Tensions had been simmering for years, but the breaking point came when Dad climbed out of the hotel bath and was slapped in the face by a pair of wet underpants. “My God,” he shouted as he swotted them from the shower rail, “Just send the bloody things to the laundry. It’s only 10 cents!” … More My Asian Mum & Washing
This is a piece I entered into a competition in 2018. It didn’t get chosen but I had a lot of fun writing it, so here it is… Tibet. I urged the little grey pony into a canter. Left hand gripping my Mongolian bow, right hand on the reins, ready. My hand flew back to … More Quivering with Determination
We were on the bullet train speeding through Chinese countryside, getting glimpses of vastly changing landscapes. It was my birthday weekend and Lucas had planned a weekend getaway to surprise me. While I dozed, nibbled on snacks and peered out the window, I could feel Lucas getting more and more tense. Every couple of minutes … More A Whirlwind Tour of Guilin
As an accountant, a debt collector and, most importantly, an Asian, saving money is always on my mum’s mind. Saving money and getting the best possible deal is an everyday job, but this goal turns into an obsession whenever we go on holiday. No matter what job she is given – hotels, taxis or food … More My Asian Mum & Saving Money (Holiday Edition)
“Kaklong, listen to me when I am talking to you!” I looked straight at the webcam, and nodded, waiting for her to continue. “So these are all my rules for you: No sleeping in the same room No kissing No hugging No holding hands No sitting next to each other No eye contact Non negotiable. … More My Asian Mum & Boyfriends
July 2017 – Jogjakarta, Indonesia An overly-cheerful, intensely irritating, chorus of operatic “Good mornings” filled the room. I opened one eye, and fumbled around for my phone. 3:15AM. Why on earth had I suggested this? No, not just suggested it, campaigned for it. I cursed myself, turned off the alarm and rolled out of bed. … More A One-Stop Guide to Jogjakarta
I was diagnosed with developmental hip dysplasia just as I was about to go to university. While I was there, I ignored it. If you pretend it’s not there, it’s not happening, right? But it was, and it was getting worse. I wrote a few blog posts on my hip journey, you can check them … More The Two Stolen Years
May 2017, Shei-Pa National Park, Taichung, Taiwan We arrived at the start of the trail and we were met with several large warning signs. Landslides, bees, snakes and…bears. This was supposed to be just a casual stroll in the woods! Katie and I swapped alarmed glances. Filled with trepidation we took a deep breath, girded … More A Bear-y Scary Walk in the Woods – Taiwan Cloud Mountain 2017
May 2017, Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan. Thick steam rose from the hot spring pool in the centre of the room, but it was chilly out here at the entrance, where Katie and I were nervously dithering. Before entering, we were supposed to strip naked, hang up our swimmers, then walk across the room to the … More Tits Out For The Girls – Taiwan Hot Springs 2017
It’s the 30th of January and with only one New Year’s resolution – to write at least 1 blogpost a month – time was fast running out on avoiding total failure. So here I am, in London, 2 and a half weeks after my second hip operation, effectively housebound, very belatedly looking back at 2017 … More A Wrap on 2017 Adventures
Musings and Wanderlust 