Stranded: Life in the Time of Corona

The lockdown diaries



A collection of ‘Stranded in Auckland’ and’ Life Under Quarantine’ stories published in Malay Mail, and earlier escapades. Ordinary people navigating extraordinary times … together.


Antipodean Escapades

Our adventures in New Zealand before the Level 4 lockdown stranded us.

// The Coromandel: Cathedral Cove

// Rotorua: The spectacular journey of our lives

// Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Stones and mirrors

// Wellington: The wisdom of summer sweetcorn

// Curio Bay: The Trojan’s dolphins

For more stories, read here.


Stranded in Auckland

Flights are cancelled. Countries close their borders and go into lockdown in face of the Covid-19 pandemic. How do you get home?

Part 1. Last meal before lockdown

Part 2. Stranded in Auckland

Part 3. A race against time

Part 4. The kindness of strangers

Part 5. Reaching out


Life Under Quarantine

You’re back to your homeland but you’re not quite home yet. First, there is the quarantine…

Part 1. Returning to tanahair

Part 2. A day in the life…

Part 3. The day after quarantine


Weekend Kitchen: Lockdown Edition

Taking the time to cook and feed yourself and those in your lockdown bubble.

Part 1. The joys of baking… during a lockdown

Part 2. Make your own pizzas to chase away those #StayAtHome blues

Part 3. When your friend sends you care package brownies… ask for the recipe!

Part 4. The secret to poached egg and toast is… spinach!