This 'wandering writer' bucket list may take years to achieve. But the passage of time might improve the experience. I'm counting on enthusiasm, but I will also require permission...
I await your arrival in America, state of Michigan, southeast side, so that we may share a meal together and frequent a bookstore, sipping burned coffee and eating stale pastries in the Starbuck's cafe while we poke fun at the publishing establishment. 😁
Sounds fabulous, Brian! I've visited Chicago, Minneapolis and Milwaukee, but never the state of Michigan. I promise an upgrade on the Starbuck's experience!
Whilst I do a mean Cassoulet, partly on account of us having a national award-winning Boucherie in our local town (they've got trophies and everything), you should also know what a notorious recluse I am.
On the other paw, those seem like excellent topics for conversation, especially over a bottle of Pineau de Charentes, which is about as rude a sounding type of drink as I can think of right now.
Ironically we used to live in Norwich before we moved here 15 years ago. I've not heard of the No. 33 though. Is it new? It sounds posh. Our favourite restaurant in Norwich was Don Pepe's, which alas is no more (like a fair few other places in the city, I hear). Jools Holland used to go there whenever he was in Norwich, so it was like one of the best kept secrets.
For a recluse that sounds a great setup, Evie. If it's easier, we could sit at either end of a very long table, behind vanity screens, and message each other via Substack - in French. Then burn the table for heating purposes.
No. 33 isn't posh, but the food was very good. Maybe it's a successor to Don Pépé's? I'm not a fan of fussy sommeliers and vast white plates with a lonely olive-topped vol-au-vent shivering in the centre. But rude drinks can be very good drinks - shaken not stirred, bien sûr. Let's do the DM thing.
I also can’t stand that nouvelle cuisine shit. I have a very good appetite so I like plates that are totally full, thank you very much. Likewise I don’t think I could cope for very long with a fussy sommelier.
Oh how fun, and thanks for including me! I'm in France this month, but after that it'll be a long trek to Australia for you. Always welcome of course! You'd be obliged to come to a trapeze class though. Hehe
Aggh, so near! Never mind, I'll just have to get to Oz. I was there earlier last year (Sydney & Brizzie) so not beyond the bounds of possibility. I'm very happy to offer copious advice when at your trapeze class. From ground level... 😋
I was surprised to be on this list! Not because I think you hate me or anything. Just because I hadn't thought of it or expected it.
I think my thought upon reading the post was genuinely "that's a good idea," and I was glad that you and Simon met up!
As for practicalities (what with the small people) leave it with me. Sometimes I travel to south Wales. Most of the time I am a hobbit. I'm not set in my ways though.
Dont be surprised! Shockingly, I've never visited Liverpool, so you'll be hard-pushed to put me off. I'm sure they keep a hotel or two in reserve for Southerners. 🫣 But South Wales will do at a pinch. The Brecons are a favourite.
Can confirm that Johnathan isn't a weirdo. No more than the rest of us, at least!
Cheque is in the post. 😛
👍
I’m waiting for you in Vienna with tea, dust pirates and all 🙌!
Woo-hoo! Excellent. Don't forget that woodland walk - and let's see if I can make it there by train for bonus points!
Oh, you want to hike on Stadtwanderweg No. 2? It’s 11km. Be prepared!
I'm very happy with any wanderweg walk up to 30km - Swiss-trained legs!
I await your arrival in America, state of Michigan, southeast side, so that we may share a meal together and frequent a bookstore, sipping burned coffee and eating stale pastries in the Starbuck's cafe while we poke fun at the publishing establishment. 😁
Sounds fabulous, Brian! I've visited Chicago, Minneapolis and Milwaukee, but never the state of Michigan. I promise an upgrade on the Starbuck's experience!
Whilst I do a mean Cassoulet, partly on account of us having a national award-winning Boucherie in our local town (they've got trophies and everything), you should also know what a notorious recluse I am.
On the other paw, those seem like excellent topics for conversation, especially over a bottle of Pineau de Charentes, which is about as rude a sounding type of drink as I can think of right now.
Ironically we used to live in Norwich before we moved here 15 years ago. I've not heard of the No. 33 though. Is it new? It sounds posh. Our favourite restaurant in Norwich was Don Pepe's, which alas is no more (like a fair few other places in the city, I hear). Jools Holland used to go there whenever he was in Norwich, so it was like one of the best kept secrets.
For a recluse that sounds a great setup, Evie. If it's easier, we could sit at either end of a very long table, behind vanity screens, and message each other via Substack - in French. Then burn the table for heating purposes.
No. 33 isn't posh, but the food was very good. Maybe it's a successor to Don Pépé's? I'm not a fan of fussy sommeliers and vast white plates with a lonely olive-topped vol-au-vent shivering in the centre. But rude drinks can be very good drinks - shaken not stirred, bien sûr. Let's do the DM thing.
I also can’t stand that nouvelle cuisine shit. I have a very good appetite so I like plates that are totally full, thank you very much. Likewise I don’t think I could cope for very long with a fussy sommelier.
Oh how fun, and thanks for including me! I'm in France this month, but after that it'll be a long trek to Australia for you. Always welcome of course! You'd be obliged to come to a trapeze class though. Hehe
Aggh, so near! Never mind, I'll just have to get to Oz. I was there earlier last year (Sydney & Brizzie) so not beyond the bounds of possibility. I'm very happy to offer copious advice when at your trapeze class. From ground level... 😋
I was surprised to be on this list! Not because I think you hate me or anything. Just because I hadn't thought of it or expected it.
I think my thought upon reading the post was genuinely "that's a good idea," and I was glad that you and Simon met up!
As for practicalities (what with the small people) leave it with me. Sometimes I travel to south Wales. Most of the time I am a hobbit. I'm not set in my ways though.
Dont be surprised! Shockingly, I've never visited Liverpool, so you'll be hard-pushed to put me off. I'm sure they keep a hotel or two in reserve for Southerners. 🫣 But South Wales will do at a pinch. The Brecons are a favourite.
I suppose Liverpool is quite easy to get to, and is something that everyone should see. Maybe I can take you on a Muldoon tour 😄
I have no idea what that is, but why not? 😳
He's the detective in The Spider, my latest novel. There are going to be a few mysteries featuring him, scattered around Victorian Liverpool.
Ooh, that would be good! There's some similar tours in London for historical figures. Another side gig?