Helen Grant - Ghostwriter

I am a nomad. There, I said it. I could live in so many places, all at once. I get confused by the volume of choice. Life would be so much easier if earth was the only place we could live, and there were no countries, cities, towns and villages.

Choice is good but I hate it because it confuses me. Where do I go when I want to be everywhere? And of course, I have children to consider, who are the most important thing, so whatever decision I make has to be what is best for them.

I don’t necessarily think staying in one place is best for kids. Good for friendships, yes, and extended family, but not necessarily for broadening horizons, exploring culture and history and geography, and teaching kids that there’s a big wide world out there begging to be explored.

So, I won’t feel guilty for moving my kids about. As long as they get a decent education, stay in touch with friends from wherever they’ve touched based, and stay in one place long enough to learn something from that place, I’ll know I’ve done my job.

I stayed in one place my whole childhood and it gave me a sense of security and upbringing (I thank my parents for that) but it left me with a yearning to explore the world. Kids feel safe when they are loved by their parents. As for whether to roam or not to roam, there is no right or wrong way, and thank God for that.

What a gorgeous day. It was like spring all over again. Sunny with a cool breeze. I spent the afternoon in Torquay, birth place of Agatha Christie. Renowned as the English Riviera, it’s easy to see why. A myriad of boats floating on the marina, surrounded by pavement cafes, street music, candy floss shops and kiss me quick hats.

I strolled along the seafront, alone with my thoughts, and sat by the harbour with a bowl of cockles and Enid Blyton’s biography, listening to a fantastic street musician sing My Way by Frank Sinatra. He had the most powerful voice. It sounded like he had a loudspeaker strapped to his chest. Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind, and that song gets me every time. Here it is for your benefit, courtesy of Robbie Williams.

Today I spent the afternoon walking around a nearby park in the sunshine. There was a gentle breeze and the air was fresh. There was nobody about, so I walked and walked, and thought about stuff, like holidays (the lack of them).

I came to the conclusion that I need a holiday; a foreign holiday, and a long one at that. I was thinking the last time I had a proper break, that didn’t involve work, was Toronto in 2004. I’ve flitted about other places since, but not a decent holiday that involved relaxation, good food, lots of outdoorsy stuff, sunshine and addictive company. My next jaunt will be worth it, no doubt about that. I’m on the case. 

Oh, and today I received an email from a couple that write love letters to each other every day. Isn’t that amazing? I’m in serious need of a love letter and a holiday. Excuse me while I go and weep into a glass of wine. 

Get a free copy of the 2008 Travellers’ Choice Destination Awards, as chosen by millions of travellers on tripadvisor.co.uk.

… is a collection of images by Peter Menzel from a book called Hungry Planet. Check out the difference in family dinner tables in 15 homes around the globe.

As expected, the world’s favourite foods vary as dramatically as the climate. The Kodeira family from Japan like sashimi, fruit, cake and potato chips while the Sobczynscy’s of Poland are partial to pig’s knuckles with carrots, celery and parsnips. The Ahmed’s of Cairo salivate over Okra and mutton and the Aboubakar’s knock back gallons of soup with fresh sheep meat.

Spot the difference yourself here. It’s interesting to note the varying style of kitchens too.

It’s off to Scotland we go. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest open arts festival in the world. Anyone can perform and lots do - last year there were 31,000 performances in 250 venues. If you need somewhere to stay check out Festival Flats for self catering apartments in Edinburgh City Centre. Click here for the heads up on who’s performing this year.

Palabea is a new social network where users learn a foreign language while interacting with people from around the world. Every user is a pupil and a teacher. It is hoped that the site will break down barriers and create a global language. Discover cultures, share your language and make new friends at www.palabea.net.