I’m a consumer. I consume the news, the views, the Fake stuff, the praying for you’s, the foibles of democracy, hypocrisy, tragedy. I consume Netflix, binge drinks, hollow chick flicks, Japanese pop. lit. with rave reviews. I consume the property owner dreams, the ageing Queen, the has-beens and the gossip of those I’ve never seen….
The Serpent
A serpent lies dormant in my chest It wraps itself around my ribs, sleeping. When I think of all my failings It slips down, landing heavily on my gut Squashing my diaphragm Redirecting the blood away from my head. Its tail flickers dangerously up my throat The death rattle by my tonsils I am afraid…
MIA
As I peed unceremoniously into a transparent plastic pot, I wondered how this process has been overlooked in the medical revolution. After thoroughly washing my hands, I tentatively clutched my warm gift as I surreptitiously walked back through the waiting room. I bee-lined towards the small window, and deposited my pot. I wondered if I…
The Inseparability of Twins
Twins are not that rare a phenomenon, with 8-16 pairs of twins per 1,000 pregnancies in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Of these, around a quarter are a subset called mirror twins. There is a simple Thai phrase which sums up my experience as an identical mirror twin, ‘Same, same but different.’ Here are my…
Goodbye Grandad
We’ll miss your twinkly eyes and trademark floppy hair. Your inevitable snooze after lunch. The work ethic that meant you conveniently forgot about being retired. The impressive community spirit that you built with Barbrooks store and your sporting endeavours. Reydon is going to miss you immensely. The meticulous way you arranged the fruit and veg….
Teaching English – one month in
I’ve completed my first four weeks teaching English here in Singapore. I’m enjoying the job, and mostly teaching Kindergartners (aged 4-5) their phonics to enable them to read, along with expanding their vocabulary. However, I have some older groups up to Primary 3 level (8-9 years) which focus on comprehension and honing productive speaking and…
Searching for elusive birds of paradise
As we entered the MacRitchie reservoir park, we couldn’t help but notice the signs warning us about the resident macaque monkeys: ‘Do not feed, do not carry plastic bags, do not make eye contact, avoid wearing sunglasses.’ We began walking around the large reservoir and spotted small sunbathing terrapins sat near the sludgy shallows. They…
Lah Lah Land – Singlish in Singapore
One month ago, I flew to Singapore. I had resigned from a good job in London to come teach English, having no real experience of teaching beforehand and only a TEFL certificate and English Literature degree to back me up. I was one of seven new teachers undergoing training, and it seemed that this was…
5 things travelling has taught me about me
1. I’m grumpy when I’m hot. Living in a frying pan for six months can turn you into a raging Hulk at the smallest things: “No thanks, I don’t smoke. No I don’t want to buy your cigarettes as I’m not a smoker. No I don’t want to buy your cigars either. I’m sure they’re…
Ferns and forest 