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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Hi James, thank you for visiting my blog and I am grateful you did as it brought me to your life journey here. I have only ready your soul felt words on this page but looking forward to reading more of your journey and your unfolding.
Welcome to my world. Your truth is powerful, clean and light to me. Long may we delve. Thank you in return! ..Jx
Hi James,
I was surprised to see you pop up in my followers, but I hope to one day have a similar free outlook on life, myself and the world around me. Appreciating beauty wherever it exists, even (or especially) if it is within myself. Thanks again. It means a lot to me.
You are so very welcome my friend. Your visit to my site means a lot to me, too. I hope you can find the full beauty of You. Light, freedom and peace. Jx
Ahh thanks for being my first follower James! sending you love – the artistry of your page is wonderful! X
Well that’s very exciting! I had no idea. Thank you for stopping by my own project. Looking forward to reading more of your brave journey over the following months. Jx
Well said young traveller and thanks for the follow of Hanukah and the Angel. Love, David
Thank you, David! It is my pleasure indeed. Thanks for writing in my diary. Love J X
I am in awe of your courage and spirit! It’s true, every day is a search for meaning and a path to continue on. I envy your travels. Your images are lovely. I too journey, but in small doses. Best wishes in your journey.
Thank you, Joan, for your admiration. The journey is indeed inspiring, I however am not. Just very fortunate. My only real talent is determination, which could be called spirit, or soul. Something in me has a great love for this earth. I believe we all deserve greatness, and I am prepared to fight for it… Jx
Many thanks James for visiting my blog and liking it enough to follow. You have some very lovely and moving photography here.
Hey Jude, you are so welcome. Many thanks to you too.. JXX
Aloha from Maui, James. Thank you for the follow and I’m looking forward to reading more of your adventures!
Hello from UK Stephanie. You, my dear, are an inspiration. Thank you for your story. Jamesx
Thanks James!
What a nice blog my friend! Thanks for the follow
Thank you. You’re welcome. Thanks for following mine.
Well, curious traveller, i’ve been on a ride about right in the midnight city of Vancouver British Columbia, Canada,
the place of my birth…
i’m always find something wondrous!
i also see that you stopped by for a read!
Thank you,
chris
My pleasure to connect. Thank you for coming by my little space. Enjoy …Jx
You’re kindedly welcome..
Thanks for following my blog, hope it inspires you! You might like to follow my author blog http://www.annmariethomas.me.uk
You’re welcome. I’ll take a look.
I’m reading and smiling. More like intrigued by who you are and not! Mysterious and that leaves me wanting to know more, as for the pictures and blending art on paper called writing, you have a fan.
Thank you, Frances. I am truly honoured.
Fantastic spot! I will be back. Thanks for the follow and for dropping by my place. Peace and blessings!
Thank you! You’re so welcome. Peace and blessings to you, my friend. JX
Esto es impresionante. Me ha encantado el contenido de todo el blog. Fotografias, texto y videos, son realmente fascinantes. Felicidades James! 🙂
Muchas gracias!! Sinceramente… Jx
I just dropped by. Now I think that I’ll be coming back. Blessings.
Thank you so much. I pray you do. Heart…
Wow! This is quite a blog! I would love to see what you do and where you go from now. You got a new follower! 🙂
Thank you! Plenty adventures ahead. Jx
Great! Looking forward to them!
Great site!
Thank you very much! Jx
Your journey sounds beautiful in so many ways, continue to share it!
Thank you!! I will try. Jx
James, your photos peer right into the hearts and souls of people.
Thanks for letting us catch a glimpse, too…
and for following my not very adventurous blog!
Are you kidding? Those photos of birds you use are utterly gorgeous, brilliant, and no less. I am enamored. Are they yours? Beauty is in the eye and heart not the place, but I truly and utterly appreciate your comments and praise. Thank you. It means a lot.
Yes, the bird photos are mine. They are challenging, in that they obviously refuse to sit, pose, and smile for the camera. That makes getting a good shot and capturing their beauty all the more satisfying.
Of course, I love a good passerine, so fast and agile. They are beautiful photos. Please keep sharing your treasures!
Oops! Here’s the rest! John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 10:10 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Thank you for sharing what are some of my favourite quotes from the Book.
Well, you’ve taken me “out of my box” for just a few moments! At first glance, it’s easy to become anamored, even envious of your “life.” But the key is to find “life” in or out of the box. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, pastor’s wife and teacher. Sometimes the responsibilites weigh me down. But then, I remember why I’m here: Jesus, only Jesus. To share His truth, to teach His truth, to show His peace and joy and salvation in my life–that makes it a truly wonderful life, even in the box. 🙂 Bless you, and thank you for your transparency. John 14:
You’re right. We must seek and SEE what blessings we have around us. We make choices, commitments, we have freedom to choose what and where we are. I have made a commitment to stay single, free from usual boundaries for now, whilst I seek the Light on my pilgrimage. Who knows where this path will lead me but I will always share my findings in some way, and hope they inspire people to grasp the reality of our freedom, the true meaning of love, faith and trust in this life. I try everyday to get closer to the mark, His mark. Jx
I wish you every blessing.