One of the most joyous things about coming to live in this beautiful country has been a reconnection with, and reappreciation of, the most simple things in life. All part of a fundamental reassessment of what I want, what I need and what makes me happy.

This morning my heart skipped a beat as I drew up the blinds to allow the clear, bright morning sunshine to flood the room and glimpsed the Indian Ocean flashing blue and white below me through the vibrant green of the jungle fringe.

Opening the windows my senses were overwhelmed.  The cool caress of the gentle breeze on my body. The scent of the sea and the aftermath of the early morning monsoon rain in the air. The sounds of the rhythmic crashing of the waves, the urgent chatter of the monkeys and the snatches of lyrical birdsong.

That moment was worth more to me than a whole truckload of expensive handbags.