Exploring Myanmar’s activism
During our informal introductions at the Yangon School of Political Science, a 26-year-old student began by saying: “I guess I’m lucky, reintegrating into the community after my prison sentence ended…
Isle of delight, or pile of shite?
On discovering that I was from the Isle of Wight, an unnamed friend at Oxford once exclaimed, in a rather untactful manner, “I didn’t know that people lived there. I…
Russia: Where’s the last century gone?
I was skeptical about going to Russia, to say the least. To me, Russia is the place where individual freedoms are oppressed, the government is corrupt and gay people are beaten up…
The Magic of Blenheim
Welcome to Blenheim Palace. The gold letters on the gates shine in the pale afternoon sun as I walk by. There’s a field to my right, sheaves of wheat…
Zen and the Art of Hitchhiking
Following the recent Hurricane Sandy, which left millions without electricity, food and shelter. Americans all along the East Coast, previously renowned for their urban lives of mutual suspicion, embraced the…
Hong Kong’s 2012: A Year of Fear
Towards the end of the year, it is appropriate to look back and remind ourselves of the important events and emerging trends of the past 12 months. The news this…
A postcard from Italy
While the more youthful among you were frantically grappling with the ins and outs of Oxford ‘culture’ (hopefully becoming less and less bewildered every day by regular references to Bridge,…
Discovering India through food
When walking down a typical high street in Britain, it is inevitable you will eventually come to pass by an Indian Restaurant. After frequently visiting such establishments on many a…
