Reactions were mixed when we mentioned our planned move to Malaysia. From incredulity: ‘you’re mad!’ ‘why?!’  to interest – ‘how exciting!’. One friend said ‘I would ask why, but I know the answer would be, why not’. We were sent introductions to friends of friends, and practical  information including a list of 4 important websites (Low Yat Plaza, motherhash.com, Coliseum 1921, tips on identifying the most poisonous Malaysian snakes). And my lovely hairdresser in Oxford, knowing we were leaving, cut my hair extra short. ‘To last’, as she said. ‘But not for 2 years’ I muttered to myself, regretfully, ungraciously….