365 Days of Writing, 2026 – 276/277

Day 276/277 – Writing exercise

A story based on three photographic elements

…

Then he checked behind him in case he was being followed. He was not. He ducked under an awning as another gust of wind shook it, avoiding a gush of water that fell like a waterfall, then moved on.

Was it Clara Higgins, an informant and a club singer? He had interviewed her for a case, and they hit it off. She worked at the ‘Blue Note’. Her voice was pure velvet and smoke, a sultry husky drawl that had bought and sold a dozen cops and PI’s before him.

She was leaning against his car six weeks ago, smelling of gin and expensive perfume, whispering about a crime that desperate men were about to commit.

It could be her. She lived in the shadows, but she usually called him Jackie. The caller didn’t.

Was it Lydia Vance, now Rawlings, his sister, a woman variously in and out of trouble, with a no-good husband he had offered to sort out?

She had a voice that had grown raspy over time from a heavy bourbon habit she said was the only thing keeping her sane.

Their last conversation was a tense, midnight phone call eight months ago, her voice thick and gravelly as she begged for money to clear a gambling debt.

No, she didn’t have the stomach for whatever dangerous game this was.

He shook his head, and the water dripped from his hat brim. Another glance up and down the road before turning the next corner. Three suspects, but they were heading in a different direction.

He turned the corner, the lane narrowing, this time not stopping to look up at the rain. It was falling harder, and he could hear the sound of the drops hitting the ground.

It was the sort of rain that made a familiar sound.

It bounced off the walls of the lane, as did other sounds, though he could not say where they came from. An arguing voice came from above, distorted by the rain and the surrounding walls.

The theatre alleyway was looming ahead, a dark chasm where anyone or anything could be waiting. Jack slowed his pace as his heart rate increased, and he could feel the sweat from walking fast in anticipation.

Was it Sarah Kelly, the missing journalist? She was the nosy type who pushed buttons and limits, but good at her job. He had been quietly helping her. Her voice was naturally husky, especially when tired and working a lead.

She was sitting on his office desk just three weeks before, her voice dropping to an intense, quiet rasp as she showed him some evidence and city hall shenanigans. Two days later she vanished.

The cadence matched perfectly. Was she alive? Was she trying to get a message to him, or was it a trap?

Could be, but…

Was it May Lin, the ex-detective he had just taken on? She had a cold, raspy cough for the last week from a flu that she refused to take time off to get better.

Just yesterday, at their early morning meet-up at the diner, her voice was a rough, gravelly whisper, warning him that she heard on the grapevine that Internal Affairs was investigating his old cases when he was a cop.

If it was her, why the disguise?

He stopped just short of the turn into the alley. A sixth sense sent a shiver down his spine. The rain eased. His mind settled on two candidates: a desperate Sarah Kelly trying to surface from the dead, and a compromised May Lin playing a double game.

He turned into the narrow, dark alleyway, the neon lights from the main road reflecting in the pools of water that covered the cobblestones at the entrance.

He cursed, just remembering the cracks in the sole of the left shoe as the water seeped in, cold and uncompromising.

He pulled his hat down low, covering his face in case CCTV cameras had recently been installed. Then he looked up and saw a blinking red light mounted near the entrance.

He scurried past, close to the wall.

He travelled the full length of the alleyway, checking doorways and hiding spots for assailants, his hand on the gun in his pocket, just in case.

It was eerily silent, except for the occasional sound of running water. He saw the telephone booth, now disused and grimy, and walked past it, barely able to make out where any evidence might be, before continuing.

On one side, a single lamp cast a dim glow over the telephone itself, but it was not strong enough to reach the ground.

If he was being observed, it would not do to let them know the telephone booth was his destination. Not yet.

He slowly returned as the rain eased, as if on cue. Above him, several high windows were lit, casting a pale yellowish light into the night. They did not illuminate the alley.

He was here. Now. As there was no evidence, he would wait. Perhaps the husky-voiced woman would come, thrust an envelope into his hands and then disappear. Dressed in black, she could easily fade into the gloom.

