Greetings from a peaceful woodland near the River Thames west of London

"If I'd had my microphone with me, you'd hear the bright coloratura of willow warblers and chiffchaffs, the resonant mezzo counterpoint of blackbirds, the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze and the odd jumbo coming in to land at Heathrow the sounds of the Thames valley and the reassuringly familiar soundtrack to my childhood summer afternoons, minus the roar of Concorde jets."

"It is also a burial ground, where interred ashes fertilize the soil in which young oak and beech trees grow. Sitting at this bench, I have been contemplating where home is after years of living overseas a question that many international reporters ask themselves after a beat or two. The answer is rarely short, but it strikes me how being able to return to see family is the privilege of peace, even once they've passed."

The Thames Valley woodland is alive with willow warblers, chiffchaffs, blackbirds, rustling leaves and occasional jumbos landing at Heathrow, evoking a childhood summer soundtrack without Concorde's roar. The mature woodland also serves as a burial ground where interred ashes fertilize soil for young oak and beech trees. Sitting at a bench there prompts contemplation of where home is after years living overseas and emphasizes that returning to see family is a privilege of peace, even once they have passed. Reporters covering war witness horrors that deprive families of proper mourning, which deepens gratitude for dignity in farewell. Photographs include scenes from Guhagar, the Negev, Dubai airport, Paris, Gujarat, Khartoum and Moscow.

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