Graves

Where do we go when we die?

One day you’ll be reading this, and I’ll be dead! It might be this edition, fresh off the press, very unexpected; I hope not! More likely, you’ve found an old copy of Expat Life in Thailand in the magazine rack of a Starbucks in Sala Daeng. You’re there, hiding from the chaos outside! The shouting […]

April fools day

April Fools’ Day

Probably the largest non-religious festival celebrated in the western world, yet its origins are as uncertain, as whether you’ll fall victim in April this year. The earliest mention of April Fools’ Day or All Fools’ Day came in 1686 England when biographer John Aubrey described April 1st as a “Fools Holy Day.” Way before that, […]

Great expectations – Happy Christmas everyone!

I’m here today with thousands of others, no idea why, I can’t ever remember not being here! I’m trying to memorise everyone’s name, but they all look so alike! It’s incredibly crowded, everyone is talking at once, I can barely hear myself think! Food is plentiful; it’s as if they don’t want us to stop […]

wrestling

Diving Back into English Culture – The Penrith Show

After a long time away, I deal with returning to England in much the same way as I enter a cold  swimming pool. There’s no point in dipping my toes first, the whole process is agonisingly slow, and I’m afraid that one day I won’t be able to do it; such is the change in a country […]

mountain

Japan – a Flying Visit

My knowledge and impressions of this country had been painted as a child, watching World War II films and then later when transfixed by the TV series, ‘Shogun.’ Having made many Japanese friends in Bangkok, I knew that without exception, they were honourable, friendly people with a set of social standards that I respected but […]

globe

England’s Teachers Heading Overseas

The English National Curriculum is widely recognised as the gold standard for education in numerous countries distant from its shores and delivered by an increasing number of teachers who have abandoned ship for a better quality of life. Why? It’s not just the money but the dramatic change at home in, “what it means to […]

resto

Al Saray – The jewel of Sala Daeng

A combination of Lebanese and Indian food was the magnet that drew us to this gem of a restaurant in bustling Sala Daeng, and we really didn’t want to leave! An immediate sparkling welcome from the beautiful restaurant supervisor, Khun Boonruang, started what was to be one of the most pleasant lunchtimes that we’ve experienced […]

Cholesterol: are You at Risk?

Most people don’t know if they have high cholesterol, as there are no obvious symptoms. The first sign may be a heart attack! What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance made in your body, vital for the building and functioning of healthy cells. The health of your heart as you age is a cumulative process and the […]

bangkok

In Memory of my Friend, Martin

“He was a genuinely nice guy of the traditional school, loved crap jokes, loved his partner Natty, his daughter Laura, and loved life with all his heart.” Martin died at Eastbourne General Hospital in England at 5pm on 16th February 2018, his partner Natty and his daughter Laura at his side. Martin and I had often […]

Kensington International Kindergarten

Thailand’s prestigious Kensington International Kindergarten showcased ‘design and philosophy’ at this year’s 4th annual Next Generation Learning Spaces conference in Singapore. Directors, Nitiphan Phanwiroj and Varaporn Kanchanawat portrayed a passionate vision that became an outstanding reality and now a key benchmark for future schools throughout SE Asia. Filling a building with eager, happy children and […]