The only sounds now were his breathing and raindrops hitting metal. Leaning against the telephone booth, he was right under a steady drip onto his hat, so regular, so mesmerising, he closed his eyes for a moment and tried to massage away the tiredness.

The steady drip onto his hat nearly caused him to miss the beam of light from above. It shone directly on a plain, stained and creased envelope sitting atop the pile of rubbish that had accumulated against the booth.

Just as he leaned down to pick it up, the light snapped off, plunging the area into darkness. The sudden change left him temporarily blind.

“Go to the diner and wait.”

The same husky voice. He swivelled around, but all he could see was darkness, punctuated by a rim of light from the bulb above, and a sloshing sound.

The woman escaping?

It took two minutes for his sight to return. He had the envelope, but no clue as to the identity of the woman.

He took his torch out of the other coat pocket and opened the envelope. It contained a photograph.

It was a photograph of him and Jackson Pike, taken a year ago when Vance was a cop investigating a break-in at City Hall. Pike was alleged to have staged the break-in to obtain evidence of a rigged election. The photograph showed Pike handing Vance an envelope.

Evidence of what? Was Vance part of a cover-up? There had been evidence, but it was not Vance who was the guilty party. It had been his partner, Elroy Baggins. Two weeks before, Elroy had been killed in a shootout.

Baggins had died and had taken the truth with him, leaving Vance to explain the unexplainable: that the dead officer was corrupt. That maybe he was guilty by association or tarred with the same brush. It was why he quit. He had been very close to finding the proof, and then the boss called him into the office and gave him a choice: resign or be destroyed.

In the end, he had no choice.

Now, Vance figured, if they couldn’t get Baggins, they would come after him.

May Lin had tried to warn him, but his money was now on Sarah. She had somehow got hold of the internal affairs evidence and had got the message to Jack via May.

Another look around the alley showed nothing. She had gone.

There was nothing for it, except to go to the diner and wait.

…

If I only had one day to stop over in – Brisbane, Australia – what would I do?

One‑Day Brisbane Stop‑Over: The One Spot That Turns a Quick Layover into a Memorable Adventure

You’ve just landed in Brisbane, the sun‑kissed capital of Queensland, and your flight schedule gives you just one day to soak up the city before you’re back on a plane. The clock is ticking, the luggage is already on the carousel, and you’re wondering: What single place can I visit that will make this 24‑hour lay‑over feel like a mini‑vacation rather than a rushed transit stop?

The answer: South Bank Parklands – Brisbane’s vibrant, riverside playground.

It’s not just a park; it’s a compact, walkable micro‑city that bundles everything a first‑time visitor craves—stunning river views, iconic attractions, a taste of local cuisine, and a splash of Australian wildlife—all within a 30‑minute train ride from the airport.

Below is my insider’s itinerary, plus practical tips so you can maximise every minute without breaking a sweat.

Why South Bank Beats All the Other “Must‑See” Options

Feature	South Bank Parklands	Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary	Mount Coot‑tha Lookout	Brisbane River Cruise
Proximity to Airport	20 min via Airtrain (Civic to South Bank)	30 min + bus transfer	35 min + shuttle	20 min + ferry
Time Required	3–4 hrs (full experience)	2–3 hrs (animal‑focused)	1 hr (view only)	1 hr (scenic)
What You Get	City skyline, beach, restaurants, museums, art, playgrounds, free Wi‑Fi	Koalas, kangaroos, farm‑style demos	Panoramic city & Moreton Bay	Narrative history + photo ops
All‑Weather?	Yes (covered cafés, indoor museums, heated “Streets Beach”)	Mostly outdoor	Outdoor (best on clear days)	Dependent on rain

South Bank delivers the most diverse, self‑contained experience in the shortest amount of time, making it the perfect single‑spot highlight for a whirlwind lay‑over.

The 4‑Hour South Bank Sprint

Quick note: All times below assume you’ve already cleared customs and stored your luggage in an airport locker (or are traveling light).

