Phoenix City
Will you promise me something? I would like to ask this of you as my esteemed reader. It really is a very humble request. Promise me you won’t stop reading when I tell you where …
Ski Teacher Training
‘Hi, my name’s Rebecca and I’ll be your ski instructor today.’ Eight familiar faces smiled back at me encouragingly. Most of them still had the examination ahead of them. I have to admit, I wasn’t …
Travel: the other way round
‘What shall I play?’ There is a distinct unsteadiness in his movements as he approaches us and takes Florian’s recently vacated seat at the piano; no doubt he’s come directly from Hild Bede’s college bar …
Welcome Back to Durham
‘You don’t look like a fresher to me.’ He looks first at me; then at my suitcase, which is sitting obediently at my feet; then back at me. ‘Are you a… a…’ I allow him …
Blue Hair and Bowler Hats
The sign on the door confuses me: PLEASE KNOCK LOUDLY is printed beside a man in a black bowler hat who seems to be in the act of kicking his way in. Cautious of …
The Final Chapter?
My year abroad is over. After twelve months in Russia and Austria, it’s time to return to Durham to complete my university degree. It would be a lie to say I have loved every minute …
Do You Believe in Tears?
He bounces. There’s no other way to describe it. He sits down next to me, but the chair doesn’t allow for bouncing and before long he’s jumped to his feet again. While we talk he …
Cucumbers
‘Do you want some cucumbers?’ Stas and I have been in the restaurant half an hour when Saul arrives, looking slightly flustered. ‘Elvira got back just as I was about to leave,’ he says. He …
A Mystery
There were dragons and volcanoes and castles; there was tea and watermelon and cake; and there were six of us contemplating the square tiles on the table. We were playing Carcassonne, an extended version. Bit …
One Year Later
I want to tell you about the light. It is nearly five o’clock in the morning when we emerge, blinking, into the grey pre-dawn of St Petersburg. We push through the crowds milling outside the …