Taxi Noir: An Introduction
I offer a warm welcome to anyone about to read my first introductory piece – and of course a big Hello to my fellow contributors. My name is Chris...
SHELLY BEACH SNIPPETS NO. 112 July, 2019
Patricia Newell-Dunkley photographs Reginald J. Dunkley Website: Facebook: Patricia Newell-Dunkley Artist/Writer Google: Patricia Newell-Dunkley for all previous Snippets. Greetings from down under as we drift towards spring, with...
Bentley feels proud to be ‘British’ in setting new US hillclimb record
IAIN ROBERTSON Unlike its former stablemate, Rolls-Royce, at least Bentley can claim that it still designs, develops and produces complete cars in the UK, highlights Iain Robertson, as the...
Steve’s Sojourns Sampling the Cape Verde Islands
The tropical wonderland of the Cape Verde Islands archipelago is situated some 200 miles off the west coast of Senegal And, believe me, this should be on everyone’s list...
Out and about in Basel
The Swiss city of Basel sits on the Rhine in what is known as the three countries triangle of Switzerland, France and Germany. This city rightly prides itself...
VOLVO’S new design direction
VOLVO’S new design direction really isn’t that “new” any more. It was the XC90 SUV that first introduced us to what would become an entirely new look for the...
Steve’s Sojourns Searching for birdies whist walking in Morocco
I had come to Southern Morocco with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays on a birding and walking trip. The walking was nice and easy amidst some of the most staggering scenery...
Byline Fest in Pippingford Park Hosts a Celebrity Lineup!
The Byline Fest returns to Pippngford Park in East Sussex again from the 23rd-26th August. I interviewed the co-founder Stephen Colgrave. Lyn When did the Byline Fest start? Stephen ...
A Stranger in Vegas; Happy birthday Avah!
Everyday i come closer to realize the difference between what we have been told or what was put on our minds, and what we really experience. The more i...
BMW beguiles the Mini buying market with promising EV
IAIN ROBERTSON Owned and engineered by BMW and possessing more motoring clichés than might be healthy, highlights Iain Robertson, it is easy to be cynical about the latest Mini...
Steve’s Sojourns Sailing the Sea of Cortes
The Sea of Cortes or The Gulf of Baja is one of the worlds richest seas in terms of nutrients and the wildlife it attracts. So rich in fact...
Rachel’s Wanderings in Spain – 6 – Heatwaves, Mules and Decorated Carriages
As far as heatwaves are concerned we’ve got off quite lightly so far. Just one day of 38c the rest has been a rather pleasant 33c or so. Inland...
THE XV is Subaru’s smallest SUV.
THE XV is Subaru’s smallest SUV. They’re good at this sort of thing – building capable, solid and dependable off-roaders, and the XV is probably one of the lesser-known...
Steve’s Sojourns – Skellig Michael’s puffin doorman
If you ever get involved in a staring contest with a puffin, back down. There’s no way you’re going to win. I had climbed halfway up the 600 steps...
Bank of England Museum; England’s Financial History.
The Bank of England is in Threadneedle Street, in the Finance area of London. It’s known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street. It covers 3 ½ acres of...
Ford Focus vastly improved with Sporting Technologies
IAIN ROBERTSON While having been left ‘unmoved’ by the basic Ford Focus, reports Iain Robertson, the significantly more focused ST variant continues a positive stance, from where the previous...
He’s only gone and acquired one! The latest Suzuki Vitara 1.0SZ-T
IAIN ROBERTSON Having raved about the Vitara model since its inception, it was only a matter of time before Iain Robertson would commit his own funds to acquiring an...
Steve’s Sojourns – Smooth Sailing on Scotland’s Canals
It may not be cruising as such but if you’re thinking about trying a narrow boat holiday on the country’s canal network I would strongly suggest you start on...
There’s Lots to see Around Piccadilly.
I love exploring London. There are surprises tucked away around every corner. This trip I concentrated on the Piccadilly area. Piccadilly is supposedly named after the lace collars called...
Gareth Butterfield picks the wettest week of the year to take his wife and his dog on a trip up the Shropshire Union Canal
THE wife and I were walking along a canal towpath a few months ago and noticed our dog seemed to have an urge to jump on every narrowboat we...
Steve’s Sojourns “ Spotting the Eagles in Ardnamurchan.”
