Gosh, I've been so busy so many ships in the last eighteen months it has not been possible to write articles for each one in the short time at home. Save it to say that cruises with Saga, Voyages of Discovery, Crystal and Swann Hellenic have taken me from the wild remote landscapes of Northern Russia and the White Sea to the steamy jungles and cactus studded deserts of Central America and Mexico. Oh yes, and then of course there was Cuba and the Caribbean early in the new year...when gentle rain complemented the forlorn facades of old Havana..How glad I am I got there before McDonald's arrives...

The autumn of 2016 was spent almost entirely in the Mediterranean with many lectures delivered on everything from the Moors in Spain to the archaeology of ancient Greece, and the mosques and minarets of Istanbul. It will be such a shame if the current troubles take this captivating city off future cruise itineraries.
2016 has started with a hat trick of three cruises to South America, where I found myself enjoying the challenge of delivering both port lectures and art classes to both delightful passengers and talented pupils. Endeavouring to capture the essence of our destinations, we joyfully painted tropical greenery, colonial style balconies and colourful, carnival geckos to name just a few. Returning just this week from my first experience of the beautiful little ship Minerva, I can't wait to get back there as art tutor in December for which I am already dreaming up some Christmassy themes. Yes, time really does fly that fast!