An Australian story about travel, and ripping yarns.

I am a sixth generation Australian of Irish and Scottish extraction. A visit to my site is a light hearted adventure across time, countries and cities.

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Time Travel Modern History

Van Diemen’s Land – Damned Whores, Dispossession, Brutality and Rebirth

Do you really know where you come from?

On my mother’s side I was always told my ancestors left Kilkenny, Ireland around 1860. First to New Zealand then settling in the State of Queensland, Australia. In 1860 Queensland was an awful long way from Van Diemen’s Land, now the Australian State of Tasmania. Was my family connected to Van Diemen’s Land? And why flee Ireland seeking refuge in New Zealand?

New Zealand was still in a war, trying to steal the Country from the native Mauri people – surely Ireland was not that bad, that it was preferable to move to the other end of the Planet into a colonial war zone? Well Ireland was still suffering from the effect of several potato famine, about half the Irish had died or joined the diaspora seeking a future and survival abroad. But still New Zealand in 1860, there weren’t even many ‘Micks’ there!

Recently I started researching the ‘Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB)‘. In around 1858 British Army Intelligence had cracked open that Irish secret society. Another example of traditionally how experienced the British Army was at infiltrating insurgency movements. Though this time they had for years missed the growth of IRB operatives within their own British ranks. An underground Guerilla Army of around 80,000 formal recruits.

Off to Tassie seeking answers.

The British Army commenced a round up, local imprisonment and for some, transportation for life Down Under to Van Diemen’s Land. 1860, Kilkenny was a hotbed of Republican resistance. My Australian Catholic Irish family were still proudly republican down to those I grew up with. So, do I come from Fenian guerrilla independence resistance? Or terrorists in other’s views! Did my ancestors bolt to avoid the door kick in at dawn? Were they indeed rounded up and sent Down Under for their political views?

I’m not sure yet. So, continuing my personal journey of discovery, I’m in Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia’s early convict prison and about its most southerly European settlement.

If you’re ever Down Under pop down to Tassie. With a population of 570,000, ‘Tassie’ is indeed small. Yet that’s a good thing, small enough to suffer no vehicle or pedestrian congestion, large enough and old enough to be very interesting. Two of its primary assets are pristine wilderness and heritage.

Ghosts and spirits of Convicts passed.

But be warned it’s rather spooky! What with the spirits of dispossessed First Nations People and British Convicts – There’s many reasons for disgruntled spirits to seek some payback! But on this day, it’s a balmy 4 degrees Celsius with crystal clear sky: I’m ignoring the ghosts, instead pondering a temporal local spirit or two that would make a Scot say: “Those bloody Aussies can make a superb wee dram!”

The Author at Port Arthur, Australia's Prison Colony in Van Diemen's Land.
Beautiful, yet cold day – Need some spirits to keep the Spirits at bay.

Where is Port Arthur, Tasmania?

In 1866 an unwilling ‘tourist’ described Port Arthur as follows:

“To find a prison in one of the loveliest spots formed by nature in one of her loneliest solitudes creates a revulsion of feeling I cannot describe.”

Unknown Irish Political Prisoner

Tasmania, Australia, or until 1840, ‘Van Diemen’s Land’, is a beautiful place to this day. Tasmania is home to Port Arthur, one of Australia’s notorious convict prisons. Port Arthur is about as far South as European occupation in Australia – No land mass separates it from the South Pole, just a huge wild cold Southern Ocean. Consequently, Port Arthur can be bitterly cold and wet. Typical of Australia, Tasmanian suffers awful drought and is at risk of ravaging by bushfires. Indeed, the ruins you see in this Postcard are the consequence of bushfires from 1897.

Port Arthur is readily accessible by aircraft or a large vehicle ferry. I flew from my home in Queensland. It cost about $600 (AUD) return and takes 2.5 hours. The ferry from Melbourne, capital of the mainland State of Victoria immediately adjacent Tasmania, is popular, but first you need to get there, and second you need to cross the Bass Strait. Matthew Flinders proved the Bass Strait existed in 1798. Matthew quite rightly called the strait, the most dangerous water on the Planet.

Port Arthur Australia’s Notorious Convict Prison.
Van Diemen's Land the original name of Tasmania Australia.
Van Diemen’s Land and Port Arthur.

Why did Britain occupy Van Diemen’s Land?

The answer is simple – International politics! In 1770, Lieutenant James Cook will chart the east coast of Australia. He claimed it for Great Britain, ignoring the First Nations People who had been there for 60,000 years. The First Fleet of British ships arrived at Botany Bay, Australia on 26 January 1788 to establish a Penal Colony. But other Europeans had previously been eyeing parts of Australia, specifically Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania).

Explorer Abel Tasman discovered Tasmania in 1642, working under the sponsorship of the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. In January 1793, a French expedition anchored near Port Arthur, exploring the area for a period of five weeks. In 1802 and 1803, another French expedition explored the region adjacent Port Arthur as well as charting the area Lieutenant Matthew Flinders had previously named Bass Strait.

Britain could not tolerate such interest from France. Consequently, in August 1803, the Govenor of the mainland colony established a military outpost on the Derwent River, now Hobart the capital of Tasmania. Thus, Britian believed it had forestalled any claims to the island arising from the activities of the French explorers.

First Nations People and Tasmania.

Before the British arrival, there were an estimated 3,000 – 15,000 First Nation Tasmanians. Their population suffered a drastic drop in numbers within three decades, so that by 1835 only some 400 full-blooded First Nations people survived. Incarcerated in camps where all but 47 die by 1847. As on mainland Australia, introduced disease claimed thousands of lives. Starvation due to European’s decimating traditional food sources, seals and kangaroo – easy prey to gun powder weapons. However, an active genocide occurred as the trespassing British Government and a desire of settlers for land, simply destroyed the existing inhabitants of Tasmania.

A photo showing the last four Tasmanian First Nations people, who were the original inhabitants of Van Diemen's Land.
1870 – The last four Tasmanian First Nations People.

And what of the Transported Convicts?

By 1710 Britain decided to rid itself of the ‘Criminal Classes’, so they sent them to the future United States. The War of Independence closed that opportunity, so eventually Australia became the new destination. You don’t need to look far into transportation to see the rampant hypocrisy of the white Christian ruling class. For indeed this ‘Criminal Class’, were largely the agricultural workers, made redundant by the Industrial Revolution. Already living a subsistence existence laboring in the production of crops, the introduction of machinery made their labour redundant. Many fled to the big cities, but these opportunities working in mechanized factories only offered very long hours, barely subsistence wages, workplace danger, poor food, and a polluted, overcrowded environment.

The crimes of most convicts were petty by our standards: Stealing food, pick pocketing, and frequently amongst the women, stealing a hankie or scarf. So, whilst the Industrial Revolution created a new wealthy Merchant Class and boosted an existing Professional Class: Bookkeepers, architects, engineers, etc. – It completely destroyed a rural Working Class whose lives had not really changed much in centuries.

A drawing of 18th Century London - The Benefit of Industrialization. Many of these people would be sent to Van Diemen's Land.
The ‘Wonders’ of 18th Century London.

