The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job? – Episode 3

I’ve had time to think about the next part of this opening sequence.

Long plane rides that leave in the dead of night are always conducive to working through plotlines because being on a plane in economy, the chances of getting any sleep is nigh on impossible.

And yet, this time the impossible is possible, which means that sleeping has overtaken the thinking process, and it will have to wait till I’ve woken up.

Of course, as usual, being in this interesting situation has provided another tangent, which is doing the impossible.  It reminds me of a saying I once heard, ‘if you want the impossible it will take some time if want a miracle, that will take a little longer’.  Temper that with ‘how long is a piece of string?’

When we last visited our intrepid wannabe hero, we were left with a cryptic ‘is anyone ever in the wrong place at the wrong time?’

Sometimes, but not for our particular hero.

It could be worse, I told myself, while the paramedic cleaned up my cuts and abrasions and gave me a concussion test, which, I suspect, might not quite discover if I was or not.  But, at that moment, it didn’t matter.

I’d lost the person I’d been assigned to keep under surveillance.

It was meant to be a doddle, but of course, no one could ever predict what the conditions might be in any exercise, and whilst I was one part of a team effort, it had been on my watch, and I only realized what it was that I’d been doing when a voice in my ear started asking for an update, because it was coming up to the changeover.

I was surprised the noise of the explosion hadn’t been transmitted to the others.  I waited till the paramedic had finished, a minute at most.

“I got caught up in an explosion, a couple of over-enthusiastic bank robbers, and taken down.  The target was ahead of me.”  I gave the team leader the exact location of where I’d last seen the target, then waited.

If the team was functioning properly, one of the other three should have been close enough to predict where the target would be at the change-over point.

“Are you alright?”  It was a question I’d expected earlier.

“Got caught in the aftershock got a few cuts and abrasions, and a ringing in my ears, but otherwise ok.  The paramedics want me to go to the hospital to be checked over, mainly for a concussion, but I’m ok to resume if you want.”

A minute, or two, of silence, then, “Do as they say.  We have the target still under surveillance.”

And that was it, what I regarded as a massive failure, despite the circumstances.

I watched the paramedics load the battered policeman onto a gurney and head towards the ambulance.  I went over to the cuffs and picked them up.  A souvenir of the event, if nothing else.

Lights flashing and siren wailing it left, heading for the hospital.

I took a last look at the scene and started walking away in the direction I was originally heading, and once past the perimeter, walked through the group of bystanders who’d gathered to watch the event unfold.  On the other side, I stopped, took another look back at the scene, and did the proverbial double take.

Standing not ten yards from me was the target.

And a quick look in every direction for the members of the surveillance team showed none of them was anywhere near the target.

I spoke quietly into the communication device.

“Target, I repeat, the target is in sight.  Is anyone nearby by?”

Silence.

So we now have a dilemma, if there is no answer from the team, are they maintaining radio silence, or is something more sinister afoot?

©  Charles Heath  2025

Coming soon – “Strangers We’ve Become”, the sequel to “What Sets Us Apart”

Stranger’s We’ve Become, a sequel to What Sets Us Apart.

The blurb:

Is she or isn’t she? That is the question!

Susan has returned to David, but he is having difficulty dealing with the changes. Her time in captivity has changed her markedly, so much so that David decides to give her some time and space to re-adjust to normal life.

But doubts about whether he chose the real Susan remain.

In the meantime, David has to deal with Susan’s new security chief, the discovery of her rebuilding a palace in Russia, evidence of an affair, and several attempts on his life. And, once again, David is drawn into another of Predergast’s games, one that could ultimately prove fatal.

From being reunited with the enigmatic Alisha, a strange visit to Susan’s country estate, to Russia and back, to a rescue mission in Nigeria, David soon discovers that those whom he thought he could trust each have their own agenda, one that apparently doesn’t include him.

…

The Cover:

strangerscover9

Coming soon

 

The cinema of my dreams – I always wanted to go on a treasure hunt – Episode 59

Here’s the thing…

Every time I close my eyes, I see something different.

I’d like to think the cinema of my dreams is playing a double feature but it’s a bit like a comedy cartoon night on Fox.

But these dreams are nothing to laugh about.

Once again there’s a new installment of an old feature, and we’re back on the treasure hunt.

…

Did it upset me that Boggs was a little snarky?  Yes, a bit.

We’d been friends for a long time, the sort who had stuck together at school to keep arm’s length from the bullies and work together on projects and homework.  That friendship had become more important after his father disappeared, and I had believed he appreciated it.

Until this treasure thing.

It hadn’t been there, looking over everything.  The fact of the matter was he had been too young to understand any of it, and his mother wisely kept the extended details of her husband’s obsession away from him, and it was quite by chance he stumbled over his father’s effects in the attic.

