Sue Pickford Cheung

The swim spot I jump into after a run from Corfu Old Town, with Albania in the distance.

It’s the last week of my 3 month sabbatical (sob) and it’s been everything I’d dreamed of. Each of the four places I stayed at in Bali were unique in their own way, but the standout for me has got to be Nusa Lembongan island. I scuba dived there twice a day for a week and the sea life was some of the most abundant I’ve seen in ages, like being in a snow globe of glitter on some sites!

Bali is predominantly Hindu and has the gentlest, most peaceful people I’ve ever met – I was always surrounded by smiles. Yoga is popular there, so it was fun trying out all the different types. A major win was that I got taught how to headstand properly!

Corfu has been home for the last month – different island, just as sunny. And the people and food are fantastic here too. I wanted a Durrell-esque experience: mingling with locals, buying fresh bread and olives from the market, reading, painting and immersing myself in nature – the sea is crystal clear so I’ve been swimming almost every day.

Back to reality soon. I’ve got a to-do list ready, mostly promotional stuff in preparation for the release of my debut YA book ‘Chinglish’, in September. In the meantime, I’m getting as much sun and sea in the bank as possible (I’ve heard it’s been chucking it down back in the UK, so think I’ll be needing it!).