The Boa

Westlake was one of those ideal suburbs the average person who hasn’t lived in the tropics can only dream of as they flick through slick brochures promoting vacations where snows never fall, and you are only minutes away from some exotic scene reminding one of their good fortune living in a tropical paradise. On a short walk from Westlake through overhanging jungle one is suddenly … Continue reading The Boa

The Adventures of Tipu

Tipu looked out from the enclosure he occupied with Bertha and cried out in anger. The girls had emerged for their morning duties looking after needs of their zoo before catching the bus for a day at school. Tipu didn’t mind their first round of activities checking on water and food for their chickens. The chicks were being raised to sell. It was part of … Continue reading The Adventures of Tipu

Ah Cy

Ah Cy shuffled her way forward as the bus pulled in to discharge and receive passengers. She was running behind schedule as she boarded the bus and glanced at her old watch. Stopped again! She must ask her son to get her a new one at a shop near Lucky Plaza where the wall of garments for sale cleverly concealed an inner room where a … Continue reading Ah Cy

The Maid Diaspora

Maria stood looking over the harbour at constant traffic on ocean passage between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon on the mainland. It all looked vibrant and exciting and she never tired of the sight. She loved the freedom of her release from duties with a Chinese household up at the Peak for these few brief hours away from constant toil each week. It was a … Continue reading The Maid Diaspora

Jungle Pilot

“On this trip we check out a jungle strip not used for some time to see if we can revive it!” Leon was a bush pilot who’d flown in and out of jungle strips since getting his clearance to fly. I’d just completed an assessment of the air service we’d been funding from Singapore having spent several days orienting to this air service and its … Continue reading Jungle Pilot

West Meets East – Chapter 3

An Acceptable Compromise Next day Bill was marched to the office again. He stood to attention and saluted. Then waited patiently for the officer to speak. His commanding officer continued to stare at the papers on his desk, then looked up and smiled. “There’s a possibility information supplied to me is not accurate. I’m not sure of that so I’ve decided to give you the … Continue reading West Meets East – Chapter 3

West Meets East – Chapter 2

Challenging the Norm Mahaveer was nonplussed when negotiations would proceed directly with Bill Higgins rather than a go between and almost decided to back out on his commitment, but Manoj deftly steered his father through his concerns. To Mahaveer’s surprise no dowry was asked, Manoj had greedily convinced Bill that in an inter-racial situation that would not be necessary. Bill on the other hand was … Continue reading West Meets East – Chapter 2

West Meets East – Chapter 1

Bride for the Sahib Mahaveer sat thinking over his latest misfortune. It had all started years before when he decided to take a second wife. His first wife Shakuntala had grown sick after producing a son and never fully recovered to take her place as the one to keep home going while Mahaveer attended to business. He was very fond of Shaku. He was from … Continue reading West Meets East – Chapter 1

Wallum Discovery – Chapter 2

Mai The girl continued to study him as they walked the distance along the beach until they reached camp. James felt uncomfortable under that inspection and was guarded in his conversation. It looked like his time at this beach was not going to be as productive as he’d hoped if the family knew where he was and came to visit. “My name is Mai,” said … Continue reading Wallum Discovery – Chapter 2

Wallum Discovery – Chapter 1

Footsteps It was in that little sandy cove far removed from the usual hustle and bustle of tourist traps an hour drive from there he met her. On a whim, he’d decided to take his four-wheel drive along a sand track that seemed to go on and on. There were signs others had tried it before but had soon tired of the seemingly endless track … Continue reading Wallum Discovery – Chapter 1