Arrive & Orient – 20 min

From the airport: Grab the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport to South Bank (stop “South Bank”). Trains run every 10 minutes; the journey is 18 minutes.
Ticket tip: Use the TransLink go card (or the “QR‑code & go” option on your phone) – it’s cheaper than buying a paper ticket, and you’ll need it later for a quick ferry ride if you’re feeling adventurous.

Stroll the Parklands – 40 min

Enter via the Civic Centre gateway and follow the riverside promenade.
Snap your first photo at the Mural Wall—a massive, ever‑changing street‑art canvas that instantly feels “Brisbane”.
Head toward the iconic Streets Beach, a man‑made lagoon with a gentle wave‑pool and sandy shoreline. Even if you don’t dip in, the beach‑side loungers make for a perfect Instagram moment.

Lunch with a View – 60 min

Choose a waterfront eatery:
- River Quay (modern Aussie, great seafood)
- Mosaic on the Park (Asian‑fusion, vegetarian‑friendly)
- The Milk Bar (classic Aussie café fare, perfect for a quick bite).
All have outdoor seating that overlooks the Brisbane River—so you can watch the ferries glide by while you refuel.
Dish recommendation: Try the Moreton Bay bug (a type of flat lobster) on a herb butter or the locally sourced beetroot & feta salad for a fresh, Queensland twist.

Iconic Experiences – 80 min

Activity	Time	Why It’s Worth It
Wheel of Brisbane	15 min (ride)	Offers a 360° view of the skyline and the river—great for a quick “I’m on a Ferris wheel in Brisbane!” selfie.
Queensland Museum & Sciencentre	30 min	A compact, free‑entry museum that showcases Aboriginal culture, natural history, and interactive science exhibits—perfect for a quick cultural deep‑dive.
GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)	20 min (quick wander)	If you love contemporary art, GOMA’s rotating exhibitions are always provocative and photogenic.
Picnic at the Arboretum	15 min	Grab a takeaway coffee, find a shady spot under the native eucalypts, and watch the river’s gentle current—this is Brisbane’s version of “slow living”.

Tip: If the weather turns rainy, head straight to the Queensland Museum and GOMA, which are both indoor and free, ensuring your day stays memorable regardless of the sky.

Depart – 20 min

Walk back to South Bank Station, hop on the Airtrain, and you’ll be back at the airport in under 25 minutes—plenty of time for security and a final coffee at the terminal.

Pro‑Tips for Making the Most of Your One‑Day Stop‑Over

Tip	Details
Luggage Lockers	Use the secure lockers at Airport Domestic Terminal – Level 1 (AU$7 for 24 hrs). This frees you up to roam unburdened.
Currency	Australian dollars are the norm, but most venues accept major credit cards. Have a small amount of cash for food stalls or the occasional tip.
Dress Code	Brisbane’s climate in summer (Dec‑Feb) is hot and humid (30‑35 °C). Light, breathable clothing + a hat + sunscreen. If you’re visiting in winter (Jun‑Aug), a light jacket is enough; temperatures sit around 12‑20 °C.
Sun Protection	The UV index can be “extreme”. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days.
Wi‑Fi	Free public Wi‑Fi is available throughout South Bank (look for “South Bank Free Wi‑Fi”). Great for checking flight updates on the go.
Time Management	Set a timer for each activity (e.g., “30 min at the museum”) to avoid getting stuck and missing your train.
Emergency Contact	Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non‑emergencies, call 131 444 (Queensland Police Assistance).

A Quick Recap: The South Bank Blueprint

Time	Activity
00:00–00:20	Airtrain to South Bank
00:20–01:00	Stroll the parklands & snap the mural wall
01:00–02:00	Lunch with river views
02:00–03:20	Wheel of Brisbane → Queensland Museum → GOMA → Arboretum picnic
03:20–03:40	Return to Airtrain, head back to airport
03:40–04:00	Clear security, grab a final coffee, board your next flight

Final Thought

A stopover can feel like a logistical hurdle, but when you zero in on South Bank Parklands, you’re essentially plugging into Brisbane’s heart in a single, seamless stretch. From dazzling river panoramas to world‑class art, from a beach‑side lounge to a bite of fresh seafood, South Bank delivers a compact, unforgettable taste of Queensland—all without the need for a rental car or a marathon of bus transfers.

