The cinema of my dreams – I always wanted to see the planets – Episode 22

It’s the most non captain job to be done

…

I hadn’t realised that the ship was, on the one hand, virtually a city, with all the standard infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and a pseudo police force.

And, on the other hand, almost like a hotel, running quarters for the single staff, a restaurant for everyone to eat, and recreational facilities to provide entertainment outside of work.

It was, perhaps on of the reasons why the ship was so large, and its crew so diverse.

And in the way diversity is sometimes a curse or land, so it can be on board the ship, with the usual disagreements between people. I was sure the human resource division took all that diversity into consideration when they chose the crew, but there was always going to be the odd situation.

Which is why I had to attend to the first, and probably not the last, ‘situation’ between two crew members. It seemed strange to me that they hadn’t sent a judge type figure to sort those out, but left it to the captain.

Not to mention the running of a very large cafeterias, a sort of night club, sports venues and so many other items

And like every other city, there was always going to be an element that caused trouble.

A chamber had been set aside where the ship’s security team was located, for either mediation or adjudication.

The matter at hand should have been dealt with long before it reached me, but Masters, head of security, believed a tone had to be set as it was very early in the voyage and simple problems could fester into bigger problems.

This was where the previous captain’s experience was needed.

But, he was not available, and it was in my hands.

In normal circumstances the two crew members involved should have sorted their differences out themselves. The fact that a fight had started over seating arrangements in the restaurant was bad enough, but the fact both were willing to continue it outside, sealed their fate.

Now each sat either side of the table with a glowering Masters sitting between them. He read out the charge sheet.

Neither looked contrite.

I looked at Fred Danvers, storeman, a burley man whom his employment record said was a hard worker, a good man in a crisis, but prone to getting into fights over trivial matters. This was exactly that, trivial.

I switched my look of consternation to the other man, Bryson O’Connell, a red headed Irishman, who worked in the Laboratory, a man specially along to aid in the research of alien life, if we found any.

His employment sheet showed no prelidiction to fighting or even exchanging a cross word with anyone.

An ideal foil for Danvers, then.

I glared at one then the other. “Can either of you give me one good reason why you should not spend the next week in the brig?”

Masters eyebrows went up, registering surprise, but he didn’t comment.

Danvers said, “That’s a bit harsh for an argument over a seat?”

I looked at O’Connell.

“I should have just walked away,” he said.

I shrugged. “Three days in the brig for the both of you. You’ll have time to write down why it shouldn’t be extended for the rest of the week.” To Masters, “put the word out if people want to waste my time over trivial matters, it’ll be a week minimum in the brig where they can figure out what their priorities are. We’re out here to do a job, not get caught up on petty misdemeanours. Make a note in their records, a second infraction and they’re off the ship.”

I stood, just in time to hear the message, “Captain to the bridge.”

I also noticed, coming out of the chamber, that the ship had slowed, or stopped. I hoped it was not a problem with the propulsion unit.

…

A photograph from the inspirational bin – 40

…

This was taken from the plane on our way home from Melbourne to Brisbane and we were on approach to Brisbane airport.

Aside from the fact whenever we are returning home, we are relieved, glad to be coming home, and always tired. The thing is, you always come back from holidays exhausted.

So, what sort of inspiration can this provide?

One: The obvious, coming home, tired, from a hard mission in the field. A worn storyline, no one knows what you really do, and think you’re just coming back from another sales trip or conference.

Sometimes it’s hard to hide the injuries when things go wrong. Broken bones mean elaborate excuses not to come home, bruising, you walked into a door, drunk, everyone thinking injuries cause by drink are funny, and forgetting to bring back holiday trinkets, is unforgivable.

Trying to blend into normal society, is a battle in itself.

Two: A little more elaborate, coming home to see the family after being away for a long time, for reasons that no one really wants to remember. Old feuds are lurking, and hurt remains, particularly between father and son, or mother and daughter.

Old flames are there still, either successful, married, unmarried, or divorced or widowed.

Whatever the situation, it’s still water under the bridge, and still with a possibility of drowning.

Three: and one I haven’t thought of using but has merits, being shunted into witness protection in the boondocks. A city person unable to cope with open country, fresh air, and mountains.

Or a country person lost in the concrete jungle, and having far more trouble to get into.

