PinnedMatthew ClaphaminIberosphericalFrom Paradise to Perdition on a Venezuelan BeachWhatever happened to the guy selling beer from a palm tree shack?·8 min read·Jun 9, 2024--43--43
PinnedMatthew ClaphaminA-CulturatedTravel May Broaden the Mind, But Living Abroad Deepens ItIt is only by walking a mile in another culture’s shoes that we gain a true perspective on our own reality·7 min read·Jun 5, 2024--76--76
PinnedMatthew ClaphaminIberosphericalMust Tourism Always Kill the Goose That Lays the Golden Egg?Even in towns off the beaten track, it doesn’t take much to disrupt the appeal of the local way of life·6 min read·Jun 1, 2024--56--56
PinnedMatthew ClaphaminA-CulturatedThe Hardest Phrase in the World to Translate: ‘A Nice Cup of Tea’There is far more cultural content in that ceramic vessel than just a hot beverage·7 min read·May 14, 2024--154--154
PinnedMatthew ClaphaminEllemenoWhat Makes Fire So Alluring?I never feel as alive or as contemplative as when staring into and stoking flames·4 min read·Dec 3, 2023--57--57
Matthew ClaphaminPitfallKevin Bacon Was Not in ‘The Right Stuff’So why does my brain keep remembering that he was?·3 min read·5 days ago--17--17
Matthew ClaphamBlessed Are the Peacemakers?What hope exists of bridge-building in our polarised world?·4 min read·6 days ago--12--12
Matthew ClaphaminThought ThinkersI Miss My BlackBerry 8800It was the only phone I ever had that wasn’t behind the curve, but now I crave its old-fashioned solidity and simplicity·6 min read·Jun 15, 2024--20--20
Matthew ClaphaminThree Imaginary GirlsMorrissey vs. Billy Joel: Who Wrote the Best Line?A deep dive into the layers of subtle meaning in song lyrics·6 min read·Jun 14, 2024--34--34
Matthew ClaphaminThe Peregrine JournalLose a Vote, Gain a VoteReflections on the political rights and feelings of a lifelong British emigrant·4 min read·Jun 13, 2024--20--20