Had she destroyed that stuff then perhaps we’d all not in this position?

Life had been more predictable, we avoided Alex and Vince, Nadia was nowhere to be seen, and life just rolled along in unemployed heaven.  Of course, that would have had to change, as it had, because my mother couldn’t continue to support a son in his late teens, and at that age, I should have been looking for both work, and to move on with my life.

The state of the economy, and the town’s fortunes, made that difficult, and I guess it would have been a matter of time before I left, like nearly all of my contemporaries had to the bigger towns and cities for more opportunities.

Benderby and the factory had staved that off, for now.

Other than that, I was rather pleased with the job I had, not too taxing, amenable hours so I could do other stuff, and although the only downside was working with Alex, all I had to do was avoid him, and the warehouse was a large building.

I went home to change and found my mother there, sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee.

“You’re home early,” I said when I saw her.

“On a break.  Had to go to the bank, and it wasn’t much further to come here.  Muriel tells me you’ve been talking to Nadia Cossatino.”

Talking to Nadia to her was the same as spending time with her.  And to my mother, the Cossatino’s were public enemies, close to the number one.

“You taught me to be polite and speak when spoken to.”

It was always good to quote her rules back to her when she was trying to admonish me.

“You know what the Cossatino’s are, Sam.”

“She doesn’t act like one, not now.”

“You know why they sent her away, don’t you?”

Sent away?  That was not what I heard, but then, as a so-called child, what we were told and what was reality were two entirely different things.

“I thought I did, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me the grown-up reason?”

“She stabbed a girl, and instead of going to juvenile detention, they sent her home to Italy where she couldn’t get into any more trouble.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did she stab another girl?”

“Do the Cossatino’s need reasons for what they do?  She’s not a very nice person, nor are the family very nice people.  Remember that the next time you see her.”

“She’s nice to me, and I prefer to be polite.  But I’ll take what you said and be careful.”

That said, I was dismissed, lecture given.

I changed and came back to pack a meal for the evening break.  Mother was still sitting at the table.

“I thought you’d be on your way back to work.”

“Not going back today.  I’m not feeling very well.  How is the job going?  I never get to see much of you these days.”

“I’m helping Boggs when I can.”

“Isn’t he on that treasure trail his father started?”

“Yes.  He found a box of his stuff in the attic, and we’ve been trying to make sense of it.”

“There is none.   There was no treasure, just a bunch of maps Boggs’s father made for the Cossatino’s to con people out of their money.”

“What about Ormiston?”

“He was a bigger fool than Boggs.  You don’t want to be humoring Boggs with such nonsense.  You concentrate on doing your job properly and let him follow his father down that rabbit hole.  I feel sorry for Muriel, having two of her family sucked into that mess.”

“And what if it is real?”

She gave me a look that told me the only thing that was real would be her wrath if I persisted with it.  “OK,” I said.  “I’ll try and reason with him, and get him to give it up.”

It was then I noticed the flowers over by the window, a very expensive-looking bouquet in an ornate vase.

“Do you have a secret admirer?”

She looked a little puzzled, then realized what I was talking about.

“Joshua sent them over, thought it might cheer me up.”

Joshua was Alex Benderby’s father, my employer.  Odd that he would be sending my mother flowers.  We were not anywhere near his social circle.

“He’s a kind man, Sam, and we have been friends since school.  I could do with some cheering up.”

I was not sure what she meant by that, but I hope it didn’t mean he would come visiting.  Knowing Benderby was a curse, not a benefit, and I hoped my job wasn’t contingent on her being nice to him.

I shuddered at the thought, said no more, and left for work.

My job was supposed to be my sanctuary, where I could get away from home, the depressive nature of living in the town, and Boggs and his treasure hunt.

It wasn’t an escape from Alex, and not only did he work in the same building, but treated it as his fiefdom, and resented the fact I’d ‘wormed’ my way into his domain.

Under that boastful and arrogant exterior, he really was just an insecure little boy.

But very, very dangerous.

He was leaving when I arrived, having switched from night shift to day, a blessing.  His alternate for the night shift was an uncaring old man who was approaching retirement and didn’t want anything to screw up his exit.

He let me do whatever I wanted so long as it didn’t blow back on him, and I took extra care not to cause offense, or raise any flags.  Stuff came in, stuff went out, the stock register was up to date, and nothing ran out.

It was as simple as that, and even so, Alex still couldn’t get it right so we covered for him.

Alex stopped at the door on the way out, a bad sign.

“You want to tell that clown of a friend, Boggs, to stop poking around the caves.  They’re not a place for amateurs.”