There’s more, I’m sure, and will no doubt add to the list over time.

The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job – Episode 59

This story is now on the list to be finished so over the new few weeks, expect a new episode every few days.

The reason why new episodes have been sporadic, there are also other stories to write, and I’m not very good at prioritizing.

But, here we are, a few minutes opened up and it didn’t take long to get back into the groove.

Things are about to get complicated…

With Jan safely in custody, probably for about 15 minutes when Dobbin discovered she was in police hands, Jennifer and I were free to chase up O’Connell and maybe we would also find Anna.

It was a long shot at best.

But we had to find out more about Anna Jacovich. For that, we would have to go back to the office and talk to Joanne. I told Jennifer what I intended to do and dropped her at the safe house for some much-needed rest before we went after O’Connell.

Then, back in the car, I called the number I had for Joanne.

“Sam.”

“Memorised my number?”

“I like to know who’s calling before I answer.”

“Then this isn’t a restricted line?”

“Restricted enough.”

“I found your little toy?”

Did I hear a sigh?

“You know the world we live in Sam, trust no one not even your mother. Hard for me to trust or not trust her, she passed away when I was seven. Monica said you were good. What can I do for you?”

“A full workup on Anna Jacovich. I’m coming into the office now, and will be there in about half an hour.”

“No pressure then?”

“Not at all.”

“Try not to irritate security this time.”

I’m sure I saw a grim expression on the face of the soldier that had been there the last time I tried to run the gauntlet, and then disappointment when my card worked. I signed in and put the name of the department I was visiting down as Research.

When he asked for a name, I gave him Joanne’s. No doubt he would call her long before I got to her.

She met me at the second level of defence and then took me to a room where two folders sat at opposite ends of a table, two desk lamps shining light down on them. The rest of the room was in darkness.

When she shut the door, I said, “Please tell me there in;t a firing squad in black camouflage just waiting to shoot me.”

She smiled. “If it was more sensitive information, I’d let you read it, then have you shot. Not today.

That was a relief. Oddly, I believed that she would if the circumstances warranted it. Joanne was scary, nor scary than Jan. It’s the quiet ones you had to worry about.”

We sat.

“Read. Then I’ll answer questions.”

For the ten minutes, it took me to discover that Anna was a biochemist herself, and had worked in a not-so-secret government laboratory that had been unmasked with disastrous results, adding another dimension to the problem. I was beginning to think she might be the one who created the monster and had set her husband up to take the blame.

If that was the case, she was never going to pass it on to O’Connell or sell it to him, other than to take the money and run. If that was the case, Severin knew it was her all along, and how dangerous she was.

But and there was a big but in all of this. She needed an accomplice to get to England, which was O’Connell. Now he was no longer needed…

Yes, she would also need both Severin and Maury off her tail, and that had been taken care of.

Jan? Unless I completely misread her, it was not possible she could be the accomplice; she was doing what Dobbin requested. Or had she? Dobbin did say she was able to make executive decisions on the fly.

“The threat isn’t O’Connell. He’s just a pawn.”

“Not just a pretty face then?”

“I never regard my face as pretty.”

She shook her head. “It’s Anna. She played Severin and Maury, she played Dobbin, and she played Dobbin’s little toy soldier, O’Connell. Or Quigley I believe his real name is. I hesitate to say O’Connell played you.”

“Call a dog a dog, Joanne. If I had more experience and more information I might have seen that. You can’t keep people in the dark, and then expect miracles.”

“I’m the messenger, Sam.”

“I’ve been known to shoot messengers, just because I can.”

“Save your bullets for the bad guys.”

“How do I know you and Monica are not the bad guys?”

Another shake of the head. “OK. You’ve passed the scepticism test, Sam. Now put it away. We have to work together on this. It’s a condition for continuing to work on the case.”

“And if I don’t?”

“I don’t need to answer that. But, I get it. You’re a self-starter and will keep at it, with or without us. I can see why people like you. To me, your just another dangerous amateur.”

There were words I could say, but judging by the reek of self-aggrandisement, it would not penetrate the thick hide.

I smiled. “Not noted for your charm then.”

“No. Where is Jan?”

“Who?”

“Don’t play games, Sam. They don’t become you. You went to see Severin, but he ended up dead, and she shot him. Why?”