Convict Transportation Downunder – The first Convicts arrive:

26 January 1788, the First Fleet arrived in Australia, carrying 1400 people: Marines, sailors, civil administration, and free settlers, of whom 796 were convicts. The 600 male and 196 female convicts had languished after sentence locked in rotting old British ships. After surviving six months at sea, they found themselves on a foreign shore, most never to return.

We often imagine such convicts locked in our contemporary image of prison. But for these convicts, there were no prisons, they simply lived in tents or rough built huts. Not till much latter were prisons, which we would recognise, such as Port Arthur actually constructed. None too eager British Marines will provide security. The Marines themselves were a scruffy lot, for Britain’s Navy had taken the opportunity to also rid itself of troublemakers. Troublesome soldiers and marines will be a constant theme in the new colony. British officers, marines and soldiers will create Australia’s first and only military coup in 1808 when the Government of William Bligh, of Mutiny on the Bounty fame, is overthrown.

So, for many convicts, arrival in Australia meant open space, fresh air and at least some relative freedom. Sustenance will be a problem. The first colony will nearly starve until they learn to harvest the bounty of a new Country and what crops to grow. But we need to retain the context of where this ‘Criminal Class’ came from, risking starvation in Australia was perhaps preferable to starvation in their country of birth.

Convict arrival in Van Diemen's Land.

Van Diemen’s Land – Male Convicts go to work:

Food and shelter were the most pressing priorities. Convicts were quickly separated according to skill sets – farmers, fisherman, and carpenters being looked on favorably. Convicts in these categories, if they were well behaved, rarely spent time in chains, though the military guard was ever present. Punishment was harsh and brutal. Many convicts would have ‘interviews’ with the ‘Cat of Nine Tails’, the British Military flogging with a nine roped lash. For male convicts lacking such critical skills, having only their labour, days were spent in chain gangs, building roads, cutting and hauling timber. Always the marines were present and always the gangs were chained at the ankles.

A painting showing convict punishment in Van Diemen's Land, unskilled Convict Male Labour - The Chain Gang.
Unskilled Convict Male Labour – The Chain Gang.

And what of Convict Women?

Anne Summer’s 1975 publication, ‘Damned Whores and God’s Police‘, well describes the lot of Australia’s convict women. The first grouping is self-explanatory if not all that accurate. What of God’s Police? In the latter Anne was describing the outcome for many. In a male orientated colony, with at the social bottom: uneducated, unskilled ex-convicts, sailors and common soldiers, none of whom had any money let alone investment capital, versus a controlling hierarchy of comparatively wealthy, well-educated military officers, public servants and increasing privately funded settlers – wives were in big demand, the status quo hierarchy having the first pick.

Consequently, many female convicts, upon arrival, immediately were sent to established households as domestic servants. Not one day of the original sentence actually will be served in what we would recognise as prisons conditions. Servants quickly became lovers, carers of children from previous deceased wives, and then wives and partners in business, property investment and farming. They became ‘God’s Police’, upstanding morale defenders of Britain’s transported society. So, for many convict women, transportation Down Under provided opportunities and a quality of life they could never have attained in Britian.

Anne Summers excellent work on the foundational role of Women in Australia.
Foundational role of Women in Australia.

Van Diemen’s Land and Irish Political Prisoners?

40,000 Irish convicts were transported to Australia between 1791 and 1867. The most common offence was stealing and only 600 were transported for the ‘political’ crimes of treason-felony and mutinous conduct. The largest group arrived in New South Wales in 1798-1806, following the United Irishmen uprisings against British rule. The leaders of the brief ‘Young Ireland’ uprising of 1848 were convicted and sent to Port Arthur. In 1867, 62 Fenians (members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood) were convicted of treason-felony and mutinous conduct and were transported to Western Australia.

In our contemporary ‘enlightenment’ its perhaps difficult to understand that transportation, as opposed to execution, showed considerable leniency on behalf of Britain. By comparison the Easter Rising in April 1916, would see 16 Irish Republicans executed by firing squad by order of a British Military Court Martial. The Court was held in secret and none of the accused allowed defence representation. 3,430 were arrested, some held until June 1918, all without trial.

So, it seems there was considerable support in Mid 19th Century Britain, for Irish Republicanism, enough to pressure authorities to treat lightly those convicted of treason. This becomes clear when we look at the Young Ireland movement that found themselves in Port Arthur.

Port Arthur and the ‘Young Ireland Traitors’

William Smith O’Brien was the leader of the Young Ireland uprising. Convicted of Treason/Sedition, his death sentence was commuted to transportation to Port Arthur, after Petitions for Clemency were signed by 70,000 people in Ireland and 10,000 people in England. Upon arrival in Van Diemen’s Land, O’Brien and his three fellow traitors, were immediately offered a ‘Ticket of Leave’, effective parole and the right to live free in society. O’Brien refused and was imprisoned, well kind off! A small but quaint cottage was built for O’Brien. He latter accepted a Ticket of Leave, after lobbying from the local press.

A photo of O'brien's Cottage - Van Diemen's Land, now called Port Arthur, Tasmania.
O’Brien’s Cottage – The lightest penalty for treason in British History.

London’s hierarchy seemed not to appreciate that sending your unwanted, especially the troublesome Irish, too the other end of the Planet, was all well and good. But a ground swell of Irish Republicanism became established Down Under. Traitors like O’Brien were supported by the local newspapers, and off course a substantial part of society who were Irish and had themselves been transported. Both Irish Republicanism, and the tension between British Anglicanism and Irish Catholicism became a significant element in Australian life. I felt the tail end of it in the 1970’s. These days most Australians are agnostic at best, and more likely to fight over a Rugby League match.

In Search of My Own Beginnings.

Although I have not as yet discovered at Port Arthur a relative of political prisoner status. And I acknowledge it’s perhaps distinctly Australian, to desire to prove my existence stems from a common convict, let alone one transported for treason. I have found a likely suspect though in one John Walsh transported for the grievous crime of knicking six potatoes!

The Convict record of my Ancestor John Walsh - Potato thief!
Convict # 26397 – John Walsh – Potato thief!

John Walsh (Walsh is my Mother’s Maiden Name) was Roman Catholic and born in Kilkenny. At the time of his trial in 1852 there were 3000 Roman Catholics registered with the parishes in Kilkenny. My own empirical experience of living in a rural town of 10,000, proves that if you share a surname, well your definitely related.

This is simple conjecture on my part, but it’s possible that this is where my journey as an Australian started. If nothing else John serves as an example of the humble foundation stock from what successful Countries are often made. Just imagine – Dispossessed by the Industrial Revolution from your simple life of agricultural labour, watching your loved ones starve and die as yet another potato cropped failed, and then sent to the arse end of the world for knicking a few dollars’ worth of spuds!

Conclusion – Lesson’s from Van Diemen’s Land:

If you don’t know where you have been, how can you navigate the future:

Despite harsh punishment if caught, some convicts did escape, but there was nowhere to run. Tasmania still remains a largely wild natural place full of dangerous snakes, wombats, Tasmanian devils, wallabies and other abundant wildlife and edible flora. But knowledge and tools are required. Escaped convicts had little such survival know how. Many returned and accepted several dozen ‘interviews’ with the ‘Cat of Nine Tails’, solitary confinement and more years on their sentence.

