James Clayton ~ My Journey

Welcome to my online diaries. I am an Art Conservator/Restorer from England. My many passions include culture, heritage, travel, the spiritual experience, photography, the natural world, writing and music. I use this site to share the things which inspire me, and as a record of my journey, my words, the people I’ve shared the path with; the things which have captured my mind and soul.

10+ years I travelled almost continuously around the globe – throughout my 20s and beyond. I had many strong experiences in that time, learnt many lessons, let go of many things; picked a few things up too. I saw the most breathtaking nature, travelled deep into ancient sites, lived in some of the world’s oldest cities, danced with tribes, camped in deserts, jungles, on tropical islands, met self-proclaimed prophets, holy men, patriarchs and tribal kings. People of all walks of life.

A few highlights (from web diary archives)…

Now in my 30s, I’ve been studying and working in London as a Conservator of cultural heritage, with extended stays in Tokyo and Rome, for work and research. Likely I’ll be based here for the foreseeable, while I continue to explore the world around me at every opportunity, connect with like-minded souls, and see where the journey takes me next.

You are welcome here, stay a while. This is my online travel diary. The Diary of an Aesthete.

I will be forever thankful to all those who have been a part of this journey, both on the road, and here, on this site.
This is my Earth Pilgrimage ~ my story of life.

“The voice of God can be found amongst the highest mountains, and between the smallest grains of sand… if you only have the ears to hear it. The essence of a pilgrimage is to move, yet, at some point along the way, you realise you do not move at all ~ the pilgrimage moves you.” – 2019

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681 Comments

  3. Oh brother, I am in a trance as I look through your home page. Thank you for the follow. What a beautiful God you serve. Your photos are stunningly mesmerizing. I could study each for ages. And of course you’ve heard you “look like Jesus” :). I am blessed beyond measure to explore your world through your blog. I’m writing a new book called Quit Wandering and would love to use one of your quotes above, ““I came into this life with humble beginnings…” Is that alright?

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Hannah! I am blessed to read your comment, it truly means a lot to me. And of course you may use the quote, please be my guest. It fills my heart with light to connect with another soul on the path with our God. It is a joy you either know or don’t yet know… and is a wonder to share in.
      Looking forward to reading that book 🙂 may it be blessed in the writing.
      Jx

      Reply

      1. Your gifting is incredible, you beautiful, beautiful light bearer. I’ll put you on my mailing list. Book releases June 30th. If love to mail you a signed copy. Let me know the best way to do that. Shalom!!

        Reply

  4. James, it was a nice surprise to find that you now follow my blog. Along with thousands of others, I enjoyed my visit through your many journeys. And you have many travel related blogs that I will read. Perhaps even books. I’m a self- published historical fiction book author as of a day ago. God was with me in writing and making me see the way to reach my goal. The beauty of life is his bright light shining the way. Christine 📚

    Reply

    1. Christine, so happy to see your comment and to connect with you. Your blog is full of hope and light. And I am a sucker for sunsets myself! …I hope one day God will help me to (finally) publish some proper books of my own, travels and reflections, when the time is right. Your story gives me much hope and inspiration 🙂
      May His light shine along your path, Christine, and guide your way… Jx

      Reply

      1. MY blog title says it all. I’m sure you already do this: Before Sundown– remember what made you smile. Publishing a book is not easy. I just think of all the people that can be helped by someone else’s word, especially full of hope and light. I pray God gives you a sign. 🙏🏻💘

        Reply

        1. Thank you for the advice, Christine. And I love your life mantra, it’s such a simple but wonderful way to be mindful of our many blessings.
          Peace. Your friend, James…x

  5. “Shine Your Light. Always explore. Always seek. Always forgive. Always love ! Love is the only Truth that will remain when all other things fade away”. Thanks for sharing this brother. . . the modus operandi of a full and meaningful life.

    Amy Carmichael echoed this in her life’s goal . . . “Love to Live, Live to Love”

    Be Blessed!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Fred! I really appreciate your comment and reflections. It is a life mantra I try to live by, but often need reminding of…
      May YOU be blessed too, my brother. Jx

      Reply

  7. I truly appreciate your openness of where you came from, your willingness to express your interactions with whomever your encounter and especially your willingness to express your feelings about the encounters you have along the way. May you feel God’s Presence along your path and I think that you do. Look forward to your posts.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, my friend. I am very touched by your comment. May God bless you with His Presence, too! It is so deeply reassuring to know there are good people in the world praying for me… thank you from my heart.

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  8. You’re indeed an exceptional storyteller and accompanied by stunning photography, your journey around the world truly encapsulates stories of humanity and the beauty of human spirit. You’re on an inner journey too… thank you so much for sharing all. It makes me want to just go!&see as well as experience THIS magnificent creations of God.

    P/s: I’m grateful for the follow. Thank you so much for your kind support.🙏🏾

    Reply

    1. I am so happy to read your comment. Thank you so much.
      I hope your journey is blessed and the path leads where it must…
      God be with you always and thank you for stopping by!
      I am happy to have found you too.
      With a full heart, James x

      Reply

      1. It was my pleasure & you’re so welcome.
        🙏🏾 Many thanks for your kind thoughts…i certainly hope so too.
        Thank you 🙏🏾 & with you too. It was a delight for me as I love stories and storytelling.🙂
        Pleased to hear that.
        Be well James.
        Best wishes, Thulasi.

        Reply

  12. You made me cry today. Not from sadness, but joy. It is such a pleasure to know that there is so much more out there, and within. You just gotta know where to look. Thank you. Such a beautiful soul.

    Reply

  18. Wow! What a discovery! Rather I should thank you for following my blog. I must say I am very glad and privileged to follow your blog. You are beyond inspiring with your exceptional posts of your travel journeys. As I am an indian, I would like to know your experience in my country? I hope we were as welcoming and warm 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hello my friend… thank you for your kind and humbling words… I had the most beautiful and touching time in your country, one that has never left me, people and connections that will last a life time. India has a lot to teach the world. I pray to return as soon as I can… God bless you!

      Reply

      1. After reading this, I feel truly proud to be an Indian and I am happy to know that my country treated you so well that it left a lasting impression and gave you innumerable memories to take along 🙂 I wish to see more of your perspective of India through your new experiences whenever you visit us next! God bless you too! Stay safe !

        Reply

    1. Hello my friend. I am so thrilled at your nomination! Unfortunately I am just too busy at the moment to fit it in, but thank you none the less.
      God bless you my brother. Keep praying for us all…
      In Peace. Jx

      Reply

  20. Hi! Your photos are incredible and your travels blow my mind. My husband would love to see a lion up close. I had to look up aesthete. Do you really ignore practicalities, or is that a lesser meaning of the word? God bless and keep you on His narrow path filled with freedom and life.

    Reply

    1. Hello dear Constance ! Thank you much! Well I do to a large extent perhaps, although I can be quite pragmatic when I need to be… my main concern has always been soul, beauty and the Divine however… which is what in turn birthed this blog…

      God bless you too my friend, now and always.
      In Peace, Jx

      Reply

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