From Austria-Hungary to Dua Lipa. A few thoughts on disputed borderlands and pop music
open.substack.com/pub/alicebat...

Very much enjoying this book on living in a land that once belonged to someone else - full of insights. I know parts of Lower Silesia well but learned so many new things

In the High Tatras today, the symbolic cemetery of those who died in the mountains including the Polish composer Mieczysław Karłowicz and the view towards Rysy from Popradske Pleso

I chanced today on the ceremony to unveil a blue plaque to Gerard Manley Hopkins on the house in Barmouth, once owned by the Jesuits, where he spent several holidays, the first in 1875.

Solidarity with Ukraine on the narrow gauge Corris Railway in Wales. A very scenic and enjoyable trip too!

Back in Bloomsbury for a talk at @UCLSSEES so a long overdue visit to the wonderful Pizza Sophia is on the agenda

Ryszard Kaczorowski has a humble skwer in Zakopane. Needless to say, Lech Kaczyński has a rather bigger park.

My Christmas reading has landed