“You read this file?” I picked it up and dropped it on the table.

She was the sort that read the first page, the preamble, and the last page, the result or desired result.

“I did.”

“Then you know why, as for Jan, if you know I was there when Severin was shot, you’d know where Jan is.”

“She disappeared into the trees. And no doubt in the wind. You should know she’s a trained MI5 assassin on loan to Dobbin.”

Who was now in jail somewhere pending the Detective Inspectors leisure, unless she filed a report. If she did, she would be out now, and looking for O’Connell and Anna.

“Then how should I know?”

She shrugged. “I thought I’d ask. I’m not sure I like having to peel away the layers of this story one by one.”

“Be more forthcoming.” I stood. I had what I needed. “If that’s all, I’ll go on with the job.”

“O’Connell?”

“He’s probably dead by now, but I have to find him, one way or another.”

“Keep me in the loop. Monica wants to know.”

“Of course.”

…

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 54

Day 54 – Anger and confusion as inspiration

…

When Anger & Confusion Become Creative Fuel

How the messier emotions in our lives can spark our most powerful ideas

“The best art comes from a place of discomfort.” – Anonymous

We’re taught to chase calm, to “think clearly” before we write, paint, design, or launch a new project. Yet some of the most unforgettable works—whether a novel that reshaped a generation, a song that still makes us shiver, or a startup that turned an industry upside‑down—were born from moments of angry frustration or gut‑wrenching confusion.

If you’ve ever felt a surge of irritation while stuck in traffic, or a bewildering swirl of thoughts after a heated argument, you already have a well‑spring of raw material waiting to be transformed. The trick isn’t to suppress those feelings, but to channel them.

Below, we’ll explore why anger and confusion are surprisingly fertile creative soil, look at real‑world examples, and walk through practical steps you can use right now to turn those messy emotions into compelling content, products, or art.

1. Why the “Negative” Emotions Matter

Emotion	What It Does to Your Brain	How It Helps Creativity
Anger	Triggers the amygdala, spikes adrenaline, and heightens focus on perceived threats.	Sharpens problem‑solving, fuels urgency, and pushes you to “break the rules” to resolve the tension.
Confusion	Activates the prefrontal cortex as you search for meaning and coherence.	Forces you to ask why and how, encouraging divergent thinking and novel connections.

Energy Surge – Both anger and confusion release physiological energy (adrenaline, cortisol). When redirected, that energy can become the stamina needed for long writing sessions or intense brainstorming.
Narrative Drive – Stories thrive on conflict. Anger supplies a clear antagonist (the source of frustration), while confusion supplies the mystery that keeps the audience hooked.
Authenticity – Audiences can sense when a piece is born from genuine feeling. Raw, unfiltered emotion builds trust and resonance.

2. Legends Who Turned Rage & Uncertainty Into Masterpieces

Creator	Emotion	Resulting Work	Why It Worked
Vincent Van Gogh	Deep melancholy & inner turmoil (bordering on confusion)	Starry Night	The turbulent sky mirrors his mental state, turning personal chaos into universal beauty.
Kanye West	Public outrage & indignation after award show snubs	“Yeezus” (2013)	Aggressive beats and confrontational lyrics harnessed his anger, producing one of his most daring albums.
Malala Yousafzai	Fear and outrage at oppression	I Am Malala (memoir)	The anger at injustice fueled a powerful narrative that inspired global activism.
James Dyson	Frustration with underperforming vacuum cleaners	Dyson Cyclone technology	Anger at the status quo drove relentless prototyping, resulting in a market‑disrupting product.

These stories underscore a simple truth: the more personal the friction, the more universal the impact—when you translate your private storm into public art, you give others permission to feel seen.

3. From Internal Turmoil to Tangible Output – A Step‑by‑Step Workflow

TL;DR: Capture, Clarify, Convert, Polish.

Step 1 – Capture the Spark

Immediate journal: Keep a small notebook or note‑app on hand. As soon as you feel a flash of anger or a wave of confusion, jot down:
- What triggered it? (e.g., “Stuck in endless Zoom meetings.”)
- Physical sensations (e.g., “Heart pounding, jaw clenched.”)
- One‑sentence “headline” that captures the feeling (“Enough is enough: the meeting apocalypse”).
Voice memo: If you’re on the go, record a 30‑second rant. Hearing your own tone later can reveal nuances you missed in writing.

