10+ years of Travel ~ My Journey

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.

+ + +


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
☩

“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.

Join a worldwide readership (172 countries and counting!) and receive updates, new stories, and exciting projects directly in your inbox by entering your email address below.

Join 9,677 other subscribers

all inquiries:
diary.aesthete@yahoo.co.uk

This website gets many comments, some of which get mistaken for spam. If your comment doesn’t appear within the usual time please post again. Comments not relevant to a page or this blog will most likely be marked as spam manually.

679 Comments

  2. I really enjoy watching those pictures. They are all so wonderful and professional. I am so passionate about photography and you are welcome to check my works on my blog)

    Reply

  3. What a life worth living!!! I believe this life is an experiential one of self-discovery and you have taken that belief and run with it!!! I honor you for your courage, your sensitivity and your true spirit of adventure. Happy travels along this road of life. Perhaps one day our paths will cross on your journey across this world and beyond.

    Reply

  5. James, what an amazing journey you are on! To know the peace of God and the joy of Him Who lives within us. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us.

    Thank you, also, for stopping by to read and follow Hope For Today. I look forward to reading your blog. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6.

    Reply

  7. Thank you for stopping by my small corner of the world captured within the screen of wordpress. By doing so it brought me here to your place and a beautiful read it has been so far. I look forward to reading more. Abundant blessings to you friend and loves light always to guide you.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your blessing, light and love. Your are re-filling my soul which I often empty out into the world. Keep writing your beautiful delicate poetry and sharing your light with our earth. Bless you.

      Reply

  8. Hello Mr.James like many other lovely people said…thank you for following my posts. It’s delighting to know that on the other side another humble & modest being appreciates others’ thoughts. Wish you all the best in your quest and may you continue to reflect genuineness; which many shy to express. A refreshing site…cheers!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, for endorsing my site in return. I get a lot of people thanking me when I decide to read or follow their sites, and it’s very humbling. I just like to connect as much as I can, when I have time (not always so much). It’s something I’ve really learnt to love about the cyber realms. I think it’s so important to focus on similarity, not always differences, and I love that my site is quickly becoming a sort of forum for creative, grounded, earthy and spiritually-minded people. A humanitarian race. Passionate and artist people. It’s much improved my opinion of the world. Keep up your work; helping people is the greatest gift life can bring. Thank you xx

      Reply

      1. Thank you for reverting and for your feedback. Truly, in spirituality it’s said “one world…one family.” Yes, it’s always wonderful to connect to people who are truly grounded. Wish you are a pleasant week ahead.

        Reply

  9. I see someone started following me. 🙂 I came to check out your site and sure glad I have. I have been very isolated and flat out exhausted from the energetic service work I’ve been doing so I haven’t even been able to get out to take a walk let alone see the greater world… the world that I’ve gotten my butt kicked assisting. How sad is that?! I miss her. lol Thanks for bringing the world to me. Much appreciated.

    Reply

    1. Go and breathe some clean air my friend, if you can, and just remember – the light of the earth is waiting patiently for your return. Keep strong your work, it is for the greater good and the good energy you put out will revolve back to you. I’m glad my space on the net has shed some light for you, reminded you of the beauty that awaits, when you are ready again, to breathe… Thank you. J.

      Reply

      1. Oh yes. All is well and will be much better, more than likely sooner than later. Thank God. Keep sharing yourself with others – lending an ear, giving some time, a hug, a touch… it makes a world of difference. Thank you for what you do and be in and for this world.

        Reply

  14. Thanks for following my blog and introducing me to yours. I’ve been on the road for over 3 years but not quite as wild or extensive as your journeys yet.

    Reply

  16. It is indeed, a pleasure and an brotherly honor to make your acquaintance James. You have painted such a magnificent reflection of yourself. I felt as though I was being spiritually pulled along on this journey with you as I read this page. I must say I am excited to see the places you will go! Many blessings James and GoodGod Speed my friend!
    —♥Egypt

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Egypt. I just adore your name (beautiful!) and your site just bursts off the page with a very warm soul. I feel blessed by your visit. Looking forward to sharing the many journeys ahead. Peace, love and light. JamesX

      Reply

  20. I,as a 3rd rate photographer, and painter, enjoyed your eye for a picture. Write from the heart. Be sincere. And, yes, matters are always catered for, somehow! Thank you for the follow. My thoughts are with you. I shall follow you with interest. God bless

    Reply

    1. Avtar, you seem a fascinating man and I am honoured you have enjoyed my art. I doubt very much you are a third rate anything. Truth is the sign of a good artist, and I see much truth in your words. May God bless you.

      Reply

Shine Your Light...