Safely ensconsed back in the UK, I enjoy reading about other people's experiences of post-colonial life in places where most ex-pats still behave like old colonials. PERKING THE PANSIES is a delicious addition to the tradition which, for me, began with Gerald Durrell. More ... I wish my all my readers, believers and non-believers alike, a peaceful season of goodwill. Whatever Christmas means to you, be happy and enjoy. 2013 will be an eventful year, I can feel it in my water. Or maybe it’s just a urinary infection. Joyeux Noël as our French cousins say.
Going Local in Gran Canaria is the definitive guide for visitors and expats alike, covering all aspects of life in this semi-tropical Atlantic semi-paradise. The book is packed to the rafters with well-researched facts and fun, sites and scenes, eats and treats, must-dos and don't-dos, both on and off the well-beaten track. The entire package is delivered in a witty and erudite style from someone in the know, as is to be expected from a seasoned journalist of Matthew Hirtes' calibre. Amusing anecdotes weave through the book. I particularly like the notion that nasty General Franco exiled gay soldiers to the island which may explain Gran Canaria's perennial appeal to the gay community. I've been a regular visitor for over 25 years so maybe there's some truth in this fanciful tale. Whether dipping in for a hint or two or reading cover-to-cover, this book should be in everyone's Canarian suitcase. Turkey, the Raw Guide has reached number One in La Belle France. Merci beaucoup or çok teşekkür ederim (as they say in Turkey).
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