A sunlit plaza lies in front of the Curfew Tower on Abbey Green, a place where historical narratives are experienced through the modern built environment. This May, the people of Barking received an improved public realm scheme that speaks of the area’s heritage and yet, gives a promise of daily enjoyment of its present and future.
A couple of weeks on from my return from holiday, the jetlag has finally lifted and I am gradually adjusting back to life in an English autumn. The holiday in question? The definitive road trip, the ultimate American adventure… Route 66.
While on leave in Wales recently, I came across the Porth Eirias Business Centre on Colwyn Bay beach. Shortly after demolishing a genuinely nice but very pricey ice cream with the kids, I was drawn to wander up onto the roof of the building to check out the sea view and walk through what I now know is an educational roof garden, celebrating the unique and diverse coastal flora of the local area.
I love to travel and experience new countries and cities. From the UK, the easiest way to reach international destinations is almost always to fly, but this summer I decided to take the route less travelled and travel by train, stopping at a number of smaller towns and cities along the way.