“I didn’t know he was poking around the caves.  Nor that you were.  Any particular reason?”

“It’s called spelunking, dimwit.”

I knew that but wasn’t going to make an issue of it.  He was lucky he could pronounce it let alone know what it was.

“They’re just caves, Alex, with nothing more than a few limestone pinnacles, and bat shit on the floor.  Unless, of course, you think the pirate captain hid his treasure in one of them.  I can’t see how, or why.  They’re a long way from the coast.”

“We’re not looking for treasure.  It doesn’t exist.”

“Then why warn Boggs off?”

He shook his head.  “You’re as daft in the head as he is.  Just tell him not to get in my way.”

With that, he was gone.  A huge sigh of relief, and a long peaceful night ahead of me.

Until the phone rang.

…

© Charles Heath 2020-2022

The 2am Rant: Driving in suburbia

It was one of those beautiful Autumn mornings, blue sky with a smattering of clouds, but a sunny day all the same.  It’s Sunday, so there is not as much traffic on the road.

Anyone with any sense would be going to their favourite coffee place and settling down to their choice of coffee and perhaps a toast or muffin to accompany the conversation.

This is what’s happening at the cafe where we go for coffee.  9:00 in the morning, it is packed.  But great coffee is hard to find, and this is apparently great coffee.

It’s that in-between time before it gets windy, cold and wet, with the sort of chill you can feel in your bones, whether it’s the time when you have a barbecue in the mid-afternoon and get home before the cold sets in or take the kids to the park for some healthy exercise.

Today I have to take a drive from one side of suburbia to the other, taking a network of main roads with rather anonymous names such as North and South

We travel through the older suburbs, those with a collection of red or white bricks and timber dating back to the fifties and sixties.  They are not, for the most part, in a good state of repair, and rather than looking ramshackle, it’s more like they are slowly decaying.

Fences are rotting or falling over, extensions are like they have been glued on rather than added by an architect, and paint is either fading or missing.  For the most part, people are struggling to keep up with the cost of living and are too busy to worry about maintenance.

Some have been bulldozed and replaced, blocks are cleared awaiting new development, and others are being renovated.  Any way you look at them, they are still worth a great deal of money being relatively close to the city.  But it’s a double-edged sword: worth a lot, but costing more to keep.

It’s a location we could never afford.  Because we were not affluent, we were pushed out to the less expensive outer suburbs.  This was, of course, 50 years ago, and now those outer suburbs are the new inner suburbs, and people are buying up to 50 km further out in the new estates.  When I was young, these suburbs were farms and open land.

It also surprises me that people would want to live on the main road because, with traffic as it is heading into the city, it would be difficult to leave or return by car.  At least for these people, public transport is better than in the outer suburbs.

Because it’s Sunday, my trip takes a lot less time, except for those unpredictable traffic lights, some of which I missed, and I took a while to cycle through the other traffic before it was our turn to move.  It’s the only disappointment of the modern era: the fact that roads were never made to handle the traffic, and the fact that they now have to bulldoze homes to make way for roads.

Pity they didn’t lay down the foundations of a proper transport system, much like they have in major European cities.

What I learned about writing: How to Keep Your Writing Fresh

How to Keep Your Writing Fresh – Ditch the Clichés (and Use a Few Sparingly, If You Must)

Introduction

We’ve all been there: you sit down to write a blog, a sales email, or a novel chapter, and before you know it your prose is peppered with phrases like “think outside the box,” “at the end of the day,” or “the sky’s the limit.” Clichés feel safe because they’re familiar, but they also signal lazy thinking, dilute your voice, and can even turn readers off.

So how do you keep your writing crisp, original, and engaging? And if a cliché is the perfect punchline for a specific moment, how can you wield it without sounding trite? Below is a practical, step‑by‑step guide to help you banish the overused and, when necessary, deploy a cliché with surgical precision.

1. Know What a Cliché Actually Is

DefinitionWhy It’s Problematic
A phrase, idea, or trope that has been overused to the point of losing its original impact.It signals a lack of original thought, can feel generic, and often triggers “mental fatigue” in readers.

Key takeaway: Not every familiar phrase is a cliché. Idioms (“break a leg”) and widely accepted terminology (“search engine optimization”) are fine when they serve a clear purpose.

2. Identify the Clichés in Your Own Writing

  1. Read Aloud – Hearing the words forces you to notice rhythm and repetition.
  2. Highlight “Red Flags” – Words like obviously, basically, in today’s fast‑paced world, think outside the box, win-win.
  3. Use a Cliché Detector
    • Online tools (e.g., Cliché Finder or ProWritingAid).
    • Browser extensions that underline overused phrases in real time.

