by Julie

Captain Cook and amplitude

I love maps. All kinds: new, antique, obscure, land maps, charts of the sea, weather charts. I have absolutely no idea how one goes about drawing a map, as I can just about read one. My general ignorance of the process of map making makes me admire Captain James Cook even more. I managed to take this photo of a map of his travels which was displayed in the Tairawhiti museum in Gisborne in New Zealand, before the staff there told me I wasn't allowed to take photos.   Captain Cook originally got the gig to explore…
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by Julie

On putting down the camera

'If a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make a sound?' This is an old philosophical question regarding the nature of reality - if things aren't witnessed do they actually happen? I was reminded of it when thinking about today's writing prompt, which was a selection of photos designed to stimulate some reflections. I love looking at my own photographs from my travels and I am so grateful to have them as a visual reminder of my experiences. However, if I had no photos of my…
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by Julie

A month of writing – what I like

For a bit of context, I am participating in an online writing course which requires pretty much daily writing for the month of November. It's a useful (if maybe self-indulgent) bit of discipline for me, so I am putting my qualms aside and trying to go with it. Today's theme is lists, and the benefits of making them. We have a few topics to choose from. I don't know if I am profound enough to do a list of what I've learned, and listing out all the things I wish for could be depressing so I…
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by Julie

Why I write

As a returned traveller, right now I write to help myself remember. To remember the places I have been and the experiences I have had. To secure them in my mind and heart so I will never forget.  I have lots of photos, but someone I met along the way told me that the best memories are in your head and in your heart.   I write because I want to consider and reflect on the things I have learnt, fascinating things about other cultures and peoples, their history, and how they live. I write…
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