The Simple Move

This last weekend we moved into my new house in Watamu… From clean concrete floors and white-wall we’re now camping out on concrete, dusty floors, with no electricity or running water (aside from the rain that is currently showing us, rather neatly, all the places where the roof hasn’t been properly finished). Here’s a photo … Continue reading The Simple Move →

The Tortoise Architect Vs The Entreprenhare

Thank God I didn’t decide to train to be an architect. Not because I don’t like them, or what they do. In fact, building a house here in Kenya has given me a huge appreciation for the art of building. But because, from my limited experience of dealing with architects, I’ve learnt they have to … Continue reading The Tortoise Architect Vs The Entreprenhare →

Looking To The Future (Then Trying To Ignore It)

All good things must end. So with a month left on the clock here in Kenya, I am reminded that the ‘next stage’ of life looms. At the end of 2009 I took a break from the day-in day-out drive of running a business – partly because I was burnt out, and partly because the … Continue reading Looking To The Future (Then Trying To Ignore It) →

A Random Paradisiacal Morning

Picture the scene: Simpletom wakes, slightly lacking in sleep, and heads off into town to buy all manner of random items for the new house, including termite protector, five hinges, a jerry can, some phone credit and a packet of soap (much needed). Simpletom, in his somewhat sleep-disadvantaged state, manages to lock his keys in … Continue reading A Random Paradisiacal Morning →

Trouble In Paradise – Retaining Perspective And Enjoyment

There’s a universal phenomena, particularly noticeable out here on the coast of Kenya. It occurs when we get so used to wonderful things that we no longer enjoy them. In this part of the world it is neatly summed up by the expression; ‘trouble in paradise’. The expression is used when someone has spent enough time on … Continue reading Trouble In Paradise – Retaining Perspective And Enjoyment →

Simple Travel – Gear Tips

I’ve traveled a huge amount over the years. My Dad is in the travel business and it forms one of his principle passions. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved new places, as much for the perspective and variety. Only recently do I feel I’ve started to travel effortlessly. Although I'm loathe … Continue reading Simple Travel – Gear Tips →

Fulfilling Resolutions – A Year In Review

At the beginning of last year, I made a promise to live simply, within my means and to focus on working towards some of my personal goals, rather than my professional. I summed it up in the New Years resolution, ‘to enjoy myself as much as possible and end the year with the same amount … Continue reading Fulfilling Resolutions – A Year In Review →

Development for the past, the present and the future

A photo of yours truly, truly blending in... I’ve recently arrived back from a 2-month holiday. None to bad in anyone’s books and that’s probably partially to blame for my current somewhat dreamy perspective. On return, I wrote a letter to a friend which I felt encapsulated some of my key thoughts about development and … Continue reading Development for the past, the present and the future →