It's not an easy option. The essence of travel is letting go of habit and prejudice and relishing the unfamiliar. Food you've never eaten before, a language you've never spoken before, religion that mystifies, customs that confuse, politics that perplex, all question everyday assumptions about how you live your life.

Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future

I will die, but not retire.

I am very cautious of people who are absolutely right, especially when they are vehemently so.

I've never particularly liked travelling with large groups or being told where to go by somebody else. I prefer to find out for myself.

Geography prepares for the world of work - geographers, with their skills of analysis are highly employable!

I remember queuing around the block in Sheffield when I was growing up. At that time, going to the cinema was really something special - there was something about the style of the real thing that is immeasurable nicer than multiplexes.