Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Runnymede ( London) June 25

 




Having seen a copy of  Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral I spent two blissful and sunny days in  the Runnymede national trust park, learning more about the importance of the document. 

It was at Runnymede in 1215 the English Barons forced King John to sign the Magna Carta. This document limited the monarch’s powers and gave legal rights to all, thus the first English constitution was written. 

In recognition of the Magna Carta’s importance as a basis for the American of Independence, the American Bar Association built the Magna Carta Memorial in 1957 and later John F. Kennedy Memorial placed nearby on an acre of land to USA in the memory of the President’s work on Civil Rights.

Magna Carta marked the beginning of what are now called Human Rights.

Saturday, 3 May 2025

Oman in April 25

 




A snapshot of peace loving and peace making little Oman where I went to experience great Omani hospitality at friend’s home who had once shared my house in Coventry.


Oman’s economy is largely driven by oil however the government is actively diversifying into other sectors such as tourism which is sadly suffering due to the wars in the surrounding regions! Once you pluck up courage to make the journey to Oman you are welcomed with the smile by friendly and helpful Omani people dressed up in their native costumes. 


Oman prides itself on building its cities based on low lying traditional architecture ( no skyscrapers in sight) so that the surrounding mountains are visible. Oman is absolute monarchy, with ruling Sultan Qaboos ( whose portrait is proudly displayed in every establishment) exercising ultimate power over all major decisions of state. The Omani police patrol the streets especially in the tourist areas. The country on the whole is a safe place for tourists including the single women travelling around alone. Newspapers or world news is not readily available!


The local Omani population are not keen on working in the service sector so it relies heavily on the labour force from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Africa and surprisingly Myanmar! With very little public transport available, fuel guzzling , air conditioning cars domain the major roads. Plastic bags are handed out freely at the supermarkets and plastic bottles of water are freely available in the hotels and used in homes too! 

A week in Oman has left me feeling that they are all ( five million of them) living in an ivory tower and I wonder when the impact of heat and climate change will reach the shores of stunning landscape of friendly Oman?





Saturday, 25 January 2025

Studley Castle in January 2025





The festive season of last year came and went very quickly. To welcome the New Year 2025 I spent few days in Studley Castle,  where I was able to chill out in beautiful swimming pool, sauna and steam bath. 

The castle is in the county of Warwickshire surrounded by idyllic country farms with lots of wild birds and walking trails. The food at the restaurant was excellent. 

Must make a note to visit the Studley Castle in January 2026 !