Since I have moved to Brunei, the one thing that I can say is completely new in my life is boxing. Boxing all the way. I have learned to channel my boredom and restlessness into a high impact burst of energy sport brawling it out every Tuesday and Thursday in Omar’s gym in the cute and quaint little town of Kuala Belait, Brunei.

Not so cute: 15 minutes into training I am always out of air. Punching takes the life out of you. Every day it is a challenge to get through the hour with an empty windsack. Boxing really teaches you to ignore the coldness of your aching shoulders, the soreness of your overstretched arms, and the piercing pain shot from the arc of your feet to the circle of your hips as you stretch to get that extra inch. You’re tired? Ding, there goes the bell after 30 seconds of rest. Now get up and kick some ass. Thrilling sensation.