The West End Hotel is a 1948 Art Deco masterpiece in Mumbai. It’s an institution. Some workers have been there for over 30 years. I interviewed them, and even got a private tour around the whole hotel! Here they are: FrancisYears at West End: 16Favourite thing about West End: good hours and he gets to…Continue Reading 6 lessons from the West End Hotel
Please Remove your Shoes
I have been reflecting on some of my childhood memories, particularly ones when I was a bit of a headache for Mum and Dad. There were countless times when, Mum especially, would have to tell me to stop picking different things off the ground from the pavement. “You don’t know where it’s been”, was a…Continue Reading Please Remove your Shoes
A Taste of India
My first week in India!…Continue Reading A Taste of India
Busy, Busy, Busy
I’m writing this having just spent a week in isolation after catching Covid. Obviously, this was not ideal, but I have to admit that having an excuse to rest for a week was quite nice. Before coming to Korea, I spent a lot of time by myself, and although I love keeping busy, it can…Continue Reading Busy, Busy, Busy
Week Two and Three Adventures
Introduction Hello and welcome to my blog for week two and three in Bangkok. There is never a dull day in Thailand when there is so much to experience, with a range of activities to keep you entertained when you get some time away from work. These last two weeks have been full on to…Continue Reading Week Two and Three Adventures
Taiwan: Week two
Monday 19 December–Sunday 25 December Studying December is a time full of study and work for the Taiwanese before the arrival of the Spring Festival in mid-January. So, we naturally spent much time behind our desks in class and the library. NCKU’s library is impressive and provides a calm space to focus on homework. As…Continue Reading Taiwan: Week two
Deal or No Deal: Cash is King and QR Codes are too
When in Bangkok, do as the Bangkokians do. Except…when you can’t. One of the most painful, or dare I say, excruciating problems while in Thailand, is the reliance on cash as a form of payment. New Zealand is still very much behind when it comes to curating digital payment processes, and this is constantly clear…Continue Reading Deal or No Deal: Cash is King and QR Codes are too
ภูเขา: a reflection on life in Bangkok
If I were to describe my first couple of weeks in Thailand thus far, I would say the experience is like a ภูเขา (P̣hūk̄heā). A mountain with many beauties, triumphs, and despair. Tramping has always been an emotional activity. With no final destination in sight yet still having to push through, going up a mountain…Continue Reading ภูเขา: a reflection on life in Bangkok
Moments in time in Mumbai
Kia ata haere mā te wā…Continue Reading Moments in time in Mumbai