Today is my one year anniversary of living in Singapore. A tropical island state just a stone’s throw from the equator.

The average daily temperature is 32 degrees, and humidity ranges somewhere between 80-100%. It’s hot every day, often unbearably so. As a result most Singaporean’s go to great lengths to avoid the sun’s evil rays, carrying parasols, walking on the shaded side of the street and using underground walkways wherever possible when they have to brave the great outdoors. I join them in such sun-dodging steps when out and about, but I’ve always enjoyed the odd hour or two soaking up some rays by the pool when I get the chance.

Having been here for a year, you’d think I would have gotten to grips with the heat and the blazing sun. But no. After a few days of rain, I woke up today to see the sun was gleaming in the sky and decided I was long overdue some pool time (the last two month of working life have had serious repurcussions on my previously bronzed skin). Feeling a bit pasty I donned my skimpiest of bikinis and headed down to the pool with my book. There was a wonderfully rare cool breeze blowing through the palm trees making it feel cooler than normal and I carelessly didn’t slather on the sun lotion as soon as I sat down. I’ll half blame my book which was completely engrossing and I never got to that point where I was willing to put it down and reach for the ambre solaire. When I did, it was evidently too late. Several lazy hours later I headed back to my condo to jump in the shower and was shocked at the red and white stripy mess facing me in the bathroom mirror. My face was a beetroot red shade with terrible white panda eyes courtsey of my new sunnies. Despite lashings of aftersun, the redness has continued to brighten in hue and I am veritably glowing in the dark.

I now need to rifle through my wardrobe and find something body-covering yet cool to wear to work tomorrow. God knows how I’ll be able to sort my lobster-like face out. I’m literally going to have to use my concealer as foundation!

Let’s hope it’s a lesson learned and I don’t get too much ribbing at the office tomorrow!