So the next time your itinerary gives you a 24‑hour window in Brisbane, skip the checklist of “must‑see” spots and let South Bank be your single, unforgettable destination. Trust me: you’ll step back onto that plane with a grin, a handful of great photos, and a story that says, “I only had a day, but I made it count.”

Happy travels, and may your lay‑over be anything but ordinary!

In a word: cue

Another small and sometimes confusing word.

The first meaning that comes to mind is a cue is a prompt, often from someone standing behind the camera in a television studio.

That is to say that a cue is some form of signal, a wave, a nod, or verbal.

A cue can also be where a tape or recording is set to a certain place, ready to play. One could assume, if playing tracks off an album of songs, and you wanted to play the fourth track, then you would cue it up, ready to go on, of course, the moment you got a, yes, cue to play it.

Then there is a cue used in a game of pool or snooker, that is a long thin tapered piece of wood with a felt tip.

Not exactly my favourite game, but it’s always the cues fault, not mine.

This is not to be considered with Que which is a shortened form for Quebec, in Canada.

Or que, which for some reason, only in California, is short for barbecue.

Or Queue, as in a long line, or a short one, of people waiting to get on a bus, or waiting to get tickets

In my experience every queue I get in is always a long one, and then suffer the frustration of waiting hours only to be told the tickets have all been sold.

Almost as bad as being stuck in a traffic jam, which is technically a queue of cars, never to get through the first set of lights, and sometimes not the second.

And don’t get me started on phone queues.

Queues are for people who have a lot of time on the hands.

Inspiration, Maybe – Volume 2

50 photographs, 50 stories, of which there is one of the 50 below.

They all start with –

A picture paints … well, as many words as you like. For instance:

And, the story:

Have you ever watched your hopes and dreams simply fly away?

Everything I thought I wanted and needed had just left in an aeroplane, and although I said I was not going to, I came to the airport to see the plane leave. Not the person on it, that would have been far too difficult and emotional, but perhaps it was symbolic, the end of one life and the start of another.

But no matter what I thought or felt, we had both come to the right decision. She needed the opportunity to spread her wings. It was probably not the best idea for her to apply for the job without telling me, but I understood her reasons.

She was in a rut. Though her job was a very good one, it was not as demanding as she had expected, particularly after the last promotion, but with it came resentment from others on her level that she, the youngest of the group, would get the position.

It was something that had been weighing her down for the last three months, and if she noticed it, the late nights, the moodiness, sometimes a flash of temper. I knew she had one; no one could have such red hair and not, but she had always kept it in check.

And then there was us, together, and after seven years, it felt like we were going nowhere. Perhaps that was down to my lack of ambition, and though she never said it, lack of sophistication. It hadn’t been an issue, well, not until her last promotion, and the fact that she had to entertain more, and frankly, I felt like an embarrassment to her.

So, there it was, three days ago, the beginning of the weekend, and we had planned to go away for a few days and take stock. We both acknowledged we needed to talk, but it never seemed the right time.

It was then that she said she had quit her job and found a new one. Starting the following Monday.

Ok, that took me by surprise, not so much that it was something I sort of guessed might happen, but that she would just blurt it out.

I think that right then, at that moment, I could feel her frustration with everything around her.

What surprised her was my reaction. None.

I simply asked who, where, and when.

A world-class newspaper in New York, and she had to be there in a week.

A week.

It was all the time I had left with her.

I remember just shrugging and asking if the planned weekend away was off.

She stood on the other side of the kitchen counter, hands around a cup of coffee she had just poured, and that one thing I remembered was the lone tear that ran down her cheek.

Is that all you want to know?

I did, yes, but we had lost the intimacy we used to have, where she would have told me what was happening, and we would have brainstormed solutions. I might be a cabinet maker, but I still had a brain, was what I overheard her tell a friend once.

