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

  1. Shalom,

    Thank you for sharing such a witnessing, hopefully for the right God, though when it would not yet be so (if you at the moment still adhere a Trinity for example) I hope my impression of your site, you being called by God shall be showing more and more, you finding that Jesus is the way to God and the way to life, so that you and others might find his God and our God, Who created all that beauty that you know so magnificently to put on a two-dimensional picture, but showing a greater depth to it.

    That the God of Israel may protect you and guide you, so that you too can show the glory of the Most High Elohim.

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  2. Your blog is super well done! Thanks for following me; I’m excited to make friends and tell stories using Seasoned with Ginger. & your photography is wonderful. Good luck with your adventures, I look forward to seeing more of them!

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    1. Thank you Jenna! Really happy to be following each other. May the road of life be long and illuminating for us both! I’m really happy you popped by. Mine is a little space, but I am happy to share with anyone who finds comfort in it. Looking forward to reading your tales on Seasoned With Ginger. May your works prosper. God bless <3

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    1. I have been many places, my friend, and have had many trials, tasks; some victory, some failures. I’ve seen many things, but I can honestly say I am just a beginner in all this… a student of this life. I am just as amazed and in awe of this earth now as when I first started, and I profess to be no greater than the day I first dreamed all this up… I do hope, one day though, to be worthy of all I have received.

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  6. wow man . . . love your photo’s . . . as well as your outlook on life. Keep the candle burning brother, even in the rain . . . even in the pain . . . protect it with your life . . . because it IS your life.

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  8. supreme grace patience and humility amazing journey inspiring words , tremendous effects of divinity visible..indeed your work touches the soul and spirit…’I am but a speck of dust,yet I am the world, I am me”Beautiful Thank you for visiting my world’

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  9. Your courage to meet and live with these beautiful people in countries some people would not dare to go is truly admirable. I can’t help but stare and look closely to the photos of you having a great time mingling with the native people especially with the children. I guess it’s not just courage that brought you there but a passion. Nothing beats a passion!

    This travel blog is worth reading!

    Reply

    1. It is passion, absolutely! You’ve hit the nail on the head.

      My passion to travel to all these places and ‘blend’ has always been greater than my fear, hence the amount I’ve travelled. I have to nurture my yearn for travel, keep the fire alive inside, want it deeply… it’s a labour of love, I’m glad to say, and the flame burns yet…

      Thank you for commenting.
      Always,
      Jx

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  16. James,
    You are a gorgeous being. I feel blessed that you found my blog, otherwise I may never have found yours. You are brave and have followed your heart on a pilgrimmage of a lifetime. I will take time and enjoy learning from you and what you have shared. Thank you dear heart for your soulfull expression in this world. Blessed be.
    Jordan

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    1. Jordan, thank you, from the bottom of my soul, for your encouraging and heart-felt comments. They mean so very much to me, and give me courage on this yin-yang journey of life!

      Sending you all my gratitude and heart…
      J <3

      Reply

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