Pro tip: Keep a personal “cliché cheat sheet.” Whenever you catch yourself reaching for a tired phrase, jot it down and replace it later.

3. Replace, Not Remove – Strategies for Fresh Alternatives

ClichéWhy It’s OverusedFresh Alternative
“Think outside the box”Corporate buzzword“Explore unconventional angles”
“At the end of the day”Conversational filler“Ultimately” or “When all is said and done”
“The sky’s the limit”Over‑optimistic hype“The possibilities are endless”
“In today’s fast‑paced world”Generic time‑setter“In an era of rapid change”

How to Generate Alternatives:

  • Ask “Why?” – What’s the core idea? Answer that directly.
  • Swap nouns and verbs – Replace box with a concrete image relevant to your niche.
  • Use vivid sensory language – “The horizon expands before us” feels more poetic than “the sky’s the limit.”

4. Embrace Specificity Over Generality

Bad: “She was very happy.”
Good: “She beamed, her eyes sparkling like sunrise on the lake.”

Specific details make the scene vivid, leaving no room for lazy shorthand.

5. When a Cliché Is the Perfect Fit – Use It Sparingly & Strategically

Sometimes a cliché can act as an anchor—a shared cultural reference that instantly connects you with readers. If you decide to keep one, follow these guidelines:

5.1. Make It Contextual

  • Tie it to your unique narrative.
    • Example: Instead of the generic “It’s a win‑win situation,” write, “Our partnership is a win‑win: you get a 20 % discount, and we gain a long‑term client who loves our eco‑friendly packaging.”

5.2. Add a Twist

  • Subvert expectations.
    • Example: “We told the team to think outside the box—but first, we built a bigger box.”
    • This acknowledges the cliché, then flips it, showing cleverness.

5.3. Pair It With Strong Imagery

  • Bolster the cliché with fresh description.
    • Example: “At the end of the day, the city lights flickered like fireflies caught in a jar, reminding us that even the busiest streets need moments of calm.”

5.4. Limit Frequency

  • One per paragraph, maximum two per piece.
    • This keeps the impact high without overwhelming the reader.

6. Practice Exercise: Rewrite the Cliché‑Heavy Paragraph

Original (cliché‑laden):

“In today’s fast‑paced world, businesses need to think outside the box if they want to stay ahead. At the end of the day, it’s all about delivering value and creating win‑win solutions for customers and shareholders alike.”

Revised (cliché‑free):

“In an era of rapid change, companies must explore unconventional strategies to maintain a competitive edge. Ultimately, success hinges on delivering genuine value and forging mutually beneficial relationships with both customers and investors.”

What Changed?

  • Replaced “fast‑paced world” with “era of rapid change.”
  • Swapped “think outside the box” for “explore unconventional strategies.”
  • Substituted “at the end of the day” with “ultimately.”
  • Turned “win‑win solutions” into “mutually beneficial relationships.”

7. Checklist Before Publishing

  •  Did I scan for common clichés?
  •  Have I replaced every red‑flag phrase with a specific, vivid alternative?
  •  If a cliché remains, does it serve a strategic purpose?
  •  Have I added a twist or unique imagery to that cliché?
  •  Is the overall tone consistent with my brand voice?

Conclusion

Clichés are the linguistic equivalent of fast food: instantly satisfying but nutritionally lacking. By actively identifying, replacing, and only strategically preserving a few, you’ll elevate your writing from “just okay” to “memorable.”

Remember: your words are a reflection of your thought process. The more original they are, the more credibility you earn with every sentence. So next time you feel the urge to lean on a tired phrase, pause, dig deeper, and craft something that truly belongs to you—cliché or not.

Happy writing!

Feel free to share your favourite “cliché‑with‑a‑twist” in the comments below.

365 Days of Writing, 2026 – Beyond the second novel

Does a series need to be planned

…

Plotters vs. Pantsers: Why Even the Most Spontaneous Novelists Need a Series Bible

If you’ve ever reached book three of your epic fantasy or detective series only to realise your protagonist’s eyes magically shifted from piercing blue to emerald green, or that a character who died in chapter four just casually walked back into a scene, you aren’t alone.

Writing a book series is an incredible creative journey, but it is also a marathon of memory. When you live with characters for months—or years—at a time, details blur.

So, when writing a series, does it pay to have a plan for each novel, if only to maintain continuity?

In a word: Absolutely.

While the debate between “plotters” (those who outline meticulously) and “pantsers” (those who write by the seat of their pants) is fierce in the writing community, long-term continuity demands a hybrid approach. Let’s dive into why minor memory lapses happen, the hidden costs of ignoring continuity, and how a simple planning tool can save your sanity (and your readers’ trust).

