Most people — Romanians and Brits — that I have discussed this issue with seem rather suspicious of the fact that Prince (now King) Charles owns property in Romania. Many Brits don’t like Charles as he makes challenging comments about architecture, agriculture and the environment, and is generally considered eccentric. He also owns a lot of land in England and is very rich. (more…)
A Game of Monopoly
It came in a shiny tin box for Christmas. The Romanian version, with “credit cards” instead of cash.
There were four of us: me and Alina; Lara, who is 9, and Luca who is 6. (more…)
Gambling Addiction Kills
Since I’ve been blogging on the Huffington Post I’ve written about cannabis, alcohol and sex. This is what I would like to say about gambling… (more…)
Should Cannabis be Legalised?
The legalise cannabis lobby should be reeling from recent reports that show the negative impact of cannabis: a group of New Zealanders were studied over 40 years and the results show that the IQ levels of teenagers can be permanently reduced by the drug; and a report from California describes the failed promise of “Medical Marijuana”. (more…)
Why Not Give Up Alcohol For The New Year?
Why not give up alcohol for the new year? It makes you fat, smells bad to non drinkers (such as children) and ends up costing a fortune. But could survive socially without beer, wine or something stronger? Does it give you confidence? Can a modern adult have fun without booze? (more…)
The Books I’m Travelling With
Whenever I go abroad I am cursed by too much luggage. Why can’t I just make do with a small bag? What’s wrong with me? Why do I have so many books? (more…)
How to Write an Article
My friend George is taking a month off to travel to Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia. He recently set up a company in Bucharest making (and selling) the most perfect eclairs. But building up a new company is hard work, George is a perfectionist and he’s exhausted. George said he would like to write articles and I said I’d like to publish them. I also said I would write an article about how to write an article — and here it is. (more…)
What’s the Best Travel Book?
My criteria for “Best Travel Book” has nothing to do with travel writing, a genre that is overpopulated with intellectuals showing off about their adventures. (more…)
Travelling in My Own Country
Travelling is about getting far away from home, spending a long time in an exotic location, living on a budget, avoiding tourists, getting to know different people and having “an experience.” Or is it?
How Much Luggage Should I Take?
If you’re wondering how much luggage to take on your journey you’re asking the wrong question. The fact is you will fill up whatever bag you use for the journey, so the correct question is “What bag should I use?” (more…)