Step 2 – Clarify the Core Question

Anger often hides a demand (“I want this to change”).
Confusion hides a gap (“I don’t understand why this happened”).
Translate each entry into a concrete question:
- “How can remote work be more humane?”
- “Why do we default to endless meetings, and what alternatives exist?”

Step 3 – Brainstorm Solutions/Angles

Set a timer (10–15 minutes) and list all possible responses—no judgment.
Use “yes, and…” improvisation technique to build on each idea.
Highlight any that feel contrarian or provocative; anger loves a good rebellion.

Step 4 – Create a First Draft

Structure: Problem (the anger/confusion) → Exploration (your research/brainstorm) → Resolution (your insight or call‑to‑action).
Write in a voice that mirrors the original emotion: short, punchy sentences for anger; meandering, question‑filled prose for confusion.

Step 5 – Cool‑Down & Polish

Take a short break (5–10 minutes) to let the adrenaline subside.
Revise for clarity: Replace raw outbursts with purposeful language while preserving intensity.
Add humanising details (an anecdote, a metaphor) to help readers connect.

4. Practical Tips for Different Creative Mediums

Medium	Harnessing Anger	Harnessing Confusion
Writing (blog, fiction, copy)	Use strong verbs (“shatter”, “explode”) and short paragraphs to replicate urgency.	Embrace open‑ended questions and fragmented sentences that mimic mental looping.
Visual Art / Design	Bold, contrasting colors (red, black) and jagged lines convey tension.	Layered textures, ambiguous shapes, or “visual riddles” invite viewers to decode the piece.
Music / Audio	Aggressive tempos, distorted instruments, lyrical repetitions (“I’m done, I’m done”).	Dissonant chords, irregular time signatures, spoken‑word interludes that ask “what’s next?”
Product Development	Identify the pain point that fuels the anger; prototype a solution that eliminates that pain.	Map out the confusion journey (user flow gaps) and redesign for clarity, turning uncertainty into elegance.
Marketing	Campaigns that call out a common frustration (“Stop waiting for support”) often go viral.	Story‑driven ads that pose a mystery (“What happens when…?”) encourage engagement and shares.

5. Avoiding the Pitfalls

Risk	Warning Sign	Mitigation
Burnout	You keep feeding on anger without rest.	Schedule “emotion detox” days (no work, just leisure).
Over‑Negativity	The final piece sounds purely bitter, alienating the audience.	Balance with hope or solution; end on a constructive note.
Unclear Messaging	Confusion remains unresolved for the reader.	Ensure the conclusion clearly answers the core question you posed.
Echo Chamber	You only share with people who agree with your rage.	Seek diverse feedback; a calm third‑party can spot blind spots.

6. A Mini‑Exercise to Try Right Now

Pick a recent moment of anger or confusion (e.g., the last time a software glitch ruined your workflow).
Write a 150‑word micro‑story that starts with a vivid line of that feeling.
- Angry example: “The screen froze, and my deadline sprint turned into a marathon of curses.”
- Confused example: “Why does the ‘Save’ button disappear right when I need it most?”
Identify the underlying demand or question.
Add a single, unexpected twist that resolves the tension in a fresh way.
Read it aloud—does the emotion still feel punchy? If not, sharpen the language.

Do this daily for a week and watch how quickly raw moments become polished ideas.

7. Closing Thoughts: Embrace the Storm

Creativity isn’t a serene garden; it’s a storm‑tossed sea where the fiercest winds generate the biggest waves. Anger and confusion are not obstacles to be sidestepped; they are compasses pointing toward the stories, solutions, and art that matter most.

When you feel that heat rising or your thoughts spiralling, ask yourself:

What is this feeling demanding of me?
What truth lies hidden beneath the confusion?

Then, grab your notebook, your sketchpad, or your laptop, and turn that turbulence into triumph.

Ready to test the theory? Share a snippet of your angry‑or‑confused‑inspired work in the comments below. Let’s turn the collective noise into a chorus of brilliant ideas.

If I only had one day to stop over in – Montevideo – what would I do?

One‑Day Stopover in Montevideo?

