Notes from Singapore on illness, memory, and how we construct reality

Last week, I had the privilege of witnessing a truly historic moment: the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost to Pope Leo XIV. The announcement came as a surprise to many (an American?!), and quickly turned into a celebration. I played only a small role in CNN’s coverage of the papal conclave, but what a thrill to be there in person. That first Sunday of his papacy, St.

Last week, we had a blackout. Not just a blown fuse—this was the real thing. No lights, no wifi, no way to communicate. So, I popped out onto my balcony to find out more. My neighbors were all leaning over their railings, passing information faster than a telegram service. The auntie downstairs shouted up to the mom of three upstairs, who then told me it wasn’t just my house, my building, or even the neighborhood.

Watching the fires engulf Los Angeles, I’ve been reflecting on natural disasters, preparedness, and how often we fail to heed warnings. I posted this on LinkedIn. This piece draws on my experience covering the 2004 South Asian tsunami in Aceh and the devastating floods that struck Valencia last year.

A few days in Berlin for a gentle reset. Which may sound surprising given the ferocious use of fireworks by Berliners on New Year’s Eve. I arrived on the big night. Passengers on the U-bahn boarded with wooden sticks of fireworks jutting up out of their backpacks, grinning and jostling each other in anticipation. Later, safely ensconced in a friend’s warm apartment, I watched these incendiaries bloom across the city, reaching a frenzied crescendo at midnight to the glorious strains of the Blue Danube Waltz, thanks to my friend’s excellent stereo system.

Fiction Kitchen Berlin · Episode

Spanish culture is known for its late nights. Now there are calls to reform a “crazy” lifestyle seen by some as an unhealthy use of time.

It’s one of Spain’s sunniest cities, thanks to its Med location. Now, Valencia can also claim to be the most sustainable after winning the Green Capital of Europe title.

Homer finds out that Indonesia is at a crossroads.

Why Prabowo would find it hard to rule as an authoritarian.

The celebration of the act of casting a vote has particular resonance in Indonesia, which until a few decades ago was a brutal dictatorship.