Contemporary photo solitary confinement cell in Port Arthur.
Solitary Confinement – Many simply went mad.

Some were adopted by First Nations People, the legitimate owners and custodians of the Land. Who often had sympathy for escaped convicts, from a safe distance they had seen how British Authorities brutalized, they did not like it. I can’t help but wonder just who were the ‘savages’?

Those convicts became the genetic seed pool of contemporary Australia. Yet we tried for generations to erase the ‘Convict Stain’. However, from around 1950 a new view emerged. Today convict heritage is quite a badge of honor – Yet another quirky Australia cultural tradition. And contemporary Tasmania?

Well, I’ve eaten amazing ‘Goat Curry, Garlic Naan, and Rice’ at a crappy shopping mall in one of Hobart’s poorest neighborhoods. Saturday brunch – ‘Persian Lamb, Mint and Yogurt Turkish Wrap’, accompanied by Chilean Tempura Mushrooms. And one of the best Vietnamese Pho and BBQ Crispy Pork in a cheap student cafe.

From such beginnings, Nations can rise and seek something better. What will be required? Knowing where you’ve been, accepting it and making a choice to proactively embrace change, and acceptance of all.

RIP those poor bloody British Convicts!

Travel Indonesia

Seductive Eating on the Island of Devil Demons. 

(This Postcard was written in October 2023, on the evening before jumping a flight from Australia to Indonesia. The commencement of my latest Indonesian adventure)

Tomorrow at dawn, I’m starting my Indonesian journey flying into Denpasar International Airport, Bali, Indonesia. After a few days on the Island of Bali, I’m flying to Yogyakarta. Bali, the Island of the Gods will see us doing much eating and relaxing. Such a life can be very seductive.

It’s difficult to avoid Hindu spiritualism in Bali. In consequence of temples, altars, and daily offering being ever present. Almost as difficult as avoiding the many touts and spiffs trying to sell you stuff you don’t really want. In summary this Postcard captures my current reflections on Bali. Where precisely is Bali in reference to our home?

Australia – A huge empty country, bumping Asian history.

Bali’s history – Praying, eating and chilling.

So, what’s all the praying, eating and chilling got to do with Bali, actually it appears to be the essence of tourism. I’m no stranger to Bali as we have both visited, I guess ten times or more, but it’s not to everyone’s taste. Bali is an island primarily of Hindu culture. Indonesia was primarily Hindu until the end of the 13 Century. With the emergence and eventual dominance of the Muslim religion on one hand and secondly war and conflict, the Hindu population gradually retreated to Bali. The Bali economy, since 1970, has primarily been driven by Australian tourism. In those days it was a hippie surfer destination, then Julia Roberts arrived. Bali gained international popularity with her 2010 movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. An international audience was introduced to the seductive eating, and the captivating spiritualism of Bali. I have written previously about spiritualism and religion in Indonesia, you can follow the link here.

Markets in Bali – Not quite this romantic, closer to hand-to-hand combat.

Commercial chaos, eating and chilling – An awful amount of waiting around.

Don’t get me wrong, Bali can be very romantic, but it’s also insanely commercial. It’s impossible to leave your accommodation without constant pestering to buy trinkets, clothes, jewelry, massage: it never stops. “Tidak, terima kasih, aku tidak menginginkan itu”, yes it helps to speak some Bahasa Indonesian, or simply say, “No Thank you”.

The Balinese invariably speak English, as a result of long contact with Australians. Though not surprisingly, often with a strong, broad, vowel twisting, Aussie Twang! Take the Australians out of Bali, like what happened through Covid, economic collapse. Every Balinese is an entrepreneur, everyone is on the game, all seeking an edge. They also seem to have hearing like arctic foxes. I always laugh, when a merchant dozing in the afternoon heat, clearly hears my own tortured Aussie vowels, responding: “Howse ewes going mate?” A tactic that seeks to imply understanding and mateship.

Our neighbourhood Kuta, Bali. Balinese often just sit and wait all day for custom.

Irrespective of Bali’s commercial mayhem, it’s usually clean. No, the attentive young ladies are not what you think. They work in legitimate massage parlours, extremely common. It’s easy to be cynical, to see Bali as full of grifters and chiseling spiffs. And that’s true, however in addition to being friendly and charming grifters, on the other hand Balinese inevitably take their Hinduism very seriously.

Seductive spiritual food – a Whole lot of praying.

Balinese believe that ancestors never leave, their spirit remains. Evil spirits and demons preside, and humans must keep them at peace and in balance. The process of making offerings and undertaking ceremony are critical daily activities, even commerce takes a back seat. Locals’ making offerings, conducting, or preparing for ceremony will frequently interact with your own activity. For a confirmed infidel like me, it’s something incredibly special. However, despite the spiritual atmosphere, it’s often simply necessary to seek refuge in your accommodation. I have a Postcard specifically about spiritualism and eating on the Island of Bali Indonesia. Perhaps you might like to read it by following this link.

Daily offerings of flowers and fruit – Makes the local squirrels incredibly happy chaps.

Accommodation: escape the chaos.

Fortunately, 15 years back I discovered Poppers right in the middle of this madness which offers refuge and peace, a time to refresh before getting back into the fray. It’s a collection of traditional villas, surrounded by a sculptured walled perimeter, creating an oasis. Step inside the gate and chaos simply disappears.

Poppies Kuta – Gateway to peace and tranquility

The accommodation is very traditionally Balinese, a bit old hat these days, but very charming. The Balinese thatched roof or ‘Alang Alang’ is a notable trait. This is actually authentic, there is no western tin roof underneath to ensure water tightness.

Your own villa surrounded by tropical gardens.

The Balinese are exceptional hosts. Poppies staff have been working together for decades, so they exude an obvious sense of ownership and pride. And do they like to chat and practice their English. Mornings for me always start, eating and chilling, with coffee and tropical fruit on that terrace, chatting with the gardeners in our respective broken English and Bahasa. Coffee addicts will love Bali as it grows some of the world’s finest coffee. You might like to sample what Aussies jokingly called ‘poo coffee’, or Kopi Luwak (Luwak Coffee). First you feed raw coffee beans to a small mammal called a Luwak. Balinese collect the partially digested beans that have passed through the Luwak’s bowels, and process as normal.

Yes, I’m with you, I also thought it was a joke, however it’ s no joke now Kopi Luwak is huge international business.

Coffee time – Saya mau, kopi hitam.

Personnaly I prefer Kopi Hitam (Black coffee), or to us Aussies, ‘Bali Collision Kopi’. Rough grind dark roasted beans, add to jug, pour in boiling water, stir and serve. A little grainy, pungently aromatic but simply superb.

Breakfast – Bali Time

Afternoons in Bali can be hot and steamy, cooling rain is not as abundant as it was. So, retreat to Poppies and a cooling swim.

Followed by an afternoon nap, just the thing to set your spirit as ease.

