Articles

I branched into travel writing after nearly a decade in journalism. Perhaps because of this background in reportage, I am drawn to the stories behind the destinations, from Chinese immigrants in Senegal to male voice choirs in the Welsh Valleys.

I find that food can often be the key to a place, whether in the growing or the eating. It’s impossible to appreciate a destination like Singapore or Italy without a love of good food, while looking at a place such as Uganda through the lens of coffee can be a useful way to understand the country and its people.

For holidays, my tastes are eclectic. I love the excitement of a big city such as Shanghai or New York, and the tranquility of a beautiful wilderness like the Arctic. I love being active, whether kayaking, SCUBA diving, exploring historic ruins, horse riding or hot-air ballooning, but I also love lying on the beach and doing nothing.