Seasons in Selangor

Malaysia can best be described as a country blessed with richness and diversity; be it cultural heritage, topography, religion or geography.

Yet one thing that has and will remain neutral is the jungle! Colonel Spencer F. Chapman in this book “The Jungle is Neutral” provides a moving, unforgettable memoir, which brings into vivid relief the horrors of jungle warfare during the Japan invasion of Malaya and Singapore in the 1940s, and pays tribute to the small but dedicated band of men whose superhuman efforts made a vital contribution in the struggle which led ultimately to victory over Japan in 1945.

You know how it is when something just cuts to your heart, and stays there?

The Freeset Story has powerfully stayed with me since I had the privilege of visiting this incredible community during a recent trip to Calcutta. Read on:

"Each Freeset Bag tells a story of one woman's journey to freedom. She used to stand with 6,000 other prostitues in a small but well known area of North Calcutta. She didn't choose her profession; it chose her. Poverty does that. It robs people of their dignity and children of their innocence.

Ethical consumerism, menu mania, caffeine addiction, and only this week in London news that "Cappuccino style culture threatens traditional British Breakfast". Thank goodness the HTB Cafe finishes Easter recess sometime soon!

That said, I'll be opting for the smoothies this term. It would appear that my love for coffee is rather fickle, any further than skin deep and it doesn't do a great deal for me. So having consumed my final fair sized cup of The Bean just over a week ago, I'm doing well and am delighted to report that I've not resorted "back" to the traditional British Breakfast!