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The passages of Genoa
My friend (who often visits Genoa) advised me to steer clear of these alleys in the old town at night😀. I think I’ll follow his advice and explore them in the day. They look so inviting in the day. Genoa has an edgy vibe which I quite like. Exploring tomorrow
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In Genoa
I’m here until Friday. It looks a fascinating city. The hostel is close by the main station and the University. Genoa old town is a city of faintly decaying palazzi in narrow streets. Full of small alleyways. It feels workaday compared to Milan but I think I’ll enjoy exploring the port and walking the city.…
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In Milano per Una notte
In Milan for one night before Genova … bustling, busy, full of fashionistas and on trend shops. This my first night alone. Of course I’m missing Cedric but this is all about me and learning about myself … coping in the world. We’ll see. I’ve already had a wander to the centre to the the…
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Looking back to Paris
Well having left Paris behind I’m looking at the highlights of my visit and my impressions. Firstly the people I met … friendly and witty. The buildings beautiful and well kept. The vibe was so exciting, on trend and easy. I think the 4eme is wonderful. So many independent shops of all types; wonderful chocolatiers,…
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Off the tourist track
Walking with a native Parisian reveals the small corners and unusual sights … a flea market, perfumer that sells coffee, graffiti and some wonderful bookshops dedicated to art, literature, lmanga, fashion and photography
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An interesting day
Musee d’Orsay in the morning. Then a great walk around Paris with Cedric and lunch at a fantastic Japanese restaurant. Decorated as a fish market with sound effects. Fish everywhere (not real! But very realistic) and dressed with all the accoutrements of a dockside. Cobbled floor, baskets of fish, overalls, scales … pretty inventive. Food…
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At the Musee D’Orsay
What a wonderful and humane Manet was. Breaking the centuries old barriers of art consumed by the male gaze. No longer a “nude” but a naked prostitute looking the viewer straight in the eye. This is no coy woman at a man’s beck and call.
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Being a “flaneur”
Emile Zola …. “Art is a corner of creation seen through a temperament” Impressionist painters excelled at the art of the flaneur; the wanderer through the streets picking out the details of everyday life. The quotidian, the everyday gave inspiration to the creation of a new art celebrating modern life in the city. The Musee…
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Paris on a rainy evening
Not a great start to the journey. Eurostar was running but the general strike will mean it will be difficult to get out of Paris so my trip to Nimes looks dicey. The hostel is great. Restaurant, bar, communal space and very clean. Al though the journey made a bad start I was so happy…
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Invisibility of the older gay man
I’ve hidden myself away for much of my life and now I want to be seen. Older gay men are, it seems, invisible; the gay default seems to be young, hot, toned and pretty. But many of us are more old and wrinkled. So I am going to make myself visible on this journey.
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Inspiration
Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” –…
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Catalyst
2022 has been a strange year; my life pivoted in July when I hit an age I never imagined I could be; 70! Then I encountered a much younger man and became madly infatuated with him. He was beautiful, sensitive and so open emotionally. At 70 I never expected such an intense sexual relationship. Older…
Escape to myself
Travelling to reconnect
Escape to myself 