Similar Posts
Into Småland
ByJohn MayToday Sweden changed. Not dramatically at first, but as we drove north from Karlskrona the open agricultural landscape of the south gradually gave way to something that felt much more like the Sweden we had imagined before coming here. More trees, more lakes, more red wooden houses and, eventually, great stretches of forest disappearing off…
Rejecting a False Choice
ByJohn MayI don’t often write directly about local political issues. When I do, I think it is important to be clear that these are my own personal reflections as an Oxfordshire resident. They do not represent the views of any organisation I lead or support, nor of any of the civic offices I am privileged to…
Hot air in Yarmouth
ByJohn MayNew York last week, Great Yarmouth today. I’ve never been to Yarmouth before. It’s a really lovely town. I tend to think of British seaside resorts as being rather sad, diliapidated places. The one I know best, Weston-super-Mare, certainly is. But Yarmouth was very busy with holidaymakers, making the most of a beautiful day. I…
Critical decisions for the English middle class male (and possibly anyone else)…
ByJohn MayI am turning into a stereotype. Despite protestations of individuality, supported by being half-Australian with a proud Jewish heritage, I know that I am viewed by several non-British friends as being quintessentially English, middle class and highly conventional. They’re right. I’m becoming my Dad. And my Mum too – who, despite being completely Australian, is…
Nanta
ByJohn MayThe show was not high quality drama, but it was enormous fun. There was a full house, made up mainly of Koreans but with a smattering of foreigners, including a party of Russian teenagers. The lights went down and we were treated to two hours of music making using kitchen implements, a large amount of…
Two sides (or more) of Tokyo
ByJohn MaySuddenly, “Lost in Translation” makes sense. This is a very, very strange city. (But then, I guess London could appear pretty bizarre to a foreigner who dropped in for three days as well.) I started the day with a 5k run and was delighted to discover that many local people do the same thing. Several…

