Monthly Archives: February 2012

Scottish-Japanese links

Posted on February 29, 2012 by mikanqueen

I recently discovered a link between Edinburgh, Scotland (where I live now) and Japan, where I lived for two years after graduation.    Edinburgh man Victor Murphy joined the British Royal Air Force when he left school and retired a … Continue reading →

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Essaouira Eateries – part 2

Posted on February 26, 2012 by mikanqueen

On a recent trip back to Essoauira, I tried another couple of excellent restaurants in my favourite seaside city.  These ones are slightly further up the price and fine dining scale than some of those I reviewed here, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in Morocco, reviews, world cuisine | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Lemongrass winter warmer

Posted on February 22, 2012 by mikanqueen

  In a previous job, I attended the UN climate change talks in 2007 – “COP13” to the climate change policy wonks and wonkettes.  It was very hot in Bali in December, and we hydrated ourselves on litres of fresh … Continue reading →

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懐かしい! Natsukashiiiiiiii~ !!

Posted on February 21, 2012 by mikanqueen

I came across an article recently in the magazine of the London Evening Standard while travelling… Apparently J-Pop is the latest big trend in clubbing in the Big Smoke.  My involuntary reaction was to think wistfully “natsukashii, na….” Natsukashii means … Continue reading →

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Celtic Connections 2012 in Glasgow

Posted on February 18, 2012 by mikanqueen

Glasgow’s annual Celtic Connections Festival features the best of folk, roots and world music, celebrating Celtic music and its connections to cultures across the globe.  Artistic Director, Donald Shaw (founding member of Celtic supergroup Capercaillie) is successful in drawing artists … Continue reading →

Posted in reviews, world music | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Golden Bears in the snow at the Berlinale

Posted on February 13, 2012 by mikanqueen

It is since I moved away from Berlin that I have become a real fan of the Berlinale, Berlin’s International Film Festival, held every year in February. The queuing for and collection of tickets, plus the criss-crossing of the city … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Germany, travel, world cinema | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments