Lion City Shiok!

About the book

What happens when a typical Western foreigner suddenly finds himself moving to Southeast Asia? Can he cope with the changes, can he survive in this new world? Does he get into trouble? (Yes). Does he fit in? (Not particularly). What is culture shock like? (Crazy).

Lion City Shiok! takes readers on a humorous journey through the life, society and politics of Singapore, the Lion City. Read how the hapless foreigner stumbles into trouble, makes a fool of himself (and not just once), and provides unwitting entertainment for those around him. Experience the politics and news of the "little red dot" island paradise of Singapore through the eyes of our adventurer: laugh when he laughs, laugh when he cries. You won't want to put the book down. Shiok is a Singlish word which roughly translates as 'very good', so enjoy (and pick up some more Singlish along the way, lah)!

About the author

Having written more than 200 articles, starred on TV (he was prominently visible as a centimetre high blurry pink blob in the background for about a microsecond), contributed to 7 book collections and authored 2 books – none of which were remotely funny – the author has decided to try his hand at humour. This experience, combined with his "encyclopaedic" knowledge of Singapore, resulted in his newest bestseller Lion City Shiok! which is flying off shelves right now...

The author is married with two children, and is currently located either in Singapore, New Zealand or Anhui, China. He likes Lavazza coffee, Subaru cars, wears Doc Martens and rides a Brompton bicycle to work every day.

His previous books were published by Cambridge University Press and McGraw-Hill.

152 pages
ISBN 978-0-473-26733-9

Sample readings from the book

On relatives:  The kitchen was a war zone. A vile stench rose from the black bubbling broth on the cooker, and splashes on the tiles and surround were crusted pats of dark brown. The organs, head and feet of what was once a chicken were casually arrayed around the sink, and the knife – probably uncleaned—was embedded in a half cut fresh watermelon. A thick sheaf of leafy vegetables was propped upright behind the taps while a bunch of what looked like brown twigs hung down from the handle of a top-level cupboard. Trying casually to breath through my mouth and avoid contact with any of the kitchen surfaces I greeted my Mother-in-Law who had arrived while I was at work.

On hot and spicy food: My plastic spoon began to melt as I slid it into the red, smoking liquid in my orange plastic bowl. Tensing, I raised it, full, to my lips and slurped up an experimental taster. Instantly my mouth was on fire and my eyes began to flood with tears. I hastily swallowed the noxious fluid and felt it burn its way along every inch of my gullet down into my stomach.

On parking spaces: Indicating and pulling over behind them I waited for the ritual. First the husband got in while the wife wrestled the brats into the back, and the maids piled the bags into the boot. Then the husband got out again in time to assist a maid into the rear of the car and strap the brats in I suppose. Finally the husband and wife both sat down in the front seats, but as he entered I saw the husband glance around and catch sight of us waiting. The slight gleam in his eye and hint of a smile reflected the position of power he now occupied: he had a space and we didn't – and we wanted his space but had to wait for him...

On money: Singapore is known to be a rich country – in fact one of the worlds richest in per-capita terms. This is despite Singapore having no natural resources of its own. All that money comes from dedication and hard work, and from cleverly-constructed government policy. The question on my mind though, is where does all that money go?