The One Place That Will Make It Unforgettable – Ciudad Vieja (the Old Town)

You’ve just stepped off an international flight, the scent of the Río de la Plata wafts through the airport, and you have exactly 24 hours to soak up Uruguay’s capital. It’s tempting to scatter your time across beaches, museums, and cafés, but if you want to leave Montevideo with a story you’ll actually retell, focus on one place that compresses the city’s soul into a handful of streets: Ciudad Vieja, the historic Old Town.

Why Ciudad Vieja Wins the One‑Place Challenge

What you get	How it fits a 24‑hour lay‑over
Architecture that narrates 200 years of history – from the neoclassical Palacio Salvo to colonial stone houses.	A compact, walkable district (≈ 15 min of strolling) that lets you see it all without a frantic schedule.
Cultural highlights in one block – Plaza Independencia, Solís Theatre, the Museo Torres García, and the iconic Gateway of the Constitution.	Each landmark is a quick photo‑op or a 10‑minute peek, yet together they paint a vivid portrait of Uruguay’s past and present.
Food that defines Montevideo – the bustling Mercado del Puerto, legendary parrilla (steak) spots, and artisanal coffee cafés.	You can grab a world‑class lunch, a quick snack, or a late‑night bite without leaving the area.
Vibrant street life – tango dancers, street artists, and the ever‑present hum of locals in the plazas.	Perfect for those “I’m just wandering” moments that turn strangers into friends.
Easy access – a 10‑minute taxi or 20‑minute walk from Carrasco International Airport.	No time wasted on long transfers; you’re in the heart of the city almost instantly.

In short, Ciudad Vieja is Montevideo’s living museum, culinary hub, and social lounge all rolled into one – exactly what a short‑stop traveller needs.

A 6‑Hour “Perfect Day” Itinerary in Ciudad Vieja

Tip: Buy a “Montevideo Card” (USD 5) at the airport. It gives you free entry to several museums and a 30‑minute hop‑on hop‑off bus if you feel like hopping back to the airport later.

Time	Activity	Why it matters
08:30 – Arrival	Taxi/ride‑share from the airport to Plaza Independencia (the gateway to the Old Town).	The iconic square introduces you to Montevideo’s blend of modernity and tradition.
09:00 – Palacio Salvo	Snap a photo of the city’s most recognizable skyline and, if you’re quick, climb the modest observation deck (≈ 5 min).	Built in 1928, it’s Montevideo’s answer to the Eiffel Tower – a symbol of ambition.
09:30 – Solís Theatre	Walk inside or simply admire the neoclassical façade; catch a brief guided tour if time allows.	One of Latin America’s most prestigious theatres; its interior is a golden‑age gem.
10:00 – Museo Torres García	A 20‑minute dive into the work of Uruguay’s avant‑garde master, Joaquín Torres García.	The museum is a hidden treasure that showcases the artistic heartbeat of the nation.
10:45 – Coffee Break @ Café Brasil	Order a “café con leche” and a medialuna (croissant‑like pastry).	Montevideans take their coffee seriously; this is a perfect pause to people‑watch.
**11:30 – Walk the Calle Sarandí & Calle A	Browse boutique shops, vintage stores, and street‑art murals.	The streets themselves are an open‑air gallery, reflecting the city’s contemporary vibe.
12:30 – Mercado del Puerto	Lunch: Parrillada (mixed grilled meats) + a glass of Tannat or fresh “mate” from a nearby stall.	This historic market is the culinary crown jewel of Ciudad Vieja – think of it as Montevideo’s answer to Buenos Aires’ “steakhouse”.
14:00 – Plaza Matriz & Cathedral	Quick photo stop at the square and the stunning Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.	The square is where festivals happen; the cathedral dates back to 1740.
14:30 – Souvenir Hunt	Pick up a jar of “dulce de leche”, a handmade leather wallet, or a small “candombe” drum.	Take a piece of Montevideo home; everything here is made locally.
15:00 – Return to Airport	Taxi/ride‑share back to Carrasco (traffic is usually light during midday).	You’ll be back with plenty of time for your next flight, and a head full of stories.

Total Time: ~ 6 hours of immersive experiences, plus travel time. You still have a few hours left for a quick beach walk on the Rambla if you feel adventurous, but you’ll leave Montevideo already feeling like you’ve lived a whole week.

