I stood staring at shelves full of tins, boxes and packets, squinting my eyes, as if to try and focus. But they were fully focused, that wasn't the problem. You know when you go abroad to a foreign supermarket, and it's fun and exciting, and you laugh at all the different names for things? It's … Continue reading A year in moments #22 – the supermarket
Author: Paps
I love running, writing, travel and adventure. I'll give anything a go once, and am always up for a laugh.
A year in moments #21 – Hellraiser
Do you ever have those moments where someone reminds you of something and you have no recollection? Today was one of those times. On a video call this morning, my friend Rachel reminded me of a story from when we were teenagers. Back when we were about 15, apparently I wanted to watch the film … Continue reading A year in moments #21 – Hellraiser
3 years in New Zealand
Last weekend marked my three year kiwi-versary. Three years since I got off a plane not knowing what would happen next, or how long I'd be here. It's been quite the journey so far. I posted my thoughts a year ago, when I'd been here two years. It still felt pretty new, and still quite … Continue reading 3 years in New Zealand
A year in moments #20 – a random video call
25th April 2020, 13:15 and a Facebook Messenger notification popped up in my browser while I was going some admin on my laptop. 'Morning! You OK?' It was not morning in New Zealand, so it had to be someone in the UK. I smiled. Anyone from there messaging me in the afternoon on a Saturday … Continue reading A year in moments #20 – a random video call
A year in moments #19 – Ride him like Seabiscuit
It was a Saturday morning in February 2017, and for some reason that I can't remember, we were doing a fancy dress BMF (British Military Fitness) session. It was cold but bright, and quite muddy. I'd been out the night before, and was still feeling a little tipsy as I walked through town in my … Continue reading A year in moments #19 – Ride him like Seabiscuit
A year in moments #18 – the beach
Giant wisps of sand blew across the beach towards the sea, disappearing into the waves. The wind swirled in gusts, like it was dancing to a tune they couldn't hear. She ran towards the edge of the sea, laughing, and he ran after her. She stopped suddenly. 'Isn't it beautiful?' She said, the wind blowing … Continue reading A year in moments #18 – the beach
A year in moments #17 – The Peak and the Ultrarunners
I sat on a bench at the top of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong in the dark. I was in shorts and a singlet, because it was still hot and humid as fuck, even at night. I was waiting for two people I'd never met before. I was in Hong Kong for a week, and … Continue reading A year in moments #17 – The Peak and the Ultrarunners
A year in moments #16 – just there
I realised something. He wants to just be with me. Not something + me, just me. No need to be doing anything. Just together, existing. 'I just enjoy being around you.' The last one didn't seem to. This one does. It's nice.
Tales from lockdown – author’s note
Firstly, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who's taken part in this project, giving up your time and telling me your stories. I've loved chatting and catching up, and speaking to people I haven't spoken to in quite a while, sometimes years. It was a chance to record a unique time in people's lives, and … Continue reading Tales from lockdown – author’s note