Are you okay?’ A softness of kind mumsiness enters my space. I had wondered how I’d react when the plane took off, whether I’d feel elated, or tearful, or numb.
Fasten your seatbelts. Things are about to get comfortable. Read More »
After a lunch of dumplings and turnip cake, we pick up some kelp stock and bat-ear mushrooms for dinner. Aye. T’aint Kirkby
It wouldn’t happen in Kirkby Read More »
If like us you are a bit geeky sometimes, Taiwan is a great place to be. You can buy all the latest electronic toys as well as bigger gadgets, many of which are not sold elsewhere.
How a murder in Taiwan led to the crackdown by Chinese authorities in Hong Kong
The murder that changed the world Read More »
When we explained to a Taiwanese friend that small towns in the UK and Europe don’t have 7-11 convenience stores, she was shocked. “How do people eat?”, she asked.
Redefining convenience Read More »
Arriving somewhere new, it’s normal to find many things that are unfamiliar. But some are totally incomprehensible. Dogs on scooters and dish driers, for example.
Non – ce n’est pas un dish cloth Read More »
We feel an earthquake every week or so. Then there’s the typhoons, the volcanoes and the rain.
Swirling, soaking, shuddering and smoking Read More »
After the church bells of Switzerland, the first sound we noticed in Taiwan was the pleasing and lyrical chime that announces the arrival of the garbage truck each evening.
The sounds of Taiwan Read More »
To mark the start of The Hungry Ghost Month, a tale about a visit to a temple to banish a troublesome ghost.
Banishing a troublesome spirit Read More »
When I reached the client’s office all my dignity was gone. Dripping from head to bare-feet, the receptionist hurried forward saying ‘you can’t come in here!’
What (not) to wear in tropical weather Read More »
It took us a long time to work out why shop assistants always looked at us like we were crazy.
You won how much for doing what now? Read More »
Why would any society make high quality, delicious food for some people, and low quality, not-delicious food for others?
What does gourmet mean? Read More »
