My Dad, Henk, my Mom (sic), Riek, which is short for Henrika or something, both in their earl 50’s, plus their eight children; Agnes 20, Gerda 18, Gerald 16, (he turned 17 during the trip), Joke (pronounced Yoka) 14, myself Tony 12, Greg 10, Alf 8 and Robbie 3, migrated to Australia from Holland in 1955 on the Converted Navy Ship “The Sibajak”. Continue reading “The Family”
Foreward
Memories are more than recollected experiences.
They are displacements of ourselves in time and space. They are events our younger self witnessed and participated in, recalled by an older self who often wonders if he is truly the same person. They are visions of people we once knew, and bewilderingly we are one of those people.
London Calling
I can smell spring! Confused? We’re back and re-domiciled in suburban Melbourne. This last entry is not one written from a place far away and in the modus holidayus (sic); I correspond from the kitchen table in familiar surroundings with mixed feelings of, well at least it’s Spring, tinged with a foreboding of the potential ennui brought about by the grind of routine. Continue reading “London Calling”
The Italian Job and Other Tasks
When planning our route from Switzerland to Slovenia I had a comfortable overnight train ride in mind; you know, relax, have a couple of drinks and maybe a meal in the dining caboose, followed by a nice kip in a supine position. Turns out we departed Lucerne at 8pm and travelled some nine hours on a bus in the style of the 703 from Blackburn and piloted by a slightly dodgy pair of Croats who treated red lights and other road rules as suggestions only. Continue reading “The Italian Job and Other Tasks”
Stunning Switzerland
Before embarking on this trip, and with anticipation of all the awaiting wonders of the hitherto great unknown of Europe, I had in mind Switzerland would be a particular highlight – it didn’t let me down!
Continue reading “Stunning Switzerland”
The blurb continues!
Perhaps a poisoned chalice for an expectant audience as I am certainly feeling more taciturn as we start to roam the peninsula in lands not necessarily adhering to the English language (Queen’s or otherwise).
Continue reading “The blurb continues!”
Scottish Foray
Inspiring, bold John Barleycorn!
What dangers you can make us scorn!
With ale, we feel no evil;
With whisky, we’ll face the Devil!
(Robert Burns – 1791)
Got the DT’s over here..
Got the DT’s over here; I don’t mean the delirium tremens I mean the Donald Trumps! Old Donny’s arrival coupled with the semi-final loss and Brave Sir Roger’s capitulation at the Championships has sent this country back to the Dark Ages! Continue reading “Got the DT’s over here..”
You know how you have an impression….
You know how you have an impression or idea of what something is like? Well, knock me over with a feather and interfere around the general area of my derrière! Continue reading “You know how you have an impression….”
The journey begins…
And what a journey it was! Firstly, aeroplane food gets a bad wrap no matter who you talk to; but everyone is missing the point! Continue reading “The journey begins…”