Cara y cruz

I lived in Costa Rica for 25 years and have now lived in Panama for four. During that time, I have obviously gained insights into the contrasts between the two countries. Though neighbors, the topography did much to keep them apart and their historical development – economic, social and cultural – could not have been [...]

Halloween-themed birthday party

My daughter Abi organized a birthday party for grandson Dani and his cousin Valeria for Halloween. The decorations were great and it was also a fancy dress party. Dani went for Harry Potter, while Valeria dressed up as Hermione (she really has the hair for it!).

Not to be outdone, my other grandson, Max, dressed up [...]

The Summer of Love

In 1967 I was awarded an Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) scholarship to visit Spain for three months during the summer. I believe the amount involved was less than 200 pounds, which gives you some idea of the cost of living back then. The school was expected to fit me up with families that I [...]

Ding dong merrily on high, In heav’n the bells are ringing

It’s nearly that time of year again, so I’ve switched to the Christmas presentation.

Reconstruction of Dixs Place

A reader, very cleverly I think, produced this short video to show how Dixs Place would have looked before it was pulled down. In my mind’s eye, I can see all the kids playing in the street and the women calling out from the windows…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esecpL0ZDwk
My hat is definitely off.

Bermondsey.net

I was told about this site today. It has a forum where members can chat about their memories of the neighborhood and post photos. A must for anyone interested in historical Bermondsey (and pie and mash!).
http://www.bermondseyboy.net/

Dixs Place

My apologies for not having posted any new material for some time. The pressure of work this year has been overwhelming.
Several people have posted comments on a previous post about life in Bermondsey in the 19th and 20th centuries. One person in particular requested pictures of Dixs Place. Another reader has now sent me the [...]

Greyhound buses to operate in the UK

A true American icon is about to hit Britain’s roads.  You can read the article here.

U.S. National Debt Clock

One scary Web page…
http://www.usdebtclock.org/

Panamanian teens grounded…permanently

The new government has reinstated the 9 pm nationwide curfew for all minors not accompanied by a responsible adult. Not sure what the reaction to such a law would be in Costa Rica or the UK but most people here seem to approve of the measure.
The government does not take a dim view of [...]