There are surprises still to be had.

Red in the evening air, floating like breathing, fine like the fairy wings of dragonflies. And the scent of the sea on the breeze. And the city in lights across Marina Bay.

On Keong Siak Road, in a white hotel with a curving staircase, green-gold tiles just bigger than my thumbnail, and mirrors unto mirrors like a dream.

Lotus-flower candles and a makeshift altar on terracotta tiles.

A lychee Bellini in a chocolate booth.

Here, I have been living unawares.