The Anatomy of Amnesia: How Continuity Errors Happen

Human memory is notoriously unreliable, and when you are knee-deep in the throes of drafting, your brain is prioritising plot momentum, emotional arcs, and dialogue over trivial data.

Over the course of a multi-book series, several common continuity issues inevitably creep in:

  • The Shape-Shifters (Physical Descriptions): Hair colours darken, eye colours shift, scars migrate from the left cheek to the right, and heights fluctuate.
  • The Aging Paradox: Did timeline pacing get a little wobbly? Suddenly, a character who was supposed to be 16 in book one is acting suspiciously like a seasoned 21-year-old by book two, even though only six months have passed in the book’s universe.
  • The Lazarus Effect: Minor characters—or worse, major ones—disappear for a book, only for the author to accidentally reintroduce them with a different name, backstory, or worse, revive them from the dead without explanation.
  • Logistical Lapses: Geography and lore are major culprits. Did the journey from City A to City B take three days on horseback in the first book, but only an afternoon in the sequel? Did a magic system suddenly acquire a new rule (or lose an old one) just to help you write your way out of a corner?

Why Continuity Errors Cost You Readers

You might think, “Surely my readers won’t notice if a character’s eye colour changes.”

Think again.

Today’s readers are deeply engaged. They read with a fine-toothed comb, theorise on forums like Reddit, and discuss books passionately on BookTok and Goodreads. When they spot a glaring continuity error, it pulls them right out of the fictional dream.

Frequent inconsistencies signal a lack of polish. Worse, they break trust. If a reader can’t rely on you to remember basic facts about your own world, they may hesitate to invest their time and money into the next instalment of your series.

Planning Each Novel: The Blueprint for Success

You don’t have to outline every single plot twist, chapter by chapter, if that kills your creative joy. Many successful authors proudly write by the seat of their pants for the actual storytelling.

However, planning for continuity is entirely different from plotting a narrative. To maintain structural integrity across a series, you need a two-pronged strategy:

1. The Individual Novel Outline

Even if you hate strict outlines, having a loose roadmap for each novel ensures that your pacing holds up, subplots resolve, and you don’t write yourself into a narrative dead end. Knowing your destination doesn’t mean you can’t take scenic detours along the way, but it does mean you won’t accidentally drive off a cliff.

2. The Ultimate Weapon: The “Series Bible”

If you take away only one piece of advice from this article, let it be this: Create a Series Bible.

A Series Bible is a centralized, living document (using software like Scrivener, Notion, Google Docs, or a dedicated binder) where you track the immutable facts of your fictional world. It should include:

  • Character Profiles: Full names, nicknames, physical descriptions, birthdays/ages, key relationships, core motivations, and major life events.
  • The Timeline: A master chronological ledger tracking what happens on what day, month, and year across all books.
  • World-Building Lore: Rules of magic, geography, political structures, currency, and technology. Keep a running glossary of invented terms, town names, and historical events.
  • The “Loose Ends” Ledger: A list of unresolved plot threads or lingering questions you need to address in future books.

Strike a Balance: Structure Meets Creativity

Planning doesn’t mean chaining yourself to a spreadsheet. Think of a series outline and a continuity bible not as a cage, but as safety rails. They give you the freedom to drive fast and take creative risks, knowing you won’t crash into a wall of your own making further down the road.

By investing just a little bit of time upfront to track your characters, ages, and world rules, you save yourself hours of agonising developmental edits later—and you deliver a polished, immersive experience that keeps readers coming back for book after book.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? How do you keep track of your series continuity? Let us know your favourite tips and tricks in the comments below!

…

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Brasília

Discover Brasília’s Hidden Gems: 5 Under-the-Radar Adventures

Brasília, the futuristic capital of Brazil, is a city of sleek modernist architecture and political grandeur. But beyond the iconic landmarks like the National Congress and Cathedral of Brasília (Catedral de Brasília), there lies a quieter, more authentic Brasília waiting to be explored. If you’re ready to venture off the beaten path, here are five unique experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.

1. Step Back in Time at Cruzeiro Velho

Tucked away in the Setor Habitacional Jardim Botânico, Cruzeiro Velho is a charming neighbourhood that offers a glimpse into Brasília’s origins. Established in 1959, this area was one of the city’s first residential enclaves, featuring traditional Portuguese-style houses constructed from adobe and wooden beams. Unlike the city’s geometrically modern structures, Cruzeiro Velho exudes rural simplicity and warmth. Stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, visit the historic Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel), and join locals at the community square for a slice of real Brasília life. Tip: Visit in the evening when the community hosts small cultural events, like folk music performances.