Insider Details That Turn a Quick Visit into a Memory

The “Puerta de la Ciudadela” (Gate of the Citadel) – The original entrance to the old fortified settlement. It’s a perfect photo backdrop, especially at golden hour when the light hits the stone arches just right.
Candombe Rhythms on Sundays – If your layover lands on a Sunday, head to Plaza de la Constitución near the gate. Local “candombe” drummers (Afro‑Uruguayan percussion) perform spontaneous shows that echo the city’s African heritage.
Hidden Courtyard at the Palacio Taranco – Even if you don’t have time for the full museum, pop in for a quick look at the courtyard garden; it’s a serene oasis amid the bustling streets.
The “Feria de Tristán Narvaja” – This flea market runs every Saturday. If your stopover includes a Saturday morning, wander the stalls for vintage books, antiques, and quirky souvenirs. It’s less than a 10‑minute walk from Plaza Independencia.
“Mate” Etiquette – When offered a mate (a traditional infused tea) by a local, accept it! It’s a sign of hospitality. You’ll get a quick lesson in the ritual – sip, pass, repeat.

Practical Tips for the One‑Day Explorer

Concern	Solution
Getting there from the airport	Pre‑book a reputable ride‑share (Uber, Cabify) or use the official Taxi del Aeropuerto service – they have flat rates for the city center (USD 15‑20).
Currency	Uruguay uses the Uruguayan peso (UYU), but most places in Ciudad Vieja also accept USD and credit cards. Have a few pesos for market stalls.
Language	Spanish is official; however, most restaurant staff and shop owners speak basic English. A simple “Hola, ¿puedo…?” goes a long way.
Safety	Ciudad Vieja is safe during daylight. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots like the Mercado del Puerto.
Luggage	Most hotels/hostels near the airport offer luggage storage for a few dollars. Free yourself to stroll unburdened.
Time zone	Montevideo is UTC‑3 (no daylight‑saving). Adjust your watch accordingly to avoid missing your connecting flight.

The Bottom Line: One Place, Endless Stories

When you have just a day in a city, the temptation is to chase everything. But the most memorable travel moments happen when you immerse yourself in a single, richly layered neighbourhood. In Montevideo, that neighbourhood is Ciudad Vieja – a compact tapestry of history, art, gastronomy, and music that lets you feel the pulse of Uruguay without racing against the clock.

So the next time your itinerary lists a “one‑day stopover in Montevideo,” skip the checklist and head straight to the Old Town. Walk its cobblestones, taste its smoky grills, listen to its drums, and you’ll leave with a story that fits in a paragraph—but feels like a novel.

Bon voyage, and enjoy the heartbeat of Montevideo!

What I learned about writing – Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Perhaps not in the beginning, but as time passed, yes.

In my younger years, as an awkward child who didn’t fare well in school, with the sort of boys who treated the weaker kids with aggression, and at home, where we were victims of domestic violence, it became necessary to immerse myself in another world than the one that I lived in.

That’s when I began to invent different lives, mostly generated from reading books morning, noon and night and spending any spare time in the school library, anywhere other than in the schoolyard.

Those books fuelled my imagination. I could be anyone else other than who I was, go anywhere, and do anything. The Secret Seven, The Famous Five, Biggles, Billy Bunter, all those characters that today would never get a fair chance.

Soon, those imaginings became scribbles, and the first story I wrote was one of a spy landing on a distant beach in another country and executing a mission which, when I look back, was rather strange, but it kept me busy.

Then a thousand or so books later, fuelled by Alistair MacLean, Hammond Innes, James Patterson, Clive Cussler, Steve Berry, David Baldacci, and countless others, I improved my writing skills, the story became more focused and less childish, and I decided thrillers were the go.

And when romance didn’t seem to work out all that well, I decided to write myself into one, imagining how it would be. For that, I devoured a few Mills and Boons, but when it came time to write a similar story, it got halfway, then veered into thriller territory.

I think, in that first effort, I was not the hero, but the forever-tired, always battling to stay alive and discovering the love of his life, found ways they could not be together. A bit like real life at times.

In my latest effort, I used to read stories for my grandchildren, and then foolishly one night told her I would write a better fair tale. After 11 years, much toiling and excuses for not having it done, I have finished it. 3 volumes, 1,000 plus pages, it is an epic.

Did I always want to be a writer?

Maybe I did and just didn’t realise it back when I was too young to know.

