Sečoveljske Soline, or the Sečovlje Salt Pans, are located just south of Portorož on the Slovenian coast, close to the Croatian border at the Dragonja river estuary. This is a poetic landscape steeped in history, where salt has been farmed for over 1000 years. It is also an important wetland bird sanctuary and nature reserve.... Continue Reading →
This is an important update on my Anthropocene Hymnal project. In my original submission call, I stated that the royalties from book sales will go to coolearth.org, a charity working with rainforest communities to help them protect their local rainforest. I have taken a closer look at this charity and I am not convinced they... Continue Reading →
I have just received the exciting news that I have been nominated for Spillwords Author of the Month! This is in a large part due to the continued and overwhelming support of all my readers, and I can't thank you enough. I am also incredibly grateful to Spillwords, who have been very supportive of my... Continue Reading →
The Victoria Sponge cake is the mainstay of British Baking. It is simple to make, versatile and tastes great. I have made many in my time. My record is an afternoon tea for 60 people! All of the cakes for this party were variations on the basic Victoria Sponge mixture. Today I'm sharing my top... Continue Reading →
Today is a public holiday in Slovenia, in celebration of the National Poet, France Prešeren. A public holiday in honour of a poet: how wonderful! I wanted to be the first to wish you 'Happy Prešeren Day!' and tell you a bit more about the poet's life and works. France Prešeren Prešeren was born in... Continue Reading →
It is almost one whole year since the pandemic started to take hold worldwide, and since we entered our first lockdown. How the world has changed since those early days! I wrote a tweet about it a few days back: 'does anyone remember how strange it felt the first time you went out wearing a... Continue Reading →
'Wait! I hear you cry: 'Burek is not a Slovene dish! It most definitely came to the Balkans via Turkey.' Well, this is certainly true, but burek is to Slovenia what the pasty is to the UK: a hot and tasty fast food item to eat on the go, a cheap lunch option and most... Continue Reading →
I've felt a special affinity with birds of prey since I was a teenager. I identified with them as solitary hill-loving creatures like me, who haunted the heights of my beloved Lake District. I saw many buzzards and kestrels, a mating pair of ospreys and even a peregrine falcon once, but never the Golden Eagle.... Continue Reading →
Since my last Quarantine Diary entry, I've been rather busy. We've moved house as a family and gone through the rigmarole of enrolling the children in their brand new school and nursery. In Slovenia, schools and nurseries re-opened this week for all ages up to third grade. My eldest son was given an extra week... Continue Reading →
Izola is a small fishing town on the Slovenian coast, which retains much of its Venetian character. It boasts a picturesque marina affording stunning views across the Adriatic Sea towards Venice, and some great restaurants serving up local delicacies and of course the freshest of seafood! History of Izola Izola seen from the nearby hill... Continue Reading →