A very traditional Balinese interior, maintained in superb condition.

To place some financial context around Indonesian accommodation, one night’s accommodation in the Villa above costs as follows:

  • 140 Australian Dollars.
  • 73 Pounds Sterling.
  • 89 US Dollars.
  • 85 Euro; and
  • 9000 Russian Rouble.

Unwelcome guests – Russian style eating, chilling and vodka chasers:

Since my last Bali visit, one thing has changed – Russians! Russians have had a presence in Bali for some time. There have always been rumours of dark criminal Russian money being invested in Bali real estate. Previously I have encountered Russian tourists in the more remote beach side scuba diving resorts, Bali has excellent diving opportunities. Since the invasion of Ukraine, up to 20,000 Russians per month have been arriving in Bali, escaping Putin’s military draft.

One of Russia’s finest – Nude biking is completely acceptable apparently.

Many of the allegations made against the Russians—drunkenness, disrespect of local culture, and dangerous driving—have long been levelled against visitors from across the world, especially so my compatriots. However, Russians are widely seen as particularly egregious offenders.

The Australians also cause problems, that’s for sure, but they are just drunk persons, it’s just childish naughtiness, kind of annoying but that’s about it. But the Russians—no, they think they own the place.”

I Wayan Koster. Govenor of Bali.

Balinese police recently announced a Russian man would be deported and banned from re-entering for six months after partially undressing on a sacred mountain in Bali. He will become the 58th Russian to be evicted this year. (The Balinese might be commercial, but they remain 100% intolerant of disrespect of their spiritualism)

Welcome guests – Aussie style eating, chilling and vodka chasers.

Over the years, Balinese authorities have deported plenty of my countryman, found to have broken the rules, often while intoxicated. But locals say Indonesians and Australians have come to know each other, with many repeat holidaymakers. Drunk young men in Bintang singlets are a minority – even if they make a lot of noise.

So as excited as I am about being back in the Island of the Gods, I could do without the increased presence of drunk Russians!

Corrupt Cops and Military Muscle.

Indonesia has an exceptionally large military. Australia’s relationship with Indonesia has been a roller coaster, the up, down, and sideways relationship of two neighbours who don’t always agree. There has been much distrust from both sides. During my time in the Australian Army, our theoretical opposition, on which volumes of methodology existed, was clearly intended to be Indonesia. Armed forces: military, paramilitary, and police, lurk as a shadowy presence in Indonesia.

There is a frequent police presence in Bali, it’s much like Rome, Italy in the sense that there seem to be uniformed police for every function: Traffic, cultural, religious, tourist, narcotics, theft, etc. Most of them are like Sgt Wayan below, kinda like your uncle, yes, he is a cop, but a friendly one, don’t think he even knows how to use the geriatric old revolver he carries. Sgt Wayan represents a culture of ‘on the spot fines’, you and I would see it as Balinese corruption. It’s notably improved, but still occasionally occurs.

Dad’s Army Indonesian Style

Indonesian Policing – The cute and funny side.

Sometimes Indonesian policing is quite funny, as in the ‘Naughty Tourist Task Force’ (NTTF). I’m sure Indonesian’s laugh at my attempt at speaking Bahasa, they’re just too polite to let it show. You never consider that your native language is complex, it seems logical, you’ve been speaking it since you were born. But nonnative speakers, often can never learn the nuance that you don’t even think about. Oh, I hope I don’t get busted by the NTTF!

Knock Knock – NTFF calling, who knicked the Nasi Goring?

Sometimes the police forces are cute. The role of women in Indonesian society continues to mature and evolve, that’s a good thing.

I can imagine these ladies under cover in the NTTF?

Indonesian Policing – The paramilitary muscle and no laughing matter side.

Then overnight in an otherwise quiet Bali, serious paramilitary force can simply appear. You realize that such muscle is just hidden away, constantly on tap.

And at times of threat of terrorism, well it gets profoundly serious, Densus 88, anti-terror special forces simply materialize. Note the Steyr Assault Rifle, carried on the right? That just happens to be the standard issue weapon of the Aussie Military. Perhaps surprisingly, given the sometimes-difficult relationship, Densus 88 is substantially trained by Australian Military.

Knock, Knock – Densus 88 calling!

Fortunately, such times are rare. But for an Australian living in a society, where police are scarcely armed, few citizens own weapons and when Australian military simply never go armed in the street – You realize that your probably not in Kansas anymore.

Eating and chilling – Bali style.

One of the pleasures of travelling is the food. Bali does not disappoint. Hygiene is important. There is no such thing as safe tape water in Indonesia. So, a lettuce or vegetable washed in tap water, or a cocktail with tap water ice, well welcome to Bali Belly. Trust me, it’s not only your belly that ends up hurting.

Fortunately, most establishments control the risk, but it’s always present.

Some nights we will eat in the garden at Poppies, with an environment like this, why would you not?

Romance for four? In your own tropical garden.

Bali Dutch colonial influence remains in the food.

A little bit of history and a delicious meal can be found by sampling a ‘Rijsttafel’, a Dutch word that literally translates to rice table. Popular side dishes include egg rolls, sambals, satay, fish, fruit, vegetables, pickles, and nuts. The Dutch introduced the rice table not only so they could enjoy a wide array of dishes at a single sitting but also to impress visitors with the exotic abundance of their colony. Which is ridiculously arrogant, but the Indonesians liked the idea, and it remained well past independence.

‘Rijsttafel’ – The Indonesian Smorgasbord.

The real taste of Indonesia is to be found in the street food. Food carts remain common in cities like Yogyakarta, not so much Bali. Two reasons I suspect, firstly the roads are horribly congested, and secondly infecting tourists with Bali Belly is probably not a good marketing strategy. As tempting as it looks its probable best to avoid.

However, there are plenty of safe alternatives, such as Madi’s Warung.

Madi’s: Authentic Street Food without the risk.

Madi’s is a real institution, often hard to get a table. Offers all manner of authentic Balinese and Indonesian street food.

Breakfast: Bali Style

So yes, I’m excited about my journey which commences in 10 hours.

I’m looking forward to reporting more on my observations on accommodation, architecture, politics, security, society, food, and spiritualism – Indonesian Style.

Travel Indonesia

Travel preparation – The long and short of it. Mongrel boots. 

(This Postcard was written 48 hours before commencing October 2023 Indonesian adventure. I was pondering travel preparations, the 40 yearlong planning cycle that found me arriving where I am today, and off course the new experiences ahead.)

Travel preparation captures many issues. Finance, how do I pay for it. Time scale, long term thinking, yes that’s very boring, but it’s also a superpower. Achieving most things in life requires planning over time. Excitement, really important to embrace the passion and excitement of travel adventure, the thrill of experiencing new things. History, many people travel to Indonesia and know nothing of its history, I’m fine with that. Indonesia offers unique adventures, and a travel budget to suit everyone. But I believe knowing something of the history of a travel destination, adds immeasurably to the experience.

Kenalkan, saya nama Peter. Siapa nama Anda? (Let me Introduce myself, my name is Peter. What’s your name?)

Well, that’s me!

