Manchester. The Capital of the North. Home of the biggest football team in the world and producer of a wealth of musical and sporting talent. And my home town. I love this city, and yes I’m a teeny bit biased but I have not yet found another place like it. It has everything that London has (in my opinion) but with a whole heap of extra friendliness. Yes, it rains a bit – OK so maybe a lot – but…
If you have been following my adventures for the last few months you will probably be aware that I’ve been in a bit of a transition period of late. Going from my PhD studies to finding a job. A journey that I thought I would document for your amusement, enjoyment possible inspiration and general enlightenment into the world of the job seeker.
Down the coast from Whitby lies the less well known Robin Hood’s Bay. Built into the cliffside the old cottages and pubs line the route from beachside to cliff top, it’s one of the strange places where cars are not really welcome and the best way to access this idyllic spot is on foot.
The North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby is one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. A small fishing port with just 20-30 houses in the 15th century and a population of just 200, it’s now a popular seaside resort with a historic twist having hardly changed in last 100 years. From being an important producer of Alum in the 16th century Whitby began to grow in size expanding its talents to shipbuilding and later Whaling. It then…
The last of the day’s light silhouettes the wispy clouds framing the lights of Whitby Town in the distance. Before me, flames attack the encroaching cold night air keeping it at bay a little longer, twirling, jumping, dancing in a mesmerising sequence. There is nowhere I would rather be right now.
Have you ever been on one of those journeys that just doesn’t seem to end, and not in a good way? You know like when you’re visiting London for the first time with your parents and you’re next stop is the London Eye but because it’s a nice day your parents insist on walking along the riverfront. It’s only ‘round the corner’ they insist. Several corners and good 45mins later you finally make it there. I still don’t let them…
“True friends stay with you no matter the distance or time that separates you” Lance Reynold It was one of my oldest friend’s, Abbie’s, Hen party (Bachelorette party for you Americans) recently. We’ve known each other since we were about 9 years old back when we started our swimming careers. Sport has a funny way of forging bonds between you and your fellow teammates. The ones you see everyday. The ones who have gone through the toughest of training sessions…
My eyes creep open to the single streak of sunlight cutting through the room announcing the day has already begun. Clearly I didn’t shut the curtains properly last night. There is a calm about the house. It has settled itself after the firstlight frenzy that is the rush to work. Still snuggled within my bedsheets I toy with postponing the day further still. Afterall, I do not need to be anywhere today just like yesterday and the day before. Yet…
Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. Christmas has just come early for this little girl. Instantly her face lights up as only a child’s face does when something so ordinary and everyday is discovered for the very first time. Today that discovery is the sound of her own heartbeat, a gift I felt privileged to have given her. After proceeding to then listen to my own heartbeat as well as her parents she resentfully handed back the stethoscope before turning to discover the…
As ‘fun’ runs and marathons become ever more popular it was only a matter of time before people started looking for their next adrenaline hit in the world of endurance sports. Enter the Brownlee brothers. These world class athletes have brought the world of triathlon to the attention of a whole new dominain of the general public. However, just like in the marathon running world where you can push your limits even further by putting yourself through the torture that…