Lies, Myths (and television) about the First World War.

The nonsense some people talk (with great confidence) about World War One.  It was all futile, the troops were lions led by donkeys, the generals were incompetent and it was all for nothing. Really?  Myths dispelled and some WWI factual television, lightly reviewed. If you can see 3 columns of text,  you may be on… Read More Lies, Myths (and television) about the First World War.

Cathars | Cathartic.

Another, final post from wonderful Languedoc.  So many wondrous things to see and do; walking or boating the gorgeous Canal de Midi… …to exploring superb architecture… and extraordinary ecclesiastical art…. …to hillwalking the landscapes of mountain and dramatic, steep sided river valleys. But what makes Languedoc unique, and gives the area its extraordinary  atmosphere of mystery and… Read More Cathars | Cathartic.

Languedoc & Albi, a hilltop treasure & a mighty Cathedral, all built on woad.

Just back from a 9-10 day break, mostly spent in extraordinary, dazzling, dramatic Languedoc. Languedoc, means (Land of) the tongue or Language of Oc -Occitan being the ancient language of the area.   It is a region that has long exercised the medieval-obsessive imagination of your correspondent, your writer-blogger-chappie. As a land of huge Cathar… Read More Languedoc & Albi, a hilltop treasure & a mighty Cathedral, all built on woad.