Travel preparation and language.

Ok not time for Bahasa Indonesian but soon. For in less than 48 hours I’m in the air to Indonesia for October. Learning something of the language of the countries you visit is recommended but not critical travel preparation. I taught myself Bahasa Indonesian starting from age 40. I’m far from fluent, and it’s not the easiest language to maintain in Australia. Contemporary Australia is indeed multicultural, most of the Planet’s cultures and languages are represented. But, unless you reside in a major metropolis, English is generally all most people speak. What other critical travel preparations require consideration?

Safe Travel – Starts with a solid foundation, Aussie ‘Mongrel’ Work Boots

Foundations of travel preparation.

Footwear and luggage are fundamental travel preparation considerations. I favour Australian made ‘Mongrel’ work boots. The Aussie boot is tough, durable, traditionally made, yet includes contemporary technology to ensure foot support and comfort. They are also exceptionally economical, when a long-life cycle is taken into account. Experienced military and construction professionals, careers involving long hours on your feet, know well, look after your feet and the body and mind will follow. What about luggage.

I favour bag packs, a small one and a larger one. As my travel companion, my wife Lizzie, opts only for a suitcase, well back packs give me free hands to add to my gentleman credit and man handle that suitcase downstairs and over common obstacle. The small pack is versatile. Well packed as carry on, it captures 7.5 Kilograms, as well as essentials for flying: food, water, electronics, notebook and reading material. It also becomes an everyday hauler when the adventure commences. With 7.5 Kg captured, my large back for a month will come in at around 13 kilograms (easy all-day haul if necessary), well excluding spill over from that bloody suitcase!

I currently use US Designed 5.11 backpacks. Durability, comfort, and storage design are my primary travel preparation considerations in selecting luggage. The 5.11 ticks those boxes. Constructed of 100% nylon, a little more expensive, but much superior to the common use of polyester. Wide, well padded, and adjustable shoulder harness and hip belt, bring excellent comfort, especially for the ‘well-built mature’ person. The storage design in the smaller 5.11’s is excellent. I find them perfect day travelling packs, good security zones, hidden areas, and plenty of smaller compartments for essentials.

Travel preparations over a lifetime.

Since my trip to Singapore this time last year, well I’ve been busy. Yes, I’m reaching the end of my third year of retirement, but that does not mean life stops. I’ve been busy, renovating an old Aussie farmhouse, reading, trying to learn how to write, and squeezing in some running and gym work. I’m 61 in two weeks, it’s important, increasingly so, to try to keep the old corpse in some condition.

Getting to now has taken some planning. Forty-one years of planning. At age 20, three years into my architectural apprenticeship, my work environment inspired the itching desire to retire early in good condition financially and health wise. Three years’ work had introduced me to many ‘mature’ people, who were worn out physically and financially broke. I knew that’s not for me.

A crash course in handling money, practice, patience, a whole lot of years, enduring four international financial downturns, I slowly gained knowledge. All that combined with Australia’s tax effective superannuation system: Well, I made it in the end. My travel preparation was effective. Not to say there were not a few false starts, dead ends, new beginnings, and plenty of tears along that way. Key learnings? Focus, clear understanding of the end state desired, some luck, resilience, determination, and a big swag of discipline. Now it’s time for some fun!

Anticipation rising with the Phoenix Hotel.

Photo of my home in Yogyakarta.
My home in Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Phoenix Hotel

Ok, so I’m not backpacking. Been there, got the ‘T shirt’. In my time in harness for my Queen, I lived plenty out of a backpack. However, Indonesia offers delights for backpackers. Accommodation with breakfast is available under $20 AUD. Such accommodation varies from a beachside bungalow to shared dormitory style in a major city. This trip however I’m travelling 5-star all the way. Well similar, the 5-star western system is not generally used in Indonesia, outside the major cities like Jakarta. I’ve booked some interesting hotels. To place some financial context around my choice, my maximum expenditure per night with breakfast $140 AUD.

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta started life in the 1890’s the home of a Chinese spice entrepreneur. In the European Art Deco style, infused with Javanese architectural aesthetics. It is an inspiring example of Indonesian-Dutch architecture, known as Indische. European colonization of Asian and African countries rightfully gets a bad rap today. But, if you look hard enough, you can see evidence of the results possible when cultures merge and inspire each other. Due to its great historical significance, in 1996 the Indonesian Government, designated the Phoenix Hotel a national historical landmark.

The original owner’s fortunes crashed with the stock market in the 1930’s. Perhaps he should have realised all good things end. On life’s journey we encounter waypoints, whispers that it’s time to change course, to get out, to renew. That’s my view, the trick is too really listen to those voices, and to act.

Damn! I built it now you’ve knicked it:

A new owner transformed the house into a hotel. Such a splendid place that in the 1940’s the Japanese Imperial Army said, “We’ll have that thanks”, and they did. Japan off course was tossed out, however the Dutch wanted their empire back. All the Europeans wanted their Asian empires back. Ironic given the blood and treasury expended destroying Japanese empire building. Indonesia descended into a war of liberation, achieving independence on 17 August 1945.

The Phoenix rose from the ashes in 1951 becoming another fine hotel. So fine that the Indonesia’s first, President Sukarno said, “I’ll have that thanks”, and made it his home. In 2009 the Phoenix Hotel, as it now is, emerged.

Breakfast Dining Room at the Phoenix Hotel, Yogyakarta. All travel preparation starts with a breakfast.
Breakfast – Yogyakarta Style.

Travel preparation budget – Indonesia can be ‘Murak sekali’. (very cheap)

So, I’m extremely excited about exploring such a fine restored example of Indonesian architecture. You may think I’ve sold mum’s silver service to fund this trip? Well, this is part of the attraction of getting off the main Indonesian tourist beat, it’s very economical. A night in the Phoenix, including a ‘Rijsttafel’ breakfast (think smorgasbord), costs less than an average motel in Wagga Wagga, Australia. No offence to Wagga Wagga, it’s a typical rural Aussie Town, but it can’t make spicey Nasi with a side order of sambal. Actually, I was born in Wagga!

Currently the Aussie Dollar has been in free fall. Quite a concern for an Aussie time travelling adventurer, blame the Chinese economy. What? Well despite many warnings, all my homeland sells internationally is iron ore and invites to come Down Under and “Toss a shrimp on the Barbie”. What a horrible travel slogan. Australians don’t use the word shrimp. So, the Chinese don’t want any more iron ore, and have plenty of shrimp at home, thank you very much!

So what else am I up to?

Yogyakarta, Indonesia adventures – Spiritualism and eating!

Borobudur – World’s Largest Buddhist Temple

Yogyakarta has many fine historical examples of Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture. Some date back to the 10th and 13th Century, collectively they illustrate the complex history of contemporary Indonesia. I’m an infidel myself, but very much interested in all traditional faiths. So, I will indeed be spending time exploring this history. (PS: Actually, I had a human spiritual experience at Borobudur. My story available by clicking this link.)

Then there is eating?