2. Admire Street Art in the Túnel das Artes

Hidden beneath Asa Sul, the Túnel das Artes (Arts Tunnel) is a vibrant canvas of local creativity. This 110-meter tunnel, once a utility passage, is now a kaleidoscope of murals, graffiti, and mosaics by Brasília’s most talented artists. The artwork reflects the city’s dynamic spirit and social narratives, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts. Since it’s a working-class thoroughfare, you’ll often spot locals enjoying the art amidst the hum of daily life. Pro Tip: Bring a camera and explore the tunnel during daytime when the lighting highlights the vivid colours.

3. Relax in the Tranquil Jardim Botânico de Brasília

Escape the city’s buzz at the Jardim Botânico de Brasília (Brasília Botanical Garden), a serene sanctuary housing over 2,000 plant species native to Brazil’s Cerrado and Amazon regions. While it’s a scientific institution, the garden’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic walking trails make it a beloved retreat for horticulturists and nature lovers alike. Don’t miss the Pavilhão das Orquídeas (Orchid Pavilion) and the Casebre (a replica of a traditional Cerrado house). Essential Info: Admission is free, and the garden is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

4. Taste Local Flavours at Feira Central

One of Latin America’s largest markets, Feira Central, is where Brasília’s soul tastes best. This bustling hub, open Monday to Friday, is a sensory overload of sizzling street food, fresh produce, and handicrafts. Sample regional delicacies like feijoada (Brazilian stew), queijadinha (cheese cake), and quindim (egg custard in a caramel cup). The market is also a treasure trove for Afro-Brazilian art, leatherwork, and traditional cangaço-style jewellery. Traveller’s Note: Arrive early to avoid the midday heat and join locals for a lively pre-lunch tradition.

5. Discover Nature and Nostalgia at Parque da Torre de TV

Located in Asa Sul, Parque da Torre de TV blends history, nature, and fun. The park is anchored by the iconic Torre de TV, a 139-meter communications tower that once served as a vital link for Brazil’s media. Surrounding the tower is a scenic reservoir, walking paths, and a mini-zoo with native wildlife. Rent a paddleboat on the lake or hike the trails to the top of Morro da Mineirinha for panoramic views. It’s a family-friendly spot that feels worlds away from the city’s formal vibe. Insider Tip: Visit on weekends when the park hosts cultural fairs and open-air concerts.

Conclusion: Beyond the Blueprints
Brasília’s true magic lies not just in its architectural masterpieces but in the stories whispered through its lesser-known corners. Whether you’re savouring street food at Feira Central or wandering the adobe streets of Cruzeiro Velho, these off-the-beaten-path adventures reveal a city that’s as rich in culture as it is in innovation. So let curiosity be your guide, and discover Brasília beyond the blueprints.

Final Note: Before you go, check local event calendars for festivals, farmers’ markets, and art exhibitions that add spontaneity to your trip. Brasília’s hidden gems are best discovered with an open heart and a willing spirit.

In a word: Pause

Yes, when you are going at it like a bat out of hell, it might be a good idea to take a pause and regroup.

That being a pause as an interruption to an activity.

In music, it’s a mark over a note.

Perhaps it’s a good idea to pause recording a TV show while the ads are on.  Networks don’t like it, but it makes the show make more sense without the distractions of advertisements, sometimes quite inane or annoying.

What I just said might give pause to my opposite number in this debate.

Have you been in a conversation, someone says something quite odd, and there’s a pregnant pause?

How did the word pregnant get into the conversation?  That, of course, usually means something significant will follow, but rarely does.  But it can also be a conversation killer where no one says anything.

Is that a wide eye in awe moment?  You did WHAT?

Then there is the word pours, sounds the same but is completely different.

In this case, the man pours water from the bucket on the plants.

Or my brother pours cold water on my plans.  Not literally, but figuratively, making me think twice about whether it would work or not.  Usually not.

Or a confession pours out of a man with a guilty conscience.  AKA sings like a bird.  Don’t you just love these quaint expressions?  It reminded me of a gangster film back in Humphrey Bogart’s day.

It never rains but it pours?  Another expression, when everything goes wrong.  A bit like home renovations really.

Really, it means to flow quickly and in large quantities, ie., rain pours down.

And if that isn’t bad enough, what about paws?

Sounds the same again, but yes, it’s what an animal has as feet, especially cats, dogs, and bears.

One use of it, out of context, of course, is ‘get your paws off me!’

And one rabbit paw might be good luck, but having two rabbit pows, I might win the lottery.

If only….

The story behind the story – Echoes from the Past

The novel ‘Echoes from the Past’ started out as a short story I wrote about 30 years ago, titled ‘The Birthday’.

My idea was to take a normal person out of their comfort zone and led on a short but very frightening journey to a place where a surprise birthday party had been arranged.

