I was at a conference a week ago and I met this woman who works as a policymaker for the Commonwealth Secretariat.  In our conversation my lack of post-graduation plans came up.  She seemed intrigued and excited by my research, something I’ve frankly learned not to expect from people who work in politics (or maybe it’s … Continue reading →

I just posted some new videos from the Saqarah hafla on 12 September over on my YouTube channel.  They are a mix of solo performances (including one by my friend and research participant Lorna, who I’ve mentioned before, and one by Eshta, one of the Saqarah organziers) and group performances.  As I mention every time … Continue reading →

Okay so there are other things to do in London besides staging a belly dance flash mob on Southbank.  The friends I went to visit last week actually work, so on Friday I had to amuse myself during the day.  Headed into the city on the Tube in the morning, idly musing that I tend to … Continue reading →

On Sunday I belly danced on London’s Southbank.  The plan was to have a belly dance flash mob–a flash mob is a group of people who have prearranged to arrive at a place at a certain time and do something (have a pillow fight, lip synch to “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music, play dead…) without … Continue reading →

Last night I decided to take an herbal bath.  Sounds deliciously relaxing, doesn’t it?  Oh, think again, my friends. A few days ago I was wandering aimlessly around Exeter and I happened to notice a fair in the Cathedral Green.  Various sustainable, eco-friendly, organic, fairtrade products were on sale.  An herbalist’s stall was selling something called “herbal face … Continue reading →