James
@retrojames.bsky.social
Designer, author, retro video producer.
Book out in 2026: Gear Down & Growing Up: From a Boy to Something Like a Man in 90s Hong Kong.
Dislike coriander and right wing
Book out in 2026: Gear Down & Growing Up: From a Boy to Something Like a Man in 90s Hong Kong.
Dislike coriander and right wing
Christmas Day for me at Granary Square, Kings Cross. Turkey with the lot - merry Christmas everyone!
December 3, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Christmas Day for me at Granary Square, Kings Cross. Turkey with the lot - merry Christmas everyone!
With my colleagues in St Pancras - amazing to connect with the team. Such a great area, too.
December 3, 2025 at 11:18 AM
With my colleagues in St Pancras - amazing to connect with the team. Such a great area, too.
Premier Inn breakfast - using the Alan Partridge methodology- those who know, know….
December 3, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Premier Inn breakfast - using the Alan Partridge methodology- those who know, know….
It’s one thing to learn a different language to get by & navigate daily life, but what do you do if you don’t enjoy speaking it, & every time you form a sentence it feels like chewing food you don’t like?
Call me ignorant, but I can’t be myself when talking German socially. I don’t feel authentic.
Call me ignorant, but I can’t be myself when talking German socially. I don’t feel authentic.
December 3, 2025 at 6:50 AM
It’s one thing to learn a different language to get by & navigate daily life, but what do you do if you don’t enjoy speaking it, & every time you form a sentence it feels like chewing food you don’t like?
Call me ignorant, but I can’t be myself when talking German socially. I don’t feel authentic.
Call me ignorant, but I can’t be myself when talking German socially. I don’t feel authentic.
Tell you what though - we moved to Farnham in 2016, our rent was £1,200 for a two bedroom mid terrace.
Just checked the area (including Guildford) - that’ll now get you a studio flat or a house share. The rental market appears to have disappeared up its own backside.
Just checked the area (including Guildford) - that’ll now get you a studio flat or a house share. The rental market appears to have disappeared up its own backside.
December 2, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Tell you what though - we moved to Farnham in 2016, our rent was £1,200 for a two bedroom mid terrace.
Just checked the area (including Guildford) - that’ll now get you a studio flat or a house share. The rental market appears to have disappeared up its own backside.
Just checked the area (including Guildford) - that’ll now get you a studio flat or a house share. The rental market appears to have disappeared up its own backside.
So good to be back home.
God I needed this.
Warm people, candid conversation,
What the hell am I doing staying in Austria? I don’t even like the vibe if I’m honest - it’s all too serious for my liking.
I need to be somewhere where I can be myself, and as ignorant as it sounds, that’s in English.
God I needed this.
Warm people, candid conversation,
What the hell am I doing staying in Austria? I don’t even like the vibe if I’m honest - it’s all too serious for my liking.
I need to be somewhere where I can be myself, and as ignorant as it sounds, that’s in English.
December 2, 2025 at 10:18 PM
So good to be back home.
God I needed this.
Warm people, candid conversation,
What the hell am I doing staying in Austria? I don’t even like the vibe if I’m honest - it’s all too serious for my liking.
I need to be somewhere where I can be myself, and as ignorant as it sounds, that’s in English.
God I needed this.
Warm people, candid conversation,
What the hell am I doing staying in Austria? I don’t even like the vibe if I’m honest - it’s all too serious for my liking.
I need to be somewhere where I can be myself, and as ignorant as it sounds, that’s in English.
I think St Pancras is the most stunning station I’ve ever been to - absolutely beautiful.
December 2, 2025 at 9:18 PM
I think St Pancras is the most stunning station I’ve ever been to - absolutely beautiful.
Well this is pretty…..Coal Drops Yard
December 2, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Well this is pretty…..Coal Drops Yard
Thank you for the DMs - now I’m back in paranoid UK I can’t access them without scanning my ID. Not doing that, so I’ll respond when back home. Much appreciated
December 2, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Thank you for the DMs - now I’m back in paranoid UK I can’t access them without scanning my ID. Not doing that, so I’ll respond when back home. Much appreciated
All the logic says stay in Austria - my son is here, but he's 19 in Feb.
I don't want to do a midnight run.
But I do feel this need for a fresh start back home. Too much wreckage here. Whenever I go through the pros and cons, it's stay here.
But that lingering voice is there - go home to Devon...
I don't want to do a midnight run.
But I do feel this need for a fresh start back home. Too much wreckage here. Whenever I go through the pros and cons, it's stay here.
But that lingering voice is there - go home to Devon...
December 1, 2025 at 3:31 PM
All the logic says stay in Austria - my son is here, but he's 19 in Feb.
I don't want to do a midnight run.
