Cafetalk Tutor's Column

Lost

I was in a group of 10, on a summer's day hike in the Himalayas. Only a day earlier, we were at the...

Coffee Power

Whenever I start the morning with a steaming mug of coffee, I notice a gradual change in my mood. I...

Just Me

Have a think about what's wrong with the following sentences:           1. "Sorry to disturb you, I...

It's a Scorcher

The mercury level has been hovering around 35 ͦ C during the hottest hours in Kuala Lumpur. It's al...

Cycling Solo

I would like to recommend two things. 1. Go on a cycling holiday. 2. Go solo. A few years back, I d...

Seize the Day

Back in the student heydays, my battle-cry was "Seize the day!" This was when nothing was impossibl...

Curtain Call for Book Depository

Many of you may have received this notification from Book Depository (see image). I wonder if like ...

Loving Masala Chai

I had my first sip of masala chai in India. Specifically, I was exploring the streets of Manali, a ...

The Word I Hear most often in Cantonese

The word I hear spoken most often in Cantonese, my native tongue, is probably 'eat'. Actually, that...

Celebrations in Malaysia this Week

This week in Malaysia, three religious occasions are being observed. It's the second week of fastin...

A Hobby that makes me go .. Arrghh

I write short stories. At least, I try. And I'd say it only to strangers. Few friends know of my ho...

To Know a Word

What does it mean to know a word? Allowing the arrival of the new season to set the context, let's ...

Book Rebellion

Initially, I was thrilled with the task of naming my favourite book. Surely, that would be the tale...

The Drop

"Hang around the Drop. There's plenty to see. But, touch nothing**," the dive master said. Donning ...

Starry, Starry Night

First, I must confess to being an uncultured dummy as far as art is concerned. I walked into a Vinc...

My Urban Garden

I'm not sure why I like gardening. It's a lot of hard work. But there I am, squatting among the pot...