Without doubt Ardnamurchan is an amazing place and one of the hidden delights of Scotland. Far too many people go to nearby Mull, there’s actually a ferry connecting the...
New Compass points at progressive future for Jeep brand
IAIN ROBERTSON Pitched into a hectic mid-size SUV sector, writes Iain Robertson, may be a good reason for the notionally right-sized Compass model to be up against it but...
A Stranger in Vegas; Short-term escape
It was around 3 and I was still awake. I couldn’t sleep, the weather was so hot and I was irritated by doing the same thing everyday. I...
Factual books for Summer 2019
IAIN ROBERTSON Whether you like your reading material heavyweight, or pocket-sized, Iain Robertson guides you through six-of-the-best titles of this summer that deal with motoring, motorsport and more specific...
Steve’s Sojourns; Sailing the Caribbean on a Clipper
To be on the deck of a cruise ship at sunrise is always a memorable occasion. What makes it an unforgettable experience is when for those precious few minutes...
Bhutan, The Land of Happiness
There is a place in the world where the wealth of the country is measured by happiness. Squeezed between the mighty neighbours of China and India, the tiny kingdom...
Small SUVs on the market usually have all the personality of a toast rack.
ONE of the problems I have with the endless range of small SUVs on the market is that they usually have all the personality of a toast rack. There...
Steve’s Sojourns “Strolling and Cycling along the Pyrenees in Andorra”
Nestling in the Pyrenees and offering superb climbing, walking and cycling opportunities it is surprising that Andorra is not a more sought after destination with British outdoor enthusiasts. Add...
Seat is a car company with a classic past that has an equally vital future
IAIN ROBERTSON For the first time in its history, Seat transported three of its immaculate classic models to the UK and allowed Iain Robertson the opportunity to be whisked...
Seat infusion reveals intriguing future shift for Spanish brand
IAIN ROBERTSON Indulging in Seat’s current Tour of Europe, Iain Robertson spent time with its products, its managers and its history, which not simply proved the investment in the...
SHELLY BEACH SNIPPETS No. 111 June, 2019.
Patricia Newell-Dunkley Photographs Reginald J. Dunkley Website: Facebook: Patricia Newell-Dunkley Artist/Writer Google: Patricia Newell-Dunkley for all previous Snippets. Greetings from down under where winter has finally arrived, cold...
Steve’s Soujourns Sail around the Seychelles in an A-lister Mega yacht
The Seychelles have long had a reputation as a holiday paradise all year-round destination. However, they are not as expensive to get to and stay there as you would...
Harry’s Ramblings; Jimmy Greaves stole my magazine
Some years ago, a pal of mine called Stewart was going to a charity lunch in Brighton. He was quite excited, because there were going to be quite...
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Smart ForTwo!
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Smart ForTwo. It’s a cute and cool two-seater with famously diminutive proportions, unique road manners and plenty of trademark “quirks”. This,...
Steve’s Soujourns “Smile and watch the birdy in Europe’s Galapagos”
Not for nothing are Northumberland’s Farne Islands called “Europe’s Galapagos”. Owned and administered by the National Trust nowhere else in the UK can you get so close to some...
Bring on the Seat Leon Cupra R ST, tuned by ABT for a mere £500!
IAIN ROBERTSON No, you are not misreading the headline…Seat has extended its Cupra might to the final run of ‘normal’ Seats to carry the name, reports Iain Robertson, as...
Las Vegas Downtown part 2: Fremont Couscous experience ‘Mediterranean Café’
Now as I have a brief idea about the Fremont Street’s history, it’s time to live the Fremont Street’s experience. So much is going on at Fremont, I...
A touch of ‘Old Skool’ makes Kia Ceed GT a best-in-breed by far!
IAIN ROBERTSON Reflecting on the current crop of GTi-class hatchbacks, states Iain Robertson, can lead to bamboozlement in its rivals’ race for increasing potency but, if you desire a...
Steve’s Sojourns Strolling on cruise around the UK
If you like walking and you like cruising, then why not combine the two? Wake up in a different port every morning, go off walking then return to the...
Holland Park’s Safestay Hostel. Is it London’s Cheapest Place to Stay?
I was surprised to find a hostel right in the middle of Holland Park. It seemed to have been dropped there one dark night. It just didn’t belong there....