nice blog ! THIS BLOG WAS REALLY FUNNY , I AM IN SINGAPORE RIGHT NOW BUT UNFORTUNATELY DONT HAVE THE TIME TO TAKE THE BOAT TRIP . SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS IT SEEMS TO BE STUCk !ah !
About Java It has been most interesting reading about your brief visit in Java. In the 1920s -- 1924-1926 -- my father had an appointment as vice consul in Soerabaya, and his two years there really was one of the highest points of his life. He wrote innumerable letters home, to his mother and to his fiancee (my mother); and about 15 years ago I transcribed his letters to his mother and collected them, along with numerous pictures that he had sent home (and his negatives from the old Kodak camera that he bought over there were still good enough for making prints) into a book that I gave to family and some friends. And, in doing the book, I learned so much about my father and about life in Java those two years.
Your travels have been a source of great enjoyment for me because I will never visit any of the places you have visited. I understand, from what Stephen Mitchell told the choir, that you are back home in Australia, but I look forward to the final accounts of the trip.
About Java It has been most interesting reading about your brief visit in Java. In the 1920s -- 1924-1926 -- my father had an appointment as vice consul in Soerabaya, and his two years there really was one of the highest points of his life. He wrote innumerable letters home, to his mother and to his fiancee (my mother); and about 15 years ago I transcribed his letters to his mother and collected them, along with numerous pictures that he had sent home (and his negatives from the old Kodak camera that he bought over there were still good enough for making prints) into a book that I gave to family and some friends. And, in doing the book, I learned so much about my father and about life in Java those two years.
Your travels have been a source of great enjoyment for me because I will never visit any of the places you have visited. I understand, from what Stephen Mitchell told the choir, that you are back home in Australia, but I look forward to the final accounts of the trip.
The joys of tuk tuk drivers. But I was impressed on your defence of karma against gifts of money: truly inspired. Can you tell me where that is in the Buddhist Scriptures?
Ulcinj Hi Matt,
Yeah he was great. Although I didn't even get his name, let alone make a note of his address. He may well be hanging around the bus station when you get to the town, though. If he's not maybe ask one of the taxi drivers. He was only about 20, drove a newish dark coloured Golf (I think - in the afternoon) or an ancient merc (in the morning) and lived with his family on the right as you drive up the main street (not the street down to the beach) near a small mosque. He asked 20 euros, but was quick to accept 15.
Good luck!
Nick
Ulcinj accommodation Sounds like you got quite the host.
I will be in southern Montenegro in a couple days and might be staying in Ulcinj. Do you remember the price for the room? How about the man's contact info?
Thank you.
Matt
Persian market and All Saints Day I have thoroughly enjoyed your account of travels, and this one dealing with your time in Isfahan (one of my rugs is an Isfahan) was most interesting. The pictures of the mosques with that gorgeous blue tile decoration are great, and I have especially liked your accounts of the various people you have met. What a terrible shame that people in high places cannot interact with such friendliness as those who just happen to meet in some place like a Persian marketplace.
Today is All Saints Day and we had a lot of music at First Methodist this morning when we call the names of members who have died in the past year -- a very good setting of the 23rd Psalm (I think you were around when we began rehearsing it), a spiritual "Give Me Jesus," and communion music that included your "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Amen," which I really do like. A very good service. From here on to the end of the year we will be immersed in Christmas music, some of which I like and some -- well, not so much.
I hope your travels continue well, and I look forward to your reports.
mary hutcherson
just catching up ... Hi Nick - just back from a few days away, and dodgy (but less so than some!) internet connections. Hugely enjoyed catching up with your blog - impressed you are able to keep it going. Your description of the bath house reminded me to some extent of some of our less confident doings in the far east....
enjoying the journey Since I will never have the chance to visit the places along your way, I thoroughly enjoy experiencing them through your messages. Many thanks.
Hello Hi Nicholas, i have got your blog from Sara- hope you don't mind . Just wanted to tell you that I went to Balochistan in July (my papa-in-laws demise) and asked about the transport at the Iranian border, was told that there are frequent buses going to Quetta, you'll have no problems. Recently I heard on the news that Pakistan has sealed all its borders with Afghan n Iran, I guess that should not affect your journey. My cousin's son is a doctor in Nushki, he is the district health officer (DHO)I have mentioned to him your tour. If you stop over in Nushki do contact him. His name is Dr. Asif Mengal. I shall update you any new developments- Have a safe and joyful journey. Fatima
Nick, I think the heart-wrenching hissing guttural noises accompanied by arm-waving when a camera is present means 'You give me money. I give you picture."
Loving it !!!! Am loving your blog, Nick. I look forward to reading it every day and am disappointed when there isn't one there. I hope you are going to compile and make into a book when it's over ! Love from Jo....(your Mum's 'best friend' at Korowa a million years ago.)
Hello Hi Nick!
We miss you! Hope all your travels are great. This past Sunday we sang the Mass in G, and it was beautiful. Stephen brought it all together wonderfully!! Take care! Gail
In which I try to get from London to the east coast of Australia with limited recourse to flight - using trains, ferries, buses, taxis, tuk tuks, motorbikes and abras. I have had to catch a disappointing number of flights, and have now reached the Gold Coast (6 December) where I am completely relaxed. Now, to catch up with that blogging...... full info
ian ivory
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nice blog !
THIS BLOG WAS REALLY FUNNY , I AM IN SINGAPORE RIGHT NOW BUT UNFORTUNATELY DONT HAVE THE TIME TO TAKE THE BOAT TRIP . SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS IT SEEMS TO BE STUCk !ah !