My list

  1. I still see myself as a Londoner, though I haven’t lived there for many years.
  2. If I could live anywhere in the world it would be the Himalayas (or the French Alps).
  3. I can express myself in 3 languages but only speak one of them well.
  4. I’ve climbed a few Alpine peaks and crossed glaciers - but I’m scared of heights.
  5. Since I was born, I’ve lived in 3 countries, 4 cities, 2 towns and I’ve moved 19 times.
  6. My last 3 homes have been in sight of water.
  7. I can’t vote in the country in which I live without changing my nationality.
  8. You can cheer me up with a gift of Bombay Sapphire.
  9. My great grandfather was a Shakespearian actor.
  10. I’m happiest in flip-flops.
  11. If I could be another nationality, I’d be French.
  12. I’ve never come 1st in a writing competition but I did win €1.70 on the lottery.
  13. I’ve set foot in 16 countries but only 2 continents.


    14. create your own visited country map

  14. Blackberries are my favourite fruit - but I hardly ever eat them.
  15. Amsterdam would be my ideal city if only there were mountains nearby.
  16. I don’t like sugar or sweet things, except extra dark chocolate.
  17. I’ve never broken a bone (if you don’t count the hairline fracture to my skull) but when I was 3 I nearly lost an eye on a Routemaster bus.
  18. My most treasured possession is a Chinese painting of a cat.
  19. But I’m not a cat person, or a dog person for that matter.
  20. I’m more of a person person.
  21. I have a degree in mathematics.
  22. I’ve lived in a house that Donald McGill once occupied.
  23. Dennis Potter was my aunt’s brother, but I can’t claim to have any of his talented genes.
  24. I didn’t learn to ride a bike until I was 28.
  25. Maybe that’s why I find cycling in Amsterdam such a challenge.
  26. My longest hangover lasted 2 days.
  27. I’m addicted to Flickr.
  28. I’m left handed.
  29. When I take photos, I’m left-eyed.
  30. I have never had food poisoning.
  31. That might be because I was a vegetarian for almost 20 years.
  32. I can recommend some good cafés to grab a burger in Amsterdam.
  33. I’ve had chronic fatigue twice.
  34. My left leg is longer than my right.