I was ready for my close-up, but the workmen had just started pneumaticallydrilling and Harry the sound guy wasn't happy. So we waited. Luckily, Liverpool was looking splendid for all its camera shots - close or wide - in brilliant sunshine. Which is fortunate given that the British TV programme we were shooting for mentions sun. (Can't give too may details... contractual obligations etc) We'd arrived last Sunday after a long journey from Marseille. Actually i...

Trainspotting Hello. My name's Michael and I'm a trainaholic. (Everyone else in the group then goes, "Hello Michael," and nods knowingly, beycause they're all here for the same reason. Er, therapy.) So there you have it. I have now admitted my failing. I have, metaphorically, come out, if. not from the wardrobe then at least the station. I have always loved trains. As a lad my Dad built me a huge train set with multiple lines and sidings, a tunnel, a station, ...

Thirty-nine years is a long time to not see someone, so today was a bit of an overdue milestone. Richard was a flatmate and co teacher-trainee of mine back in - oh let's just say "soooo last century". In the intervening years since then he has solidly maintained his career in teaching, whereas I abandoned mine after only two years at the chalk-face. In that time he has taught all over New Zealand, including Stewart Island, and has specialised in small schools, t...

There has been chaos in Beaucaire recently; chaos, bad weather, and great excitement. The occasion was the 44th Etoile de Besseges cycle race, which for a short while had Beaucaire in a state of almost Monaco Grand Prix fever, except much quieter. The first we knew of the race was the notices on the windscreens of all the cars that park daily on both sides of the marina, and along the one-way traffic circuit which is a key artery through the centre of town. Our...

We have been back for two days now after an afternoon trip to Pont du Gard, a 2000 year-old Roman aquaduct in an awesome state of preservation, and we can't get it out of our heads. The thing is, the aquaduct is so well preserved as to look fully functional. Unlike various amphitheatres scattered around Europe, Hadrian's Wall, or the Forum in Rome, where you get a hint of what once was, the Pont du Gard is so complete that you have the whole thing before you, al...