Welcome to Vietnam, my home for over two decades. As a writer and illustrator, I’m endlessly inspired by Southeast Asia and intrigued by the cultural contrasts brought into focus by my life as an expat.
‘Tis the season
I unpacked our old fake Christmas tree and found this 1-meter-plus-long snakeskin inside the box, which was stored in a cupboard directly behind my work desk. Can’t help but wonder…
Welcome to McVs
They won the war but... It's hard to think of a more Capitalist symbol than the golden arches, now found beside Saigon's iconic Post Office in District 1. Gold star on…
Smells like teen spirit?
Since Vietnam's baby-wipes market is covered, this enterprising company decided to branch out to the next (obvious?) market ...
Bad drivers
On a recent visit to Vietnam, football star David Beckham snapped a photo of a bareheaded woman trying to snap a shot of him while driving a scooter with a…
Hanging out
This may be the best-ever use of a goal post. I saw it on An Bang Beach, near Hoi An, Central Vietnam
Good morning, Hoi An
It's official! After years of dreaming, months of dithering and some frantic weeks of giving stuff away and packing, we have moved! Goodbye Saigon and hello Hoi An, or more specifically…
Read all about it!
If you love smart crime fiction, mysteries and suspense - and are looking for more stories set in Asia, here's the link to my new publisher's newsletter. New subscribers will…
Saigon’s book street
Nguyen Van Binh, a little street that runs along one side of Saigon's Central Post Office in District 1, has been transformed into "book street". The street is lined with…
