40mph in a 60mph zone. Apart from when I lived in Manchester and Stockport, I’ve always lived in places that were popular tourist destinations. This has covered four different countries. […]

Food & drink

The problem with vegetarian food

I know a lot of people who balk at the idea of vegetarian food, as if the very mention of might be contagious. Maybe they’re worried the next time they bite into a meaty fillet their taste-buds will have become infected and the flavours will disgust rather than delight? […]

Europe

If you go to Calatayud, ask for Dolores

Intriguing earthy, red-brick spires and towers almost camouflaged against a matching rock-face catch our eyes as we shoot past at 120kph. The town, mostly hidden in a gully, has been little more than glimpsed. But it’s enough of a taster to have me commenting “that looks like an interesting place” […]

Cookbooks
Food & drink

Cooking with travel memories

Perhaps, as we can’t travel, memories of tasting similar creations in various destinations has added extra oomph to flavours, but we’re relishing reliving travel moments thanks to these lock-down menus. […]

La Palma

Scenes from the water’s edge

As the wintery sun yawns and slips towards the duvet of the horizon there’s a mini pilgrimage in Alcochete on the southern banks of the Tagus. The place of worship is Alcach, a bar with jazzy sounds and chairs facing west. […]