Sensible shoes

I guess we’re not in the Departure Lounge anymore Toto…

Hello, and welcome to my new blog. I’m sure you’ve worked out from the title, that it’s here I plan to share my travel tales old and new. I don’t necessarily intend to write 80 posts as the title suggests. There may be more (I can go on a bit), there may be less (I’m easily distracted). We’ll see how I get on.

Also expect a little babbling about my current travel-inspired project – a literary guide to America’s Deep South.

As I mentioned, my posts will be about trips both old and new, giving me a chance to de-clutter my desk drawer of notebook after notebook filled with travelogues dating back over ten years.

Ah, those cherished moments, like the time my best friend and I were almost hurled over a cliff whilst jungle trekking in Northern Thailand by a greedy, non-spatially-aware elephant; or the time my husband befriended a tatooed giant, fresh from a 10 year stint in a notorious California clink within the first hour of our 29 hour train ride from LA to San Antonio, Texas.

You see, it’s not all about rolling waves and sunsets.

I’ll also be writing about my forthcoming travels as I research and write my book. In fact, my husband and I are gearing up for a trip to New Orleans this week. I’m excited to be meeting with a group of Tennessee Williams’ old buddies, from whom I hope to gain some first hand insights into the life of one of the 20th Century’s greatest playwrights. My husband is equally excited about his meetings with bottomless gumbo bowls and afternoon sazeracs on our balcony.

My posts won’t all feature travel to foreign climes. To quote another intrepid adventurer and childhood heroine of mine, Dorothy Gale who knew a thing or two about appreciating what you have in your own back yard – “There’s no place like home”, so I’ll also include adventures had here in Wales.

Dorothy also knew about travelling in style. With a few clicks of those ruby slippers  (or if like me you read the books, silver slippers) she was transported to her destination, with no fuss,  and no long queues at check in. I’m sure I’ll be dreaming of my own pair at the airport this week.