Welcome to my online travel memoirs/blog – the Diary of an Aesthete – pictures, film, poetry and storytelling from my life travelling and living in various parts of the world. From London/England, I am an Art Restorer by trade, and my interests include history, culture, craft, archeology and the natural world. Please connect in the comment section below, or with the links at the bottom of this page, and find stories from my travels in the headings above. I’m so grateful for your visit!
– James
“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.”










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 Pilgrimage ~ my story of life, and the people and places which become a part of my story along the way.
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This pilgrimage has taught me many things. It has taught me to love more, to let go… to seek more, to forgive more… to move more… and most importantly how to be still (which is a constant battle). The greatest illusion of this world: that others are different from us.
“Know the world in yourself. Never look for yourself in the world, for this would be to project your illusion…”
– Ancient Egyptian Proverb
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“I have looked in many places, behind many doors, and into the eyes of many people. The only lasting thing I have found, of any value and perpetual comfort to my soul, is an undoubted belief in God. ” – 2019
Thank you for joining me!
I love to read and respond to your comments.
Follow the Journey

















A bucketlist isn’t freedom for me. The ability to travel unhindered is not freedom to me. Living between boundaries of fear is not freedom for me. Freedom for me is beholding the night’s sky, walking barefoot at dawn, raising my hands in worship, chanting from the depths of my soul, the wind in my hair. Freedom for me is my undefinable, unbreakable belief in the Great Spirit of Life, in One Divine. No matter what happens, these things can never be taken from me.
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Fascinating life philosophy – bravo!
Thank you, friend. ⭐️
Your photography is wonderful, and your blog fascinating! I’m looking forward to reading more of it! Zola
Thank you, Zola!
I came by to thank you for following my blog, and what a pleasant surprise! Your blog is impressive, your writing style and your photos are absolutely beautiful. Linda
Thank you!! So much. And you are very welcome my friend. Here’s to the Journey on… Jxxx
You know the truth as it shows in your eyes and I can tell you emit a peace and love. That’s why animals are drawn to you. And I get what your saying as I have been in the jungles of Guatemala feeling the peace, listening to the holler monkeys, climbing the ancient temples while nibbling on a nutmeg plant. I have sat on the barren beaches of Rocky Point looking up at the millions of stars unaffected by the artificial lights of a large city. I have ran across the hot sands in the desert of Arizona, and have seen the red orbs from my home planet coming around every so often to make sure I am okay.
Beautiful words. A beautiful life. I never have any problems with the innocent, with children and animals… it’s sometimes the older ones with whom I clash. I guess I’m still fighting to retain the innocence of youth; I will forever defend it with great zeal. Thank you for connecting with me, friend, one who understands the delicate things… Wishing you every peace, freedom and strength on this earth, and beyond… Jxx
I thoroughly enjoyed your amazing photo….beautiful!! You capture peoples essence.
Thank you, Linda! I appreciate your comment so much.
You have a incredible eye!
❤️
Hi James. Love your blog!! Your pictures are amazing and your writing as well. I wish you the best on your journey! 🙂 – Janine
🙂 You’re welcome… ! Happy early 25th. Thank you so much for your blessing for my journey. Means a lot. James xx
am much enjoying your photos! so glad I found your site 🙂
Why thank you! I am so glad to have you on board 🙂
Such beauty, love this
I’m thrilled X
Hi. I just saw your photos, and they are beautiful, almost magical. I really love the way you write. I am blown away.
Thank you for visiting my blog, because now I got to see this beautiful blog. Keep doing your magic!!
Thank you so much! You are welcome. JXX
what have you seen in the eyes of an elephant? I love the way you approach the world, like a kid attacking a jungle-gym. So much to play with, so much to learn. no limit to joy and love. om shanti
Haha, attacking life is a nice analogy! My grandad always said throttle it. The more I see the more my fascination with this land grows. There’s always something else, some other place or whim… In the eyes of an elephant I saw a soul, made of a substance equal to the stars… I wasn’t surprised. Peace to you.
Oh my gosh you are amazing. Magical beautiful creature. So inspiring. Keep shining your light
Thank. you. so. much. #honoured.
beautifully decorated by wonderful words. very good blogs. thank you for sharing your blogs. thanks a lot.
You are very welcome. Thank you too. 🙂
You have a beautiful blog. Blessings on your journey. Many thanks x
You are welcome! Thank you for your blessings. All the best of the universe to you.
Beautifully written with wonderful pictures.
I write because it feeds my soul and brings richness and meaning to my life. It feels as though I have a kindred spirit here. In my dreams, I write books that pay the bills but I’m not quitting my day job anytime soon😊.
Have a blessed day.
Cindy
I truly and sincerely hope your dreams come true, Cindy. And I hope you keep sharing your light. Please keep enriching your soul with your purpose in Creation. Glad to have crossed paths this way.. Jx
Hello James, just seeing this and back to the blog. Thanks for your kind words.
My deepest pleasure, friend. Always glad to see your comments. Jx
Always beautiful
Thanks Kindly
Beautiful. Just beautiful. There’s not much more I can come up with. Ty for shining YOUR light. 🙂
Thank you so much in return! J.
I am inspired and awestruck by your photos and your life journey. I will enjoy following you.
You are most welcome, Cindy, thank you for visiting mine and for your beautiful comment. Jxx
Your pictures are breathtaking and your attitude to life amazing! Keep those posts coming. Thank you for your like or I would never have had the opportunity of taking a peek into your Diary.
Thank you so much, and you are very welcome. I appreciate your comment… X
interesting blog, lots of perceptive comments.
Thank you, Deborah! Much appreciated.
Really nice pictures! Love the first one of you sitting in a gondola in Venice. Also cool blog
Hey, thank you! That picture marks a pivotal point for me. Thanks for popping by. Jxxx
You are beautiful and your writing is divine
Thank you, Nadia. I love your site.. Wishing you Power and Peace.