“Echoes From The Past”, the past doesn’t necessarily stay there

What happens when your past finally catches up with you?

…

Christmas is just around the corner, a time to be with family. For Will Mason, an orphan since he was fourteen, it is a time for reflection on what his life could have been, and what it could be.

Until a chance encounter brings back to life the reasons for his twenty years of self-imposed exile from a life only normal people could have. From that moment, Will’s life slowly starts to unravel, and it’s obvious to him that it’s time to move on.

This time, however, there is more at stake.

Will has broken his number one rule: don’t get involved.

With his nemesis, Eddie Jamieson, suddenly within reach, and a blossoming relationship with an office colleague, Maria, about to change everything, Will has to make a choice. Quietly leave, or finally, make a stand.

But as Will soon discovers, when other people are involved there is going to be terrible consequences no matter what choice he makes.

https://amzn.to/2CYKxu4

If I only had one day to stop over in – Santiago – what would I do?

One Day in Santiago? Make It Unforgettable With One Iconic Stop

Your 24‑hour layover, a single must‑see spot, and a story you’ll retell forever.

Why One Place Can Change a Whole Day

A layover is a sprint, not a marathon. You’re juggling luggage, flight‑times, and the inevitable jet‑lag, so the temptation is to “see everything.” The truth is, quality beats quantity. Pick a destination that captures the soul of the city, offers a splash of culture, a pinch of adventure, and an unbeatable view for that Instagram‑ready shot — and you’ve got a day you’ll remember long after you’re back on the tarmac.

In Santiago, that place is Cerro San Cristóbal, the crown jewel of the city’s sprawling Parque Metropolitano. It’s a natural high point, a cultural hub, and a shortcut to the essence of Chile’s capital, all wrapped into one unforgettable experience.

Cerro San Cristóbal: The One‑Stop‑Shop for a Memorable Stopover

What it offers	Why it matters for a 1‑day layover
Panoramic 360° city view	Instantly see Santiago’s skyline, Andes backdrop, and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
Easy access via funicular or cable car	No need for a long trek; you’re up in minutes.
Cultural landmarks (Statue of the Virgin, historic shrine, Japanese garden)	A taste of Chilean faith, history, and international flair.
Botanical garden & zoo	A quick stroll among native flora or a peek at local wildlife if you have extra minutes.
Food & drink (Café San Cristóbal, food trucks)	Refuel with a Chilean coffee, a “completo” hot dog, or a fresh fruit jug.
Free or low‑cost entry	Keeps your budget intact for the rest of the trip.

How to Turn the Visit Into a Perfect 24‑Hour Itinerary

Before You Land – Set Yourself Up for Success

Action	Details
Store your luggage	Use lockers at Estación Central (metro Line 1) or the SCL Airport “Baggage Concierge” (≈ USD 4 per bag, 8‑hour limit).
Grab a Metro card	Purchase a Bip! card at the airport (cash or card) – it works on Metro, buses, and the funicular.
Check the weather	Santiago’s climate is Mediterranean: sunny most of the year, cool evenings in winter. Pack a light jacket for the summit.
Download the “Metro de Santiago” app	Real‑time train arrivals, route maps, and fare calculator.

Morning – Touch Down, Freshen Up, Head to the City

07:00 – 08:00 – Clear customs, store bags, and catch the Airport Express Bus (Bus 184) to Estación Pajaritos (Metro Line 1).
08:30 – Hop on the Metro (green line) toward “Los Dominicos.” Get off at “Baquedano” (the interchange for Line 5) and transfer to Line 5 (green) toward “Plaza de Maipú.”
09:00 – Arrive at “Plaza de Maipo” station – a short 5‑minute walk to the base of Cerro San Cristóbal.

Mid‑Morning – Ascend to the Summit

09:10 – Purchase a funicular ticket (≈ CLP 650, ~USD 0.80). The ride is a nostalgic wooden carriage that climbs steeply in ~3 minutes.
09:15 – Step out at the Cerro San Cristóbal station and follow the paved path to the Statue of the Virgin Mary (the highest point).
09:30 – 10:30 – Take in the view. Snap panoramas of the Andes, the Mapocho River, and the bustling downtown. If you’re lucky, you’ll see snow‑capped peaks—perfect for those “I’m in the Andes” photos.

