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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I am in awe of your amazing blog, James, and this About page is the most impressive one I’ve seen. Your explanation about who you are, what you believe and your ongoing learning process about life as you journey across the world is truly fascinating. Thank you so much for following me. I’ll be very happy to follow you on your ongoing travels and enlightenment.
Millie Thom, thank you. You’ve truly lifted me today. I really wanted the front page to hit people with who I am and what I’m about, before people explore the rest of the site and my Journey. I’m glad it’s affective. I read your about me – beautifully written! I was thinking “this woman should write books” and, of course, you do. I really enjoyed the nostalgia you created, especially with your old family photos and stories. Good luck with your trilogy – I’d love to read it some day… definitely the kind of the my older brother would adore. God bless. JDX
Well, your blog reminds me of the song “Live like you are dying”.
Your zest for life and living is what we all should strive for. Thanks for reminding me. Also thanks for stopping by my blog, I love company.
Thank you, Sharron. I believe firmly that, whilst reminiscing, and preparing for the future, TODAY is the only day to truly fight for, ultimately. Today is everything, and I try to embrace that – losing bonds, and fears, that can hold me back. Thanks for the comment. And good luck with your treasure hunting adventure! Jxx
James, thank you for visiting my site and choosing to follow along. Many blessings on your journey.
Thank you. I wish you many blessings for your journey to peace. V. inspiring.
Thank you for following my blog. Your story is fascinating, and I look forward to reading more!!
Thank you, Dorinda!
Thank you for following my blog and sharing your intriguing story.
My pleasure. Best of luck with your memoir. JXX
Wow. I am impressed with your blog and all your travelling so far. Thank you for following my blog and good luck in your adventure of exploring amazing parts of the world!
Thank you. I appreciate your words. “Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are.” – and I adore this quote!
thank you for following my blog.
My pleasure.
Thank you for following my blog. You have something amazing here and the words flow so smoothly. Would love to ready a biography some day, for now I’ll read each post. Have a light filled day!
Thank you! I’m sure one day there’ll be a biography – hopefully I have a few more years exploring life first… God bless. Jx
Bless you too. X
Have a splendid week!
Could I ever put into words the constitution and nature of my own journey in such mystically, beautiful and truer words? No, never. What more is there more to say? I am simply humbled by what I have read, and honestly wonder how it is that you stumbled upon my own humble blog and why it is you have decided to follow me when, in truth and in life, I should be following you. T’would be an honor and privilege if I were actually able to do so! May the Spirit of Life, Light and Truth be ever with you to guide and direct, watch over and protect, bless and keep you ever and alway in Her tender, loving care!
I’m touched by your words. And I assure you I am the one who is humbled. So glad to have you on board. God bless. Jx
What an interesting life! Your blog is beautiful by the way and I am looking forward to reading more.
Thank you! “Who doesn’t have challenges? That is what I love about life and writing- it is comedy, tragedy, and drama all on one seat, teetering with fictional prose on the other seat.” This speaks to me much. We indeed ALL have challenges – it is the moving on that makes our success. Keep writing, for you, and for us all. Jx
Such a sweetie 🙂 Thank you~
P.S. And thank you for visiting my blog.
A pleasure to visit your blog, jamesdeeclayton. An aesthete you are, certainly. Wishing you the best in your journey ahead.
Thank you. I too wish you best strength, inspiration and light for your quest. Peace Jx
Thanks for the follow. Your blog is a beautiful reflection of your life as an anaesthete. Your enthusiasm and passion for life are contagious! I admire your courage to live life on your own terms, always listening to your inner voice.
My pleasure! Thank you very much, I appreciate your appreciation. The inner voice is strong when the heart is open. God bless xx
I found your follow this morning and thought who is this guy? Diary of an Aesthetate, he must think he is Lord Byron! Then I read your blog, then I read some more. I love who you are and what you stand for. To throw off the shackles, to not worry what others think, to travel, to experience, to live. We could all do it, but most do not through fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of letting go, fear of letting others down. I say, “bravo Sir.” Enjoy the ride, the challenges, the laughter, the tears. I hope you can always stay true to your wonderful ideals. I will certainly enjoy following you. I too am blessed with Greek friends and relatives. Austerity can never dampen their flame.
Not sure if you have met Bhudda yet – if not I think you will enjoy his company.
The road is long. Safe navigation.
Wilbur x
Ha! Thank you, Wilbur. Actually, my friends and relatives in Greece call me Lord Byron, and as he is held in such high esteem over there I take that as nothing short of highest compliment. Of course, he was rather suave too which applies. I’m so glad to read my site reaches out to you, one so well travelled as you are! And I am so very jealous of your sunrise over the Valley of the Kings, one I will emulate next year and remember you for. Yet to meet the Buddha – we will sit down some day over tea, I’m sure – we have much to discuss… Thank you for passing by. I wish you every success with your future travels. God bless. James x
I would baulk at swimming the Dardanelles if I were you! My Greek family used to have a house on the wonderful island of Skyros. Here is the final resting place of another English poet, Rupert Brooke, who died from an infected mosquito bite. I have walked up the hill to his monument on the island on many occasions to enjoy fabulous views across the bay towards Skopolos and Skiathos.
I spent many weeks on the island reading and playing chess for just about the most chilled times of my life. If you happen to go, early spring is a fab time to visit to find it virtually tourist free.
Sounds like absolute bliss, Wilbur! Couldn’t think of a better description of a place I’d like to rest…
Isn’t life wonderful!
It certainly can be, my friend!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. As a newcomer, this means a lot!! Cheers.
It is my absolute pleasure. Thank you for visiting mine. I wish you best of luck. Jx
Hi James, so happy you have followed my blog as I come to find yours. Your words and your photos have inspired me. It’s truly great the way you aspire to live, if only more of humanity would have more faith.
I can’t wait to learn and read more about your blog.
-Mani
Thank you so much, Mani. Means a lot to be an inspiration, in some way. Looking forward to sharing more of the journey with you. May God bless and take care of you. James x
You have an interesting blog. Thanks for passing by my blog and choosing to follow.
Thank you, sir. Jx
Beautiful said.! Thank you for the blog follow too 🙂
Thank you!
I’m really inspired by your blog. It’s incredibly soothing and shines with peace and warmth so clearly, I’m very drawn to this. It means so much that you took the time to follow my blog. I hope to learn from you as well. So thank you for putting yourself on my radar.
Thank you, Ada. It’s such a blessing to be able to share so much of the beauty I’ve found in life, and to know other people can find comfort in it. One of the glories of the modern day I’m glad I’ve finally tapped into. Wishing you best fortune and all the light you surely deserve along the way, as your lotus blooms to full flower. Jxx
You are the sweetest. Thank you so much. Seriously. -xoAda