Opinion
Real life
I don’t own a puffer jacket or drink coffee. But this is how I know I’m a legit Melburnian
When guys on Hinge or Bumble asked me who I barrack for, I was stumped. When pressed to decide, I left the apps instead.
- by Maida Pineda
Latest
Opinion
Religion
Why no one goes to church anymore
Attending mass in Australia is proving to be a challenging experience for one believer.
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Pets
Whether you’re a pet owner or fur parent, puppy love is real
Having someone call me a “fur mum” made me uncomfortable. Should I just embrace it?
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Friendship
Most of my life my friends were much older than me. Now it has flipped
While expertise, wisdom and experience come with age, I recently learnt that younger people have much to teach me.
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Food
What do I eat when no one else is watching? Two-minute Mi Goreng
I’ve been a food and travel writer for 25 years but that doesn’t mean I eat caviar and foie gras for every meal.
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Weather
Puffer, thermals, layers, stew: How a girl from the tropics learned to survive Melbourne winter
I come from a place where it’s usually a balmy 26 degrees. As the freezing weather hits, staying warm (and upbeat) in Melbourne takes a little getting used to.
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Coffee
I’ve gone cold turkey on caffeine, and this is how I’m surviving in Melbourne
I had to give up coffee due to anxiety, but I soon discovered the next best thing.
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Ageing
A young man called me ‘auntie’. It was a mark of respect, but I was taken aback
Where I come from, ‘auntie’ is a term for an older woman. While I respect this age category, I didn’t realise that I belonged in it already.
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
City life
I’ve only been to Chadstone once – I’ve found my bliss away from malls
I’ve lived in other countries where the concrete confines of shopping malls dominates. In Australia, we are lucky we get to embrace nature every day.
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Renting
Soaring rents and limited leases make for tenant anxiety
The return of international students and people moving back to Melbourne’s CBD means there is growth in the demand for rental properties. But can the growth in supply keep up with the demand?
- by Maida Pineda
Opinion
Friendship
Joining a ‘Buy Nothing Group’ changed my life. Here’s how it works
The gifting economy can save money, help the environment and build community.
- by Maida Pineda
Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/by/maida-pineda-p4ywbp