Late Morning – A Taste of Chilean Culture

10:30 – 11:30 – Wander down to the Santiago Metropolitan Park:
- Japanese Garden – A serene oasis with koi ponds and traditional tea houses.
- Santuario de la Inmaculada Concepción – A small chapel with historic murals.
- Botanical Terrace – Spot native flora like caupolí and copihue (Chile’s national flower).

Lunch Break – Eat Like a Local

11:30 – 12:30 – Head to Café San Cristóbal (right near the funicular exit). Order a “café con leche” and a completo (hot dog topped with avocado, mayo, tomato, and sauerkraut). Pair it with a freshly squeezed “mote con huesillos” (a sweet peach‑nectar drink) for a truly Chilean experience.

Early Afternoon – Quick City Sweep (Optional)

If you have a few extra hours before your next flight, you can:

**Take the Cerro San Cristóbal cable car (Teleférico) down to Pío Nero station and hop on Metro Line 5 to “Baquedano.”
Stroll through Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago, to see the Catedral Metropolitana and Museo Histórico Nacional (both free).
Grab a quick pastel de choclo (corn pie) from a street vendor.

Return to the Airport

13:30 – 14:30 – Retrieve your luggage at the locker, catch the Metro back to Estación Pajaritos, then the Airport Express Bus to SCL.
15:00 – Arrive at the terminal, giving you plenty of time for security and a relaxed boarding.

Insider Pro Tips – Make the Most of Your Cerro San Cristóbal Visit

Tip	Why It Helps
Visit on a weekday	Fewer locals and tourists mean shorter lines for the funicular and more space for photos.
Bring a compact rain jacket	Even on sunny days, a sudden drizzle can roll in from the Andes.
Carry a small power bank	You’ll be snapping photos and using maps non‑stop.
Buy a “Bip!” card before you land	Saves you from hunting for a ticket booth after a long flight.
Ask the funicular operator for the “best photo spot” – usually the bench right in front of the Virgin statue.	Locals know the golden hour lighting.
Don’t skip the Japanese Garden – it’s a hidden gem that many tourists miss.	Adds a tranquil break to your high‑altitude adventure.

The Bottom Line: One Stop, Unlimited Memories

When you have only 24 hours in a vibrant capital like Santiago, you don’t need to cram every museum and market into your schedule. Cerro San Cristóbal delivers a panoramic snapshot of the city, a dose of Chilean culture, and a dash of adventure—all accessible within an hour of the airport.

Takeaway: If you can only see one place during a brief stopover in Santiago, climb Cerro San Cristóbal. From the moment the funicular pulls you up to when you sip a glass of fresh juice beneath the Andean peaks, you’ll carry a piece of Chile home with you.

Ready to make your layover legendary?

Pack a light jacket, grab a Bip! card, and set your sights on the hill that watches over Santiago. Your one‑day adventure starts at the top — and the memories will stay with you forever. Safe travels!

‘What Sets Us Apart’ – A beta readers view

There’s something to be said for a story that starts like a James Bond movie, throwing you straight in the deep end, a perfect way of getting to know the main character, David, or is that Alistair?

A retired spy, well not so much a spy as a retired errand boy, David’s rather wry description of his talents, and a woman that most men would give their left arm for, not exactly the ideal couple, but there is a spark in a meeting that may or may not have been a setup.

But as the story progressed, the question I kept asking myself was why he’d bother.

And, page after unrelenting page, you find out.

Susan is exactly the sort of woman to pique his interest. Then, inexplicably, she disappears. That might have been the end to it, but Prendergast, that shadowy enigma, David’s ex-boss who loves playing games with real people, gives him an ultimatum, find her or come back to work.

Nothing like an offer that’s a double-edged sword!

A dragon for a mother, a sister he didn’t know about, Susan’s BFF who is not what she seems or a friend indeed, and Susan’s father who, up till David meets her, couldn’t be less interested, his nemesis proves to be the impossible dream, and he’s always just that one step behind.

When the rollercoaster finally came to a halt, and I could start breathing again, it was an ending that was completely unexpected.

I’ve been told there’s a sequel in the works.

Bring it on!

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The book can be purchased here: http://amzn.to/2Eryfth

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365 Days of writing, 2026 – 54

Day 54 – Anger and confusion as inspiration

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