I am the only white person on the flight to Nepal. I am pleased to be outside of my familiar environment.

We admire breathtaking views of the mountains flying across Tibet from China.

I took a selfie at Chengdu Airport in China to capture the moment of embarking on something new.

The in-flight program includes a series of pressure point massages to boost mood after the long flight. Everyone on the plane does them at the same time. I find this use of Chinese acupressure impressive and noteworthy.

I thought of going to Nepal at the same time as dad without telling him and surprising him. I got one of my brothers to subtly ask what hotel he’s staying at, and just say it’s so there’s a point of contact if needed.

I went straight there from the airport. The hotel staff said he’d just gone out for the afternoon, so I asked for their help to call me when he returned. They were in.

I had just unpacked when they rang, and they kept it a secret. I had booked a place nearby and walked over. He was in the room so was completely unsuspecting when I knocked. He was definitely surprised!

The only downside was waking him up from a nap, leaving him confused for the first couple of seconds after opening the door.

Striving for eternity

Spectral Classes of Fixed Stars was published by the German Central Pedagogical Institute (DPZI). It’s hung on the hallway at my apartment and I’ve passed it a thousand times. My friend suggested I meet the authors, which sounded like a worthwhile idea, but I’m not going to have any luck tracking them down.

Directly affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, the DPZI was the central non-university research institution in the field of education and schools in the East Germany from 1949 to 1970. The institute was meant to become less scientific, but politically effective, by turning the “democratic school” into a more useful strength for socialist society.

My Own Private Idaho speaks to ‘being normal’ by juxtaposition. I identify with Mike’s unrequited love, failures, disillusionment and misfortune. The one thing dear, friendship, eventually jettisoned by a twist of social circumstance. Mike’s is life a microcosm of what is inevitable one way or another for everyone, intensified at the boundaries of what one human could bear, sharpening the question if 'normal’ is ever a reality for anyone.

The visceral but stylised tone of this movie made it one of my favourites.

at once broaching time and distance

Maker bench and tool rack from recycled materials. Door and plastic packing crates from hard rubbish, joined with bolts. Lamp from green shed.

Tools: drill.

Price: $3. Effort: 3 hours.

Tin man costume from basic tools and materials.

Hat: plastic funnel, cleaning sponge cut to shape and layered for padding then glued in, old necklace (with hinge clasp) for chin strap attached with zip ties.

Hat deco: silver spray paint, old nuts attached with screws.

Bling: xl nuts, washers, steel chain segments joined with zip ties.

Tools: hot melt glue gun, screwdriver, wire cutters.

Price: $19. Effort: 4+ hours.

Fabric panels on ergonomic keyboard. Disassemble cover with screwdriver, cut upholstery fabric to shape of panels, spots of glue to hold in place while reassembling keyboard, cut grooves into plastic if needed.