I enjoy putting my feet through torture. Callouses, blisters, rubbed heels and broken toe nails flourish as ruthlessly I subject them to stilettos, sandals, boots, flip-flops, courts and of course the ubiquitous trainer. Today the foot world seems dominated by sneakers. Any parent of a sport obsessed teenager will understand…

Water on a hot dusty plain….is a scent Nadhim Zahawi (one of the UK’s top politicians who emigrated from Iraq as a child) says is truly evocative for him. I can empathise. The thought of it nudges deeply sunken memories from my childhood in India, when I used to swim…

It started one year when we went to Puglia in Italy. I remember relaxing on an off the beaten track beach watching the locals attempt to capture Octopus. Incredibly some did. They spent many minutes bashing the Octopus on the surrounding rocks before eating them raw. I was totally bemused…

‘Best to keep quiet mum, it’s not worth the agro’ says Cost centre 2 explaining to me that debate on some sensitive topics at school in formal or social settings can be a fallacy. This is the setting my children are growing up in and he is not alone. …

In my frivolous or depressed with the world moments (diva’s have such extreme feelings), I ponder a solitary life. Away from society and the rules of others; living as I choose (in some sort of luxury obviously) with no requirement to fit in, watch what I say or tip toe…

Despite the modern day emergence of democracy and meritocracy, nepotism is still heavily at work across the globe. We have seen quite starkly throughout history how family elders have dispensed influence and position on relatives to maintain pedigree in order to perpetuate the success of the family and its descendants…

I have a love hate relationship with mathematics sharply evident being married to a mathematician. I find the subject fascinating — the logic and the simple joy when answers click. But mathematics makes my brain ache. …

I’ve been thinking lately about my surroundings and where I choose to be because life seems so hectic no matter how much you discard of the periphery. I would meander that I am drawn to the sea because the wealth of sensations abound. Ricocheting through my mind and body as…

Although I recognise it is an extravagance, having flowers in my home bestows a sense of calmness and gentle delight (somehow it’s even sweeter when the flowers are bought especially for you — husband hint hint!) The effect is somewhat surprising but I surmise looking at any beautiful object scintillates…