Growing up a 1960’s child in Australia, well let’s say the food was very ho hum. The basic British meat and three vegetable style. Fortunately, in consequence of immigration, and that my Country generally embraces multiculturalism, international food styles are now commonplace. But there is nothing common place about Yogyakarta food, especially the everyday street food.

For context – 20,000 Indonesian Rupiah (RP) – 2 Aus Dollars, 1 Brit Pound, 1.3 US Dollars, 1.2 Euro

.

I’m extremely excited about my journey. Hopefully, I can squeeze in some writing around developing my spiritualism and savouring some ‘Nasi Gudeg Ayam Paja Atsa’. Although I have truly little idea what that is.

Life is a journey of exploration, it should be fun, it requires planning and defined objectives. Also, a willingness to embrace change. Oh, and a dose of luck and good fortune, for my share of such things I am incredibly grateful.

Selamat tinggal.

Travel Indonesia

Time Travel – Exotic, dangerous, beautiful, spiritual Indonesia. 

(The Postcard was written in September 2023. Preparing for an Indonesian adventure, I explored Indonesian history via a series of Postcards.)

Motivation for Time Travel.

Soon, I’m up anchor and travelling to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to commence another time travel adventure. Follow this link to understand how and why I use the idea of time travel. Why travel? What do we get from travelling? I am not by nature very reflective, so set myself the task to explore such questions. Perhaps explore Indonesia via a few Postcards, before heading off. Since I’m not a good sailor and travelling by tramp steamer from Australia to Indonesia has been done, and due to pirates is none to safe, then it’s:

Really chocks away, grab a flight – here we go!

Where is Yogyakarta and how far am I travelling?

Yogyakarta, Indonesia is 5000 kilometres from Australia. Six hours direct flying time. Travel time from my home to hotel – Say 10 hours.

The first reflection is one of adventure and the unknown. I live on a rural property 100 kilometres West of Brisbane, quiet, undeveloped with a small population.

My time travel adventure starts in the rural location shown on this aerial view.
My Neighbourhood – Cows, kangaroo, and a whole lot of quiet!

Then there is Yogyakarta!

A map of Yogyakarta illustrating where my time travel adventure is taking place.
A lot of tightly packed streets – And no kangaroo!

Yogyakarta has a population density of 1100 people per square kilometre – Compared to my neighbourhood of 5 people, 300 cows, and a 100 kangaroo.

The contrast is even more extreme when you consider the street where I live in Australia, with my temporary home in Yogyakarta:

My time travel adventure starts in my own neighborhood. By comparison to Yogyakarta, the subject of my adventure, it is very quiet.
My Neighbourhood – Cows, kangaroo, and a whole lot of quiet!
My time travel adventure commences in the busy streets of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
My Neighbourhood Yogyakarta

Time Travel Adventures – Remedy for jadedness.

Certainly, there is a sense of adventure, dropping down in a city where I don’t know one street. When you get to 60, well your own environment gets somewhat jaded. Nothing is ever new, and some places are just not as good as you remember them.

Well unlike dear, sad, missed Robin, I remember the 1960’s. When I was born in 1962, Australia had a population of 10.75 million – Today it’s 26.33 million. Not surprisingly my environment has changed: Not always for the better.

Time Travel to the 1960’s.

My Dad would take me fishing, simply pull up by a river or beach, set up a tarpaulin, camp on the ground, light a fire – catch a few fish. Sometimes the local ‘Wallopers’ (Police) would stop by, not to arrest my dad and his mates, far from it: They would have more than a few beers, play poker with Dad and his mates! Try that today, you would definitely be arrested. One of Indonesia’s attractions is the comparative lack of regulation and control.

Friends tell me they don’t like travel outside Australia: “The nose and eye savaging condition of bathrooms and toilets“. I never had the experience of an indoor flushing toilet until 1970. So, the ‘elegant’ bathrooms you sometimes encounter when travelling, come as no new life experience. All part of the time travel adventure.

Indonesia is known to me. I’ve been to Bali many times and once to the capital Jakarta. I studied Indonesia extensively in my time in the Australian Military – Australian/Indonesia relations have been troubled and at times very tense. One of my interests – What probable reason in 2023 have we for not being great supportive neighbours?

I also speak Bahasa Indonesian, well kind off. Like many Australians of British decent, there was simply no need, environment, or interest in acquiring multilingual skills. Something by the age of 40, I was quite embarrassed about. Definitely part of my interest in travelling is living daily with a non-native language as your primary means of communication. Plus, at 60 its good for your brain, up there with doing a sudoku puzzle a day.

I did say I’m not very reflective, and that’s it for me: No more reflections. So, I thought I would look at what wiser men than me (not extremely hard) have to say about travel.

Time Travel: The Ancient World

One of the first recorded comments on travel was the Ancient Greek Aristotle (383 to 322 BC), he does not say very much:

Travel adventure is worthwhile.
Aristotle Time Traveller Adventurer

However, his writings cover a broad range of subjects including Biology, zoology, geology, and systems of government. Old Ari did not simply make this stuff up, he travelled widely observing intently. Aristotle’s philosophy influenced the three Abrahamic religions. Aristotle’s intellectual afterlife would be little less than a history of human thought. So, Ari was a great explorer in life, history proves him to be an impressive time travel adventurer in death. As the Muslim religion is dominant in Indonesia, then traces of Aristotle can be found in Yogyakarta spiritual life. My writing on Indonesia spiritualism is available by clicking this sentence.

Then along came Alexander the Great (356 to 323 BC). Interestingly, Aristotle educated Alex. Below seems to be the first record of teacher and pupil kicking back: Enjoying some mind-altering substance perhaps?

Aristotle is shown in this painting teaching Alexander the Great. Their lives were ones of extraordinary time travel adventure.
My Classrooms were nothing like this!

Did Alex actually listen to the finer points of Ari’s classical education? I’m not so sure as evidenced by his latter actions.

Alexander did acquire his mentor’s habit of travel, by the time he died in 323BC he had both slaughtered and conquered the known world: Fairly sure that was not Aristotle’s intention.

Alexander the Great shown in this drawing, one of the world's great time travelling adventurers.

Julius Caesar also liked to travel, in between seducing Middle Eastern Queens, I guess. However, as I discussed in a previous Postcard – ‘Fascists and other Arseholes’, Julius’ motivation was more about plunder and destruction – Nothing to learn here!

Julius Caesar, Ancient Roman General, shown in the statue. Julius' continues a life of time travel adventure.

Time Travel – The Ancient world did some positive stuff.

Surely someone in the Ancient World had a less destructive view of travel.

Well, there is one even more ancient, Ancient Greek then Aristotle, the ardent traveller Euripides (480 – 406BC). Euripides believed there was no better education then travel:

A photo of a windmill. The windmill concept travelled down to us over 2500 years. Considerable time travel adventure.
Windmill Invention? Persia 500BC – China 200BC: US 1850AD.

However, it seems the consequence of his travel was a firm belief that life was indeed a tragedy, for Euripides wrote 90 Greek Tragic Plays, all of which Time Travelled down to us.

