The Heraldic Significance of Porcupines

On Friday night I dined on High Table at Sidney Sussex. I was rather intrigued by the ratty looking animal on the right. The Master told me that is was a porcupine, and the arms were those of the college foundress, Francis Sidney.

It appears that the Sidney's adopted Louis XII's emblem after a diplomatic trip to France. And why the porcupine...because it is a formidable enemy (apparently).

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Return to Ronda

The last few months have been a bit rough on the health front, so it’s been a delight to be on my travels again. First stop was glorious Ronda, staying in a hotel with it’s own cinema. A fantastic pizza was had… ….Christmas lights were admired… …a sunset revelled in… …but Ronda is all about the gorge (and bullfighting, Hemlingway and Orson Welles)… …and the amazing bridges. And a very poetic carpark.

Austria at last

In a fit of madness… …I agreed to accompany my Aged Mother on a coach trip to Austria. After two days on the coach… …we have finally arrived <phew>.

Out on the River

Today we headed out… …on the water… …for a little boat trip. We saw lots… …of interesting houses… …including this pink palace… …many, many beautiful… …temples… …and the largest Buddha in Bangkok… …which is still under construction. We stopped for a rest… …and a wander at The Artist’s House… …where we fed the fish, but not the pigeons… …and treated ourselves to some coconut milk. It was lovely to see a different side to the city… …and I am left wondering what was happening with this bear. A big thank you is due to Yu Leng’s friend Kevin, who suggested this trip.

Traves Tangents

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