Closing the Door

More than four decades ago, on the other side of the world (from where I now live), my engineer-father and … More

How to Take Leave of Your Family Home

If your life is anything like mine, it might go something like this: After a few days of crossing multiple … More

While we’re on the subject of birthdays, it’s worth remembering that I’ve had the (good?mis?) fortune of spending time in … More

White seed or black? White please, and preferably piping hot, right out of the brick oven. For any native-born and … More

Until a couple of months ago, I never knew that my late grandfather had once worked in a banana field. … More

There’s no doubt in my mind that life in Ubud comes packed with lots of pluses; chief among which is … More

One week ago today, the Canadian public (my fellow countrywomen & men) voted in a new Prime Minister. Enter Justin … More

In Indonesia, immigration is no laughing matter. Authorities take their responsibilities very seriously. In fact, some might say it’s a … More

The banjar (hamlet) where I live – Kutuh Kaja – is full of colourful characters; tattooed fathers ferrying their helmetless … More

Nearly one month ago, I traded in my tropical island life for a temporary return to life on my original … More