There’s not much to ask, I said. You’ve been desperately unhappy and haven’t been able to hide it all that well, you have been under a lot of pressure trying to deal with a group of troglodytes, and you’ve been leaning on Bentley’s shoulder instead of mine, and I get it, he’s got more experience in that place, and the politics that go with it, and is still an ally.

Her immediate superior was instrumental in her getting the position, but unlike some men in his position, he had not taken advantage of the situation like some might. And even if she had made a move, which I doubted, that was not the sort of woman she was, he would have politely declined.

One of the very few happily married men in that organisation, so I heard.

So, she said, you’re not just a pretty face.

Par for the course for a cabinet maker whose university degree is in psychology. It doesn’t take rocket science to see what was happening to you. I just didn’t think it was my place to jump in unless you asked me, and when you didn’t, well, that told me everything I needed to know.

Yes, our relationship had a use-by date, and it was in the next few days.

I was thinking, she said, that you might come with me; you can make cabinets anywhere.

I could, but I think the real problem wasn’t just the job. It was everything around her and going with her that would just be a constant reminder of what had been holding her back. I didn’t want that for her and said so.

Then the only question left was, what do we do now?

Go shopping for suitcases. Bags to pack, and places to go.

Getting on the roller coaster is easy. At the beginning, it’s a slow, easy ride, followed by the slow climb to the top. It’s much like some relationships; they start out easy, they require a little work to get to the next level, followed by the adrenaline rush when it all comes together.

What most people forget is that what comes down must go back up, and life is pretty much a roller coaster with highs and lows.

Our roller coaster had just come out of the final turn, and we were braking so that it would stop at the station.

There was no question of going with her to New York. Yes, I promised I’d come over and visit her, but that was a promise with crossed fingers behind my back. After a few months in the new job, the last thing she’d want was a reminder of what she left behind. New friends, new life.

We packed her bags, threw out everything she didn’t want, a free trip to the op shop with stuff she knew others would like to have, and basically, by the time she was ready to go, there was nothing left of her in the apartment, or anywhere.

Her friends would be seeing her off at the airport, and that’s when I told her I was not coming; that moment, the taxi arrived to take her away forever. I remember standing there, watching the taxi go. It was going to be, and was, as hard as it was to watch the plane leave.

So, there I was, finally staring at the blank sky, around me a dozen other plane spotters, a rather motley crew of plane enthusiasts.

Already that morning, there had been 6 different types of planes departing, and I could hear another winding up its engines for take-off.

People coming, people going.

Maybe I would go to New York in a couple of months, not to see her, but just to see what the attraction was. Or maybe I would drop in, just to see how she was.

As one of my friends told me when I gave him the news, the future is never written in stone, and it’s about time you broadened your horizons.

Perhaps it was.

…

Coming soon. Find the above story and 49 others like it in:

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!

‘The Devil You Don’t’ – A beta reader’s view

It could be said that of all the women one could meet, whether contrived or by sheer luck, what are the odds it would turn out to be the woman who was being paid a very large sum to kill you?

John Pennington is a man who may be lucky in business, but not so lucky in love. He has just broken up with Phillipa Sternhaven, the woman he thought was the one, but relatives and circumstances, and perhaps because she was a ‘princess’, may also have contributed to the end result.

So, what do you do when you are heartbroken?

That is a story that slowly unfolds, from the first meeting with his nemesis on Lake Geneva, all the way to a hotel room in Sorrento, where he learns the shattering truth.

What should have been solace after disappointment turns out to be something else entirely, and from that point, everything goes to hell in a handbasket.

He suddenly realises his so-called friend Sebastian has not exactly told him the truth about a small job he asked him to do, the woman he is falling in love with is not quite who she says she is, and he is caught in the middle of a war between two men who consider people becoming collateral damage as part of their business.

The story paints the characters, cleverly displaying all their flaws and weaknesses. The locations add to the story at times, taking me back down memory lane, especially to Venice, where, in those back streets, I confess it’s not all that hard to get lost.

All in all, a thoroughly entertaining story with, for once, a satisfying end.

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Available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2Xyh1ow

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