Tag Archives: travel
From a Word that Means “Bridge”
Brugge. That’s what I want to call it from now on. It’s in Flanders, not Wallonia. How typical of the Anglophones – the British in particular – to use its French name by default. We haven’t grown out … Continue reading
Posted in Travel
Tagged bruges, brugge, creative writing, katherinegregor, language, scribe doll, scribedoll, travel
3 Comments
Milan: Behind the Façade
I guess it was appropriate that my first conversation in Milan should have been about fashion. H. and I just had lunch at Stazione Centrale and were leaving the restaurant, trolley suitcases in tow, when I noticed a young woman … Continue reading
Paris to Rome by Train
“Why can’t we take the train?” “What – all the way?” H. gives me his your-quirkiness-is-turning-into-madness look. “It’s – it’s –” “The longest leg would be just twelve hours,” I filled in, smiling sweetly. “If you went to Australia, you’d have to … Continue reading
Posted in Travel
Tagged Alps, France, Italy, katherine gregor, scribe doll, Train Journey, travel
20 Comments
Summer Night in Trastevere
Streets bustling with tourists who walk slowly, looking up, right and left, mouths half open, stopping abruptly to take a photo, holding up the locals, those whose footsteps have a specific destination, who no longer look at the sights because … Continue reading
“So What Brought You to Norwich?”*
When I tell the truth, they don’t believe me. I was brought to Norwich by a sheet of paper, a pen, and a china mug. It was winter 2013, and I was at odds with my life. There appeared to be … Continue reading
Posted in Odds & Ends, Uncategorized
Tagged katherine gregor, norwich, scribe doll, travel, writing
22 Comments
Exeunt, pursued by bedbugs
Our first holiday in years. We entered my acquaintance’s Paris flat, immediately expressing our gratitude to the moon-faced ginger tom who had made this possible. We could not have afforded a hotel, so free accommodation in the exclusive, almost central … Continue reading
Pictures of Saint-Gilles
In the heart of bas Saint-Gilles, the cobbles of Le Parvis are lined on both sides with cafés, brasseries and a couple of Moroccan cake shops. Tables are put outside at the first glimmer of elusive Brussels sunshine. People sit … Continue reading
Posted in Travel
Tagged brussels, katherine gregor, saint-gilles, scribe doll, travel, writing
4 Comments
Place de Bethléem
The early evening light bathing Place de Bethléem carries flecks of sunlight. Since moving to Brussels, I’ve had to arrange my timetable according to the sun. In other words, as soon as I glimpse a rare hint of a sunbeam, … Continue reading
Posted in Travel
Tagged brussels, katherine gregor, place de bethléem, saint-gilles, scribe doll, travel, writing
10 Comments
Jazz and Three Women Carrying Water
In the Place du Jeu de Balle/Vossenplain, the flea market is being packed up. Small china ornaments, wood carvings, worn-in leather jackets, incomplete sets of cut-crystal glasses and frayed canvasses with oil paintings of forest clearings are wrapped in creased … Continue reading
Trying Out a New City (Again!)*
Eclectic, dirty, quirky and – for a European capital – surprisingly scruffy. This city reminds me of a bric-à-brac shop, where a precious artefact, a piece of useless junk, an item of modern tat and a neglected masterpiece lie side … Continue reading
Scribe Doll 