Travel
The Candle That Never Went Out
A candle in a temple burned for centuries without extinguishing. Scholars believed it was engineered by unknown technology. Monks believed it was protected by unseen spirits. Years later, a child noticed that the candle flickered only when someone lied near it, as if the flame reacted to dishonesty. The monks concluded the candle stayed lit because truth — however small — is the most enduring fuel.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
The Cloud That Refused to Rain
A single dark cloud hovered over a drought-stricken village, trembling but refusing to break. People cursed it until they learned the truth: if it rained then, the cracked earth would shatter. So they softened the soil, and only then did the cloud let go. Sometimes restraint is the purest form of care.
By GoldenSpeech2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 17
One of the most important, yet over looked aspects of cricket is umpiring. Being an umpire is a tough and often thankless job. Spending the whole duration of play on the field, unlike me waiting around for hours before going out and snicking off or leaving one on middle for a blob, takes immense concentration. All while making split second decisions between the lulls in action and also trying to keep the peace. With every decision you can’t please everyone. For example, each appeal shout ends up in either a happy bowler and an angry batsmen or vice versa.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 16
According to the conditions and our tough schedule, we spent a fair amount of time recuperating in our bubble. For some, these periods were spent watching movies or just lounging around. I was very appreciative of the extra sleep time on those mornings and it definitely helped the body recover. Others, who were more active during their downtime, had the gym and pool to keep their heart rate going. This was also a valid past time between visiting the eateries and passing the time until we could visit room 105.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 15
I feel Pakistan is widely misunderstood in the Western world. Although the warnings of terrorism, crime and bombings were coming from the ill informed, it was still clear that security was important for this trip. Regular correspondence from the Australian Federal Police and consular staff on the ground, along with a raft of Pakistani security intelligence had as more informed than those at home on professor google. We were also fortunate, that our arrival was preceded by tours from the Nepalese Men’s and South African Women’s teams.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 14
When travelling overseas, one of the things that I get the most pleasure from is visiting local convenience stores and supermarkets. Mainly because it’s an easy introduction to local snacks, drinks and vices. Although it may be slightly materialistic and safe, beyond this, I find it an interesting window into the day-to-day life of local citizens. This fascination probably stems from my time living in Japan, where konbinis† are quite literally on every corner. To be clear, I’m talking about a world before Facebook and where every Aussie with a passport hadn’t yet “discovered” the Karaage-kun and dollar chuhais at Lawson.
By S. J. Leahy2 months ago in Chapters
Memoir | Special Agent Mia | Part VI of VI
From a young age, I was enthralled by the exhilarating exploits of special agents in movies like James Bond, Mission Impossible, and Salt. Naturally, I found myself daydreaming about stepping into the shoes of a special agent myself. Little did I know that fate would grant me the opportunity to live out this fantasy, though in an unofficial capacity.
By Mia Z. Edwards2 months ago in Chapters
Karachi Chronicles Chapter 13
Although we didn’t have a license to free roam, there were plenty of establishments in the hotel to keep us fed. Each morning, for breakfast we had the expansive Marco Polo buffet. In the evenings, there was a traditional Pakistani buffet for a local flavour. As for Eastern Asian flavours, we had Taipan yum cha and the “best restaurant in Pakistan,” Sakura Japanese. Catering to the Western palate, you had the Steakhouse or executive lounge. Room service, a café in the lobby and the Kwikimart† rounded out the plethora of options at our immediate disposal.
By S. J. Leahy3 months ago in Chapters
