Perpetual Learning
Rowan MacLeod 
Lofoten Felt Like Another Planet, And I Somehow Made It Affordable There are places that simply take your breath away, and then there are places that rearrange your understanding of what beauty even means. The Lofoten Islands in Norway fall squarely into the latter category. Stepping onto these islands felt less like visiting a new … Read more
As a historian, I’m always drawn to places where the past feels palpably present. My recent long weekend trip to Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, offered just that, whisking me away to a landscape deeply imprinted with the echoes of revolution and resilience. My focus for this short visit was the historical heart of the region: the Citadelle … Read more
As someone who has spent years delving into the past, I’ve always been fascinated by how people adapted and repurposed things. It reminds me of the ingenuity required in earlier eras, where every resource was valued. Today, I want to share a story that echoes that spirit of transformation: a retired public transport bus finding … Read more
Hello fellow history enthusiasts! As a historian who spends her days (and often nights!) digging through archives and exploring centuries-old sites, I know firsthand how many questions can arise when you’re delving into the past. From the grand sweep of empires to the intimate details of daily life in centuries gone by, history is a … Read more
Hello fellow history enthusiasts! Rowan here. For years, my focus has been the grand narratives of 18th-century Europe – the courts, the wars, the revolutions. But my travels and research have often led me down less-trodden paths, revealing the lives of ordinary people, the whispers of social change, and the cultural currents that shaped this … Read more
It’s a funny thing, how a simple comment on a website can spark a deeper reflection. Recently, I stumbled upon a Reddit post where someone shared a profoundly moving experience in Slovenia. It wasn’t about a famous landmark or a grand historical event, but about a simple, genuine human connection they made. This resonated with … Read more
As someone who spends a good deal of time in archives and visiting historical sites, the idea of shared accommodation often brings to mind the crowded inns of centuries past. While the amenities have certainly improved, the social dynamics of a shared space, like a hostel, can feel surprisingly complex. Recently, I came across a … Read more
The Grand Tour: More Than Just a Trip As a historian specializing in 18th-century Europe, I’ve always been drawn to the intricate tapestry of life during that era. Today, I want to pull back the curtain on a practice that profoundly shaped European culture and the individuals who participated: the Grand Tour. For young men … Read more
Well, I’ve done it! I’ve just finished hiking the Wonderland Trail, a journey that tested my limits and rewarded me with unparalleled views. For those of you who, like me, have a deep appreciation for both history and the call of adventure, this trek offered a unique blend of challenges and insights, much like navigating … Read more
My recent travels took me to Sri Lanka, an island nation rich in history and vibrant culture. As a historian, I always seek destinations that offer more than just picturesque landscapes; I look for places where the past breathes and whispers stories. Sri Lanka, with its ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and enduring traditions, proved to … Read more