About the author
I was born in the UK with a travel bug in my veins, but I have now settled down in Australia. Before I left Geordieland – in the north of England, I trained as a Court Reporter and the work opened my eyes to the grittier side of life, which probably explains why I later studied for a degree in Sociology.
I have worked in the UK as an Administrative Assistant in Social Services and have held down several bi-lingual secretarial positions in France, Germany, and Italy. Along the way, I also obtained a diploma in Counselling Theories and Skills, and a Black Belt in Judo.
Having met my equally travel-hungry partner – the genuine Ozzie, in Rome (which became home base for us over many years), I went on to marry him in Nepal and have subsequently been fortunate enough to live in Thailand, Zimbabwe, and Mexico.
If anything should have alerted me to my future gypsy existence after marriage, it ought to have been this packing crate. It looks as though I was dazzled by it though!
Not surprisingly our two children (now grown-up) have also inherited the travel bug and their own lifelong love of reading, and music.
Once upon a time, I went for a long walk in Spain. The Camino is about 500 miles, and it played an extremely cathartic role in my life. It also caused me to scrap my original memoir and write a short one in the hope that it might help others. I have twice traversed the Camino and I never hesitate to recommend its natural therapy to others. There is a great deal to be said for what shines through when you have looked life squarely in the face. Though my hobbies now are a good deal less unorthodox, I am still dreaming on a large scale.
Sometimes it’s more than enough to just sit and contemplate nature’s greatness.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Some of my favourite books are those that stop me in my tracks with their uncanny take on the human condition. I read across all genres, particularly enjoy humorous tales and thought-provoking views on life, but I often feel drawn to mystery and crime. I glow on the inside when I find a plot that won’t let go and forces me to burn the midnight oil well in excess of my norm as a natural night owl.