But I do feel this need for a fresh start back home. Too much wreckage here. Whenever I go through the pros and cons, it's stay here.
But that lingering voice is there - go home to Devon...
I don't want to do a midnight run.
But I do feel this need for a fresh start back home. Too much wreckage here. Whenever I go through the pros and cons, it's stay here.
But that lingering voice is there - go home to Devon...
I deleted Spotify and now I listen to this - no ads, totally free:
freefy.app
freefy.app
Freefy – Free unlimited music, no audio ads to disrupt your flow
Discover an endless world of music with Freefy — the best free music app to listen online without audio ads or limits. Stream millions of songs, albums, and artists for free. Music freedom at your fin...
freefy.app
December 1, 2025 at 1:13 PM
I deleted Spotify and now I listen to this - no ads, totally free:
freefy.app
freefy.app
Tomorrow I fly to London for a client’s Xmas party, and also to celebrate 10 years working with them. It’s bittersweet for obvious reasons, and I’ll be focusing hard to stay in the present moment.
This is without doubt the most challenging time in my life. Boarding school was nothing in comparison
This is without doubt the most challenging time in my life. Boarding school was nothing in comparison
December 1, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Tomorrow I fly to London for a client’s Xmas party, and also to celebrate 10 years working with them. It’s bittersweet for obvious reasons, and I’ll be focusing hard to stay in the present moment.
This is without doubt the most challenging time in my life. Boarding school was nothing in comparison
This is without doubt the most challenging time in my life. Boarding school was nothing in comparison
No one prepares you for this. It feels like deep grief.
Like the sky is falling in.
One day at a time, but I'm still in shock. Still numb. Still not sure which way up or down is. So many things all happening at once, it's like the universe is saying "James, get ready for a rough ride."
Just lost.
Like the sky is falling in.
One day at a time, but I'm still in shock. Still numb. Still not sure which way up or down is. So many things all happening at once, it's like the universe is saying "James, get ready for a rough ride."
Just lost.
November 30, 2025 at 9:41 AM
No one prepares you for this. It feels like deep grief.
Like the sky is falling in.
One day at a time, but I'm still in shock. Still numb. Still not sure which way up or down is. So many things all happening at once, it's like the universe is saying "James, get ready for a rough ride."
Just lost.
Like the sky is falling in.
One day at a time, but I'm still in shock. Still numb. Still not sure which way up or down is. So many things all happening at once, it's like the universe is saying "James, get ready for a rough ride."
Just lost.
This video is saving my soul right now.
I don't think I've ever heard anything so profound in my life.
Thank god for Alan.
This is free therapy for anyone going through a tough time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X05B...
I don't think I've ever heard anything so profound in my life.
Thank god for Alan.
This is free therapy for anyone going through a tough time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X05B...
Alan Watts: Act As If Everything Always Works Out for You – The Art of Trusting Life
YouTube video by Seek Motivation
www.youtube.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:31 AM
This video is saving my soul right now.
I don't think I've ever heard anything so profound in my life.
Thank god for Alan.
This is free therapy for anyone going through a tough time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X05B...
I don't think I've ever heard anything so profound in my life.
Thank god for Alan.
This is free therapy for anyone going through a tough time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X05B...
Grill 'em
Bake 'em
Fry 'em
Microwave 'em
Welcome to my fun video about convenience food from the 1980s. Some of it was a hit, some we liked a bit, and a lot of it was.......well, you decide!
Bake 'em
Fry 'em
Microwave 'em
Welcome to my fun video about convenience food from the 1980s. Some of it was a hit, some we liked a bit, and a lot of it was.......well, you decide!
November 28, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Grill 'em
Bake 'em
Fry 'em
Microwave 'em
Welcome to my fun video about convenience food from the 1980s. Some of it was a hit, some we liked a bit, and a lot of it was.......well, you decide!
Bake 'em
Fry 'em
Microwave 'em
Welcome to my fun video about convenience food from the 1980s. Some of it was a hit, some we liked a bit, and a lot of it was.......well, you decide!
Greatest city in the world?
I've been to quite a few, but there's something about London.
Here's my tribute to the 80s days - not as polished and branded, but maybe that's what made it special.
I've been to quite a few, but there's something about London.
Here's my tribute to the 80s days - not as polished and branded, but maybe that's what made it special.
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Greatest city in the world?
I've been to quite a few, but there's something about London.
Here's my tribute to the 80s days - not as polished and branded, but maybe that's what made it special.
I've been to quite a few, but there's something about London.
Here's my tribute to the 80s days - not as polished and branded, but maybe that's what made it special.
Are you coming?
To what?
My 80s dinner party!
But you have to be a smooth operator.
Here's what I made to entice you....
To what?
My 80s dinner party!
But you have to be a smooth operator.