Thus, the very large man with a scar and a red tie was created.

So was the friend with the limousine who worked as a pilot.

So were the two women, Wendy and Angelina, who were Flight Attendants that the pilot friend asked to join the conspiracy.

I was going to rework the short story, then about ten pages long, into something a little more.

And like all rewrites, especially those I have anything to do with, it turned into a novel.

There was motivation.  I had told some colleagues at the place where I worked at the time that I liked writing, and they wanted a sample.  I was going to give them the re-worked short story.  Instead, I gave them ‘Echoes from the past’

Originally, it was not set anywhere in particular.

But when considering a location, I had, at the time, recently been to New York in December, and visited Brooklyn and Queens, as well as a lot of New York itself.  We were there for New Year’s, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

One evening, we were out late and finished up in Brooklyn Heights, near the waterfront, and there was rain and snow; it was cold and wet, and apartment buildings were shimmering in the street light, and I thought, “This is the place where my main character will live”.

It had a very spooky atmosphere, the sort where ghosts would not be unexpected.  I felt more than one shiver go up and down my spine in the few minutes I was there.

I had taken notes, as I always do, of everywhere we went, so I had a ready supply of locations I could use, changing the names in some cases.

Fifth Avenue near the Rockefeller Centre is amazing at first light, and late at night with the Seasonal decorations and lights.

The original main character was a shy man with few friends, hence not expecting the surprise party.  I enhanced that shyness into purposely lonely because of an issue from his past that leaves him always looking over his shoulder and ready to move on at the slightest hint of trouble.  No friends, no relationships, just a very low profile.

Then I thought, what if he breaks the cardinal rule and begins a relationship?

But it is also as much an exploration of a damaged soul as it is the search for a normal life, without having any idea what normal was, and how the understanding of one person can sometimes make all the difference in what we may think or feel.

And, of course, I wanted a happy ending.

Except for the bad guys.

…

Get it here:  https://amzn.to/2CYKxu4

newechocover5rs

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Buenos Aires

Exploring Buenos Aires Beyond the Tourist Trail: 5 Unexpected Adventures

When most travellers picture Buenos Pride, they think of the tango‑filled streets of San Telmo, the grand avenues of Recoleta, and the bustling cafés of Palermo. While those neighbourhoods are undeniably iconic, the Argentine capital hides a wealth of lesser‑known gems that reveal a more intimate, quirky, and authentic side of the city.

If you’ve already checked off the classic attractions and still have a craving for something different, these five off‑the‑beaten‑path experiences will take you deeper into Buenos Aires’ soul—without the crowds. Pack a reusable water bottle, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to wander where locals love to roam.

1. Stroll Through the Hidden Gardens of Jardín Japonés at Night

Why it’s special
Most visitors see Jardín Japonés (the Japanese Garden) during daylight hours, but the garden transforms after sunset. The soft glow of lanterns, the gentle hum of koi swimming under moonlight, and the occasional echo of a distant saxophone from a nearby jazz bar create a magical, almost cinematic atmosphere.

What to do

  • Evening tea ceremony – Join a 30‑minute tea‑ceremony workshop (offered on Fridays at 7 pm). It’s a quiet, meditative experience that includes a short talk on the tea’s cultural meaning.
  • Night photography – The garden’s bridges, stone lanterns, and the iconic tea house make superb low‑light subjects. Bring a tripod and experiment with long‑exposure shots of the koi pond.
  • Moonlit stroll – Follow the moss‑covered stepping stones along the tea garden’s “Shinrin‑yoku” (forest‑bath) path. The silence is punctuated only by the rustle of bamboo and distant traffic, offering a rare moment of urban tranquillity.

Pro tip – The garden closes at 9 pm, but the surrounding Barrio de Palermo’s quiet side streets remain lively with hidden speakeasies. Grab a late‑night empanada from a local bakery and head to Bar Los Galgos for an after‑hours gin cocktail.

2. Take a Mini‑Cruise on the Río de la Plata in a Historic “Patache”

Why it’s special
While most tourists imagine the Río de la Plata as a massive, industrial waterway, a handful of small, restored patache vessels (traditional Argentine sailing boats) offer intimate tours focusing on the river’s ecological and historical narrative.

What to do

  • Eco‑tour (2 hours) – Departing from Puerto Madero’s Muelle 1, this guided cruise visits the “Isla de los Pájaros” bird sanctuary. A naturalist points out native herons, cormorants, and the occasional shy black‑skinned swan.
  • Historical storytelling – On select evenings, a local historian narrates tales of early 19th‑century smugglers, the 1880 “Golden Age” of river trade, and the river’s role in shaping Buenos Aires’ identity.
  • Sunset salsa – Some night cruises feature impromptu tango or milonga lessons on deck, letting you sway to the river’s gentle lull while the city lights flicker in the distance.

