Stories from travels in

Mary Murphy

Getting an education

We’re half-way through January and my resolve to do more than simply work, eat, and sleep, is holding. I’m saying yes to things I would

At the edge of a tradition (3)

It’s not often that parties in my world start at 7.30 am these days. Perhaps years ago when I was following Irish soccer and time

At the edge of a tradition (2)

I have the dubious distinction of being the only one of my Irish contemporaries who has managed to get this far in life without ever

At the edge of a tradition (1)

‘It’s perfect weather for a killing.’ Not quite the words I expected to hear over a pre-dawn breakfast before we braved the -12 degree cold

Resolutions and bucket lists

My one and only New Year’s resolution is to whittle away at my bucket list. I’m increasingly conscious of the limited time we have on

Down to a fine art at Psychart24

I took Art in school. I can’t draw but in my early teens I quite fancied myself as an impressionist. Daubing various splotches of different

Balls and broomsticks

When I think of Cambridge, I think of earnest young brains who are preparing themselves to lead the world in their various fields and fancies.

Adding the extra to ordinary

You might pass Szentpétery Vera on the street in Gödöllő without registering her. If you didn’t know better, you might think her just another ordinary

Brains, butts, and boats

People wonder why so many smart people come out of Harvard. It’s not rocket science, says Edward de Bono, it’s because so many smart people

Tea parties and hookers

I’ve been to Boston a few times but I must have spent most of that time hanging out in pubs, as I have little recollection