Here's what I made to entice you....
November 28, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Are you coming?
To what?
My 80s dinner party!
But you have to be a smooth operator.
Here's what I made to entice you....
To what?
My 80s dinner party!
But you have to be a smooth operator.
Here's what I made to entice you....
New followers - thank you very much, even though I've not posted a lot of content lately.
So here's what I make - a bit of a break for personal reasons, but once I find my retro mojo again, they'll be more stuff like this.
Gen X marks the spot. If you were an 80s kid, this one is for you...😎
So here's what I make - a bit of a break for personal reasons, but once I find my retro mojo again, they'll be more stuff like this.
Gen X marks the spot. If you were an 80s kid, this one is for you...😎
November 28, 2025 at 9:20 PM
New followers - thank you very much, even though I've not posted a lot of content lately.
So here's what I make - a bit of a break for personal reasons, but once I find my retro mojo again, they'll be more stuff like this.
Gen X marks the spot. If you were an 80s kid, this one is for you...😎
So here's what I make - a bit of a break for personal reasons, but once I find my retro mojo again, they'll be more stuff like this.
Gen X marks the spot. If you were an 80s kid, this one is for you...😎
Kai Tak looking fine in ‘89.
Look at all those 747s, L10-11s, and DC10s - none of which are made anymore. You can almost smell the kerosene mixed in with that muggy Hong Kong heat…
Look at all those 747s, L10-11s, and DC10s - none of which are made anymore. You can almost smell the kerosene mixed in with that muggy Hong Kong heat…
November 28, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Kai Tak looking fine in ‘89.
Look at all those 747s, L10-11s, and DC10s - none of which are made anymore. You can almost smell the kerosene mixed in with that muggy Hong Kong heat…
Look at all those 747s, L10-11s, and DC10s - none of which are made anymore. You can almost smell the kerosene mixed in with that muggy Hong Kong heat…
Son made dinner tonight.
The flavours were incredible.
18 years old - what he’s learned is just incredible, and this is his own recipe.
The flavours were incredible.
18 years old - what he’s learned is just incredible, and this is his own recipe.
November 27, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Son made dinner tonight.
The flavours were incredible.
18 years old - what he’s learned is just incredible, and this is his own recipe.
The flavours were incredible.
18 years old - what he’s learned is just incredible, and this is his own recipe.
This is the problem when you move a lot. Lots of people say "wow, you've lived in some places" but there's a drawback.
I'm not "from" anywhere.
Born in Singapore, school in Sydney, then Devon, Tenby, then boring Wokingham.
Devon is the closest, but not really from a set place.
The rolling rock...
I'm not "from" anywhere.
Born in Singapore, school in Sydney, then Devon, Tenby, then boring Wokingham.
Devon is the closest, but not really from a set place.
The rolling rock...
November 27, 2025 at 12:56 PM
This is the problem when you move a lot. Lots of people say "wow, you've lived in some places" but there's a drawback.
I'm not "from" anywhere.
Born in Singapore, school in Sydney, then Devon, Tenby, then boring Wokingham.
Devon is the closest, but not really from a set place.
The rolling rock...
I'm not "from" anywhere.
Born in Singapore, school in Sydney, then Devon, Tenby, then boring Wokingham.
Devon is the closest, but not really from a set place.
The rolling rock...
So conflicted.
I didn't think life could be this dark.
I think I need to return to the UK but I don't want to leave my son. I saw the fear in his eyes when I suggested I might go back.
Graz ticks all the boxes, but there are so many memories on every corner & I find German really hard.
Clueless.
I didn't think life could be this dark.
I think I need to return to the UK but I don't want to leave my son. I saw the fear in his eyes when I suggested I might go back.
Graz ticks all the boxes, but there are so many memories on every corner & I find German really hard.
Clueless.
November 27, 2025 at 10:06 AM
So conflicted.
I didn't think life could be this dark.
I think I need to return to the UK but I don't want to leave my son. I saw the fear in his eyes when I suggested I might go back.
Graz ticks all the boxes, but there are so many memories on every corner & I find German really hard.
Clueless.
I didn't think life could be this dark.
I think I need to return to the UK but I don't want to leave my son. I saw the fear in his eyes when I suggested I might go back.
Graz ticks all the boxes, but there are so many memories on every corner & I find German really hard.
Clueless.
Two and a half years ago our son started a cooking apprenticeship. Tonight he cooked for us both and plated up. Proud doesn’t sum it up. When he left school, one of the teachers said he was making a mistake. How wrong some people can be…
April 26, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Two and a half years ago our son started a cooking apprenticeship. Tonight he cooked for us both and plated up. Proud doesn’t sum it up. When he left school, one of the teachers said he was making a mistake. How wrong some people can be…