Pro tip – Book the “sunset salsa” cruise for a Wednesday or Thursday—mid‑week sails are less crowded, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary glass of Malbec from a boutique vineyard in Mendoza.

3. Explore the Street Art Labyrinth of Colegio Nacional de Arquitectura (CNA)

Why it’s special
The façade of the National School of Architecture (CNA) is a living canvas. Since 2015, a rotating collective of local and international muralists has turned its concrete walls into a kaleidoscope of political commentary, surreal imagery, and whimsical cartoons.

What to do

  • Guided “Graffiti Walk” (45 min) – Follow a self‑guided QR‑code trail that links to short video interviews with the artists. Learn the symbolism behind the giant armadillo, the floating books, and the hidden QR‑code that unlocks a secret Instagram filter.
  • Hands‑on stencil workshop – Every Saturday at 11 am, the school’s community art space offers a free stencil‑making class. Produce a mini‑poster to take home—a souvenir you actually made yourself.
  • Evening “Light‑Up” show – On the first Friday of each month, the building’s façade is illuminated with projection mapping, syncing the murals to a live DJ set. The resulting visual symphony is a must‑see for night‑owls.

Pro tip – Bring a reusable tote bag for the workshop supplies and wear comfortable shoes; the CNA campus is a sprawling, cobblestone‑strewn complex perfect for a leisurely wander.

4. Savour a Secret Supper Club in Barrio Chino (Little China)

Why it’s special
Buenos Aires’ Chinatown, nestled in the heart of Belgrano, is often overlooked by tourists who flock to the more famous “Chinatown” of Buenos Aires (the restaurant strip on Avenida Corrientes). Hidden within the narrow alleys is a rotating supper club run by a collective of Chinese‑Argentine chefs who fuse traditional Sichuan flavours with Argentine ingredients.

What to do

  • Reserve a seat – The club operates on a “by invitation only” model. Sign up on their WeChat group or follow their Instagram (@secretchinasabado) to receive a secret code for reservations.
  • Taste the “Chimichurri Dumplings” – A standout dish that blends Argentine chimichurri sauce with delicate pork dumplings, served with a smoky paprika‑infused broth.
  • Cultural exchange – After dinner, the chef hosts a short talk about the migration story of Chinese families arriving in Buenos Aires in the early 1900s, followed by a live erhu (Chinese violin) performance.

Pro tip – Arrive a few minutes early to explore the nearby Plaza de la China, a tiny garden with a bronze statue of a dragon. The surrounding streets are lined with hidden tea houses where you can enjoy a post‑dinner té mate infused with jasmine.

5. Ride the Vintage Tram and take a short walk to the local Museum in La Boca

Why it’s special
Most visitors associate La Boca with colourful houses and the famous Caminito street. Few know that a vintage 1920s tram line still operates on a short, scenic route that ends at the Museum of Industry—a former meat‑packing plant turned interactive exhibition space.

What to do

  • Tram ride (20 min) – Board at the historic Tram Station Plaza de la República (a modest brick building with a tiny ticket booth). The tram clatters through cobblestone streets, passing hidden murals and small workshops.
  • Museum tour – Visit the museum that showcases local history.
  • Coffee at the café.

Bonus: How to Weave These Experiences Into One Seamless Itinerary

DayMorningAfternoonEvening
1Night stroll in Jardín Japonés (7 pm)Late‑night empanada & cocktail in PalermoRest
2Mini‑cruise on Río de la Plata (2 pm)Walk along Puerto MaderoLight‑up show at CNA (9 pm)
3Graffiti walk at CNA (10 am)Stencil workshop (11 am)Dinner at secret Chinatown supper club (8 pm)
4Tram ride and walk to La Boca Museum Museum tour & coffeeFree night – explore local bars in La Boca
5Free day – revisit favorite spots or relax in a parkOptional bike ride along the Ecological ReserveCelebrate with a tango show in a hidden speakeasy

Final Thoughts

Buenos Aires is a city of layers—each neighbourhood, street, and riverbank offers a story waiting to be discovered. By stepping off the traditional tourist map, you’ll uncover hidden gardens that whisper at night, historic vessels that glide through the river’s heart, and culinary experiences that fuse continents.

These five “road‑less‑travelled” adventures give you a taste of the city’s creative, industrial, and multicultural spirit, inviting you to see Buenos Aires not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing tapestry of stories.

Ready to explore? Pack your curiosity, charge your camera, and let the hidden corners of Buenos Aires become your personal playground.

Happy travels!