His personal life wasn’t as successful as his professional one. Euripides was married twice, in both instances, his wives were unfaithful to him, perhaps he should have taken them on a time travel adventure. In response, and to avoid the child support, he cancelled his passport, and platinum AMEX: Living out his days in a cave in Salamis, Greece. Some cave I guess, as it was reported to contain the largest library in Ancient Greece.

Some 400 years later, Euripides inspired Seneca (04BC – 65AD), of Ancient Rome. Seneca was one of the main exponents of the school of Stoicism, which teaches that the highest goal in life is the pursuit of the four cardinal virtues, namely: Wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage.  Seneca was also a great traveller:

The concept of the hot air balloon time travelled down to us over 2300 years. That is very considerable time travel adventure.
Hot Air Ballon Invention – China 300 BC – Europe 1753 AD.

Seneca also wrote tragic plays, 9 in total and all of them Time Travelled down to us. Perhaps travel also gave Seneca a tragic view on life?

Seneca’s influence on later generations is immense, during the Renaissance he was a sage admired and venerated as an oracle of morality, a guide to how Christians could improve themselves. Our contemporary world witnesses a developing interest in the ‘ Ancient Stoic Way’ of such as Seneca: Don’t believe me? Search ‘Stoicism’ on LinkedIn. But,

Time Travel – The dark side.

In the end Seneca leaves us with a rather tragic and dark view on those who celebrate travel:

“They undertake one journey after another and change spectacle for spectacle. Ever from himself does each man flee. But what does he gain if he does not escape from himself? He ever follows himself as his own most burdensome companion. And so, understand that what we struggle with is the fault, not of the places, but of ourselves.“

Seneca

Confucius (551 – 479 BC) was a Chinese philosopher who is traditionally considered the paragon of Chinese sages. Confucius’s teachings and philosophy underpin East Asian culture and society, Time Travelling to us, and remaining influential in China and East Asia.

Confucius echoes the darkness of Seneca in suggesting:

“Though you travel, your problems will follow you, you cannot journey away from yourself”.

Confucius
Chinese philosopher shown in this statue, has travelled down to us over thousands of years. Considerable time travel adventure.

Sometime before his death in 632AD, the Prophet Mohammed also turned his hand to a bit of travel blogging:

The Prophet Muhammed's teachings have been excellent time travel adventures.

Now I immediately found this fascinating – Adding immensely to the credible benefits of travel. But then,

Consulting experts on the work of The Prophet, I discovered he never said any such thing. It’s a complete fabrication not appearing until around 1991. So, another lesson to the traveller – Travel and tourism is generally good for local economies, naturally then there is motivation for vested interests to ‘Gild the Lilly’, exaggerate, even down right lie about the great benefits of visiting their fair cities.

“East and West Shall Never Meet“.

So said Rudyard Kipling in 1889, though actually he is suggesting that neither geography, race, nor class, actually divide men when they meet face to face.

Is this actually true? In the contemporary world it’s easy to believe that the ‘East’ and the ‘West’ are separated, if no longer by travel and time, but by such issues as politics, culture, religion, and thickness of wallet. But was this always true?

Confucius seems to echo Seneca. Could ancient Eastern and Western Philosophers have known of each other, way back before 500BC? The answer is a BIG Yes.

We in our contemporary ‘sophistication’, simply assume the Ancient World was parochial – separate kingdoms swimming in their own remote fishbowls. But,

Time travel along ancient routes.

The Persian Empire had constructed a road network connecting the Middle East with Southern Europe and the Mediterranean well before 500 BC.

And all this time I thought Alexander the Great was a trail blazer riding his horse from Macedonian to Persia – Seems he simply followed the Michelin Guidebook.

The subjects of the Ancient World were great travellers as is evident from the ‘Silk Road’ map of 300BC to 100BC. Logical inference that the Ancient World was also considerably multilingual?

Well, I’m not sure trading Roman olive oil for Chinese porcelain, would have been extremely easy using hand gestures alone.

Curiously – 300 BC, who is an internationally connected trading port? SINGAPORE

So yes, it’s more than probable that Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy, Chinese and Persian wisdom, and knowledge: Travelled in Camel Trains and Chinese Junks, alongside other assorted trade goods. Then of course the knowledge sharing interaction between travellers in the numerous inns, hotels, brothels, cafes, and shops that no doubt bounded these routes – Travelers are thirsty, hungry, and open for a great ripping yarn.

History of Travel: The Modern World

The Grand Tour, primarily associated with the British Nobility, was the 17th to early 19th Century custom of a traditional trip through Europe, with Italy as a key destination, undertaken by upper class young European men of sufficient wealth.

A time meant to broaden the young mind whilst pondering the antiquity of Europe and the former might and glory of the long-lost Roman Empire.

Did anything meaningful spring from two centuries of aristocratic grand touring?

My Hat is Definitely more Gorgeous than yours’!

I suspect a motley group of self-indulgent young men, not burdened with working for a living, achieved precisely what you would expect – Diddly Squat!

I admit my bias, since during the same period my Irish ancestors were trying to survive off small gardens of rotten potato. But at least these Dandies proved Seneca and Confucius correct in their dark warnings about the possible outcome of travel – You can’t travel away from yourself.

The end of Time Travel.

To conclude this Time Travel I’ve chosen one of my favourite authors Mark Twain (1835 -1910). Twain was a great traveller, liberal minded for his time – Worthy of being more widely read 110 years after his death.

Mark Twain arrived in Australia in 1895, having followed Robert Louis Stevenson’s directions: “Sail West and take the first turn left“. (Which is precisely what Captain Cook did when leaving New Zealand in 1769, although that left turn was promptly followed by running smack into Australia and wrecking the King’s boat.) Mark Twain was travelling big time: 13-month lecture tour taking him from America to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India and finally England.

Twain wrote about my Country, one quote, which I guess only an Aussie could love, appreciate, and see as a positive acclamation:

“Australian history does not read like history, but like the most beautiful lies.”

Mark Twain

Did you really think my Post was anything but lies?

I had a head full of ideas on how I would conclude my ponderings on Travel, my learnings or lack off, but

I’d rather leave you with Mark Twain and Francis Scott Fitzgerald:

“So, we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

F Scott Fitzgerald (Nick Carraway, narrator the Great Gatsby)

Good luck with your own time travel adventures.

Travel Singapore

Singapore consumerism – Eating, extreme excess, and crazy rich Asians 

(This Postcard was written from Singapore in October 2022)

Singapore consumerism – welcome to excess. Singaporeans like to eat they also like to shop!

Fifty percent of Singaporeans consider shopping as a hobby, of which 55% are women between ages 25 and 65. 80% say they shop when they need a specific item, 45% say they do so because it makes them feel happy. I was three in 1965 when Singapore became independent. The Singapore I studied at School, was well pretty broke. 77 years have passed, I turned sixty this day. Shopping as a hobby, and to lift a mood: How is that a thing, for such a high percentage of a Country, which started at such a low base, in my own lifetime? Let’s jump back to 1965: What facilitated such change?

Leadership – The path to consumerism.

1965, Singapore had finally received the Property Deeds back from Britain, and had finalized a messy divorce with Malaysia, however Singapore was hardly rolling in cash. Lee Kuan Yu, Singapore’s first Prime Minister, a man of vision, educated in the Law and Economics: But, also deeply profoundly pragmatic. 1965, Lee acknowledged that Singapore had limited resources, but they had one: The ability of Singaporeans to work together regardless of race and creed and work extremely hard. In simple terms: Lee’s Leadership transformed Singapore. Lee had the vision, he backed his people, he ensured his Government Team was the best available in all manner of skills, Day 1 ‘ZERO’ tolerance of Corruption. The people of Singapore generally embraced and followed Lee’s Leadership.

Consumerism and Gross Domestic Product.

How can we quickly measure progress since 1965? Let’s look at the GDP of Singapore compared with Australia (Lee’s Poor White Trash of Asia), Britain (Lee’s former Landlord), and the United States. Great, what’s GPD?

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures a Country’s Wealth. Put simply, Assets minus Debt. So, find the loose change under the couch and the glove box, smash the kid’s piggy banks: Pay of the mortgage and all those credit cards – divide that by the number of people living in your house – That’s the GDP of your household.

Singapore’s staggering GDP growth from 1965 to 2021, is well staggering!

Lee Kuan Yu described the Leadership Values and Intent which drove this growth:

“We have had, since 1965, an undivided society, solidly behind a meritocratic system, pushing for higher standards of education, higher standards of performance, and meritocratic at every level. Instead of trying to impose Western political models on Asian realities, we sought to make autocracy respectable by leavening it with meritocracy, the rule of law and a strict intolerance for corruption to make it deliver growth.”

Lee Kuan Yu

Singapore Consumerism and Inequality.

Excellent! But has the wealth benefitted everyone?

No! It hasn’t. GDP measures national wealth, it ignores wealth distribution and inequality. Singapore displays profound financial inequality and inequity. Nothing new in this. Australia, Britain, and the US, have a similar problem of wealth accumulation at the top. However,

National wealth can also pay for public health, safe water, public infrastructure: Investment lifting the overall quality of life. Singapore has done that and shares this with Australia and Britain. Ok enough politics! What are Singaporeans spending their hard-earned wealth on?

Bucket loads of prestige and exotic cars! Significant, given it’s the world’s most expensive place to buy and own a car. Obviously, car ownership is not equitable, but then the average Singaporean has access to fast, clean, efficient, reliable public transport – Ridiculously cheap: Murah Sekali!

Singapore Consumerism – Not just exotic cars.

What are Singaporean’s buying?

Prestige goods definitely – Watches, fashion: These are big business.

Carefully feng shui-ed architecture reflects this passion, some places are aptly described as Temples of Consumerism.

Orchard Road, the prestige shopping district: Roaring, rampaging, bellowing shopping, winding up like a Lamborghini’s tachometer – quite overwhelming! As a tourist, the question is not, “Where can I buy a Rolex Watch in Singapore?”  For the answer will be, ‘Which outlet, on which floor in that same outlet, in which ‘Temple of Consumerism,’ do you wish to make your purchase?’ How can one City State sustain so many outlets for Cartier and Rolex?

Consumerism and a cheap breakfast.

I was born in Wagga Wagga, 60 years ago today. Wagga is a smallish rural Town in the Australian State of New South Wales. It hosts an Aussie Airforce base, the hospital in which I was born. Let’s just say Wagga is a typical ‘Aussie Rural Town’: It’s not that exciting. Now Oxford Street, Sydney, a place I’ve walked and inhaled numerous times in a long life: Oxford Street is Australia’s prestige shopping district: A short kangaroo hop from the Sydney Opera House. Where is this going?

Ok, simply put Orchard Road makes Oxford Street look like Wagga Wagga on a Sunday afternoon!

Fortunately, though I admire any Rolex, I was only looking for breakfast. And this is part of the intangible value of Singapore: On the same floor as all this luxury bling – traditional breakfast of Malay Nasi Lemak, for $6.50 – Murah Sekali!

The retailing of food is the foundation of Singapore. No more so than the cultural icon that is the Hawker Centre. You can read my Postcard describing the establishment and history of these institutions at this link.

Traditional breakfast of Malay Nasi Lemak.

Singapore – It’s not all Gordon Gekko.

Orchard Road seems like the past, it’s very ‘Gordon Gekko’ 1980’s, Greed, and Desire as markers of success, ok ask your Grandad!

There are signs that contemporary Singapore Architecture is moving in line with emerging international values – Lower environmental impact, green walls, water harvesting – electronic instant connectivity.

Singapore’s new architecture is more ‘Green’ than opulent.

Singapore has not lost any of its traditional heritage precincts, take ‘Little India,’ hardly a temple of consumerism, but there is as usual eating and consuming on immense scale.

So Little India, is commercial like say Bali, Indonesia? Absolutely not? All of this display is normal business in Little India. When I shot these photos; I was obviously one of very few tourists scrambling to avoid being runover by Lamborghini and Porsche! This is sustained by local everyday business. By example, take the Aussies out of Bali, well you’re back to growing rice or serving fake vodka to arrogant Russian gangsters!

Do I love Singapore? You bet I do!

(My further thoughts on Singapore can be found by clicking this link)

Travel Singapore

Hawker Centres – Food, eating, self-determination Colonizing Bullies. 

(Written in October 2022, after several introductory Postcards, I had finally started my Singapore adventure)
Statue Stamford Raffles founder of Singapore.

Finally, after much talk, I am on the ground in Singapore! It seems fitting to start where modern Singapore started, the Site where Stamford Raffles rowed ashore in 1819. So, as my old corpse is obscuring the most important part of this photograph.

Singapore let’s eat.

When I started this Postcard series, I had intended some serious ponderings, but the last two days, exhausted from travelling, I’m just eating, eating, and getting my bearings. So, food:

The classic contemporary Hawker Centre.

Food in Singapore means the ‘Hawker Centre’. Ok, what is that?

Think local takeaway or cafe, kind off. Similarity suddenly stops. Hawker Centres are communal buildings, providing accommodation to small family run businesses: Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditional fare. Food is cheap, meals are large, crowded, noisy, aromatic, fresh ingredients – Hard to describe, but US chef, author, and TV personality, Anthony Bourdain does it best:

“So, it was another day in foodie paradise. And that is Singapore’s singular danger. It is easy to get sucked in, to get used to the trivial things on your daily table — the tiny dishes of sambal or chopped red chili peppers, the soy sauce, even the moist towelettes. And once you get used to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes, there is no going back. Western food becomes eerily bland and flat. You find your soul kidnapped by the memory of condiments. If you like the idea of getting lost in Asia, Singapore is the perfect place to start“

Anthony Bourdain.
Watch Anthony Bourdain’s ‘Parts Unknown’ for yes plenty of great food, but some opinions on the ‘success’ or otherwise of modern Singapore.

Hawker Centre History.

Where did this all start? The success of Raffle’s ‘Asian Pub‘, oh he also built a Trading Port: Well, it attracted workers from all over, and workers need to be fed and these workers, well let’s say Raffles and Co, were here to make money, worker’s welfare was not a huge priority. Up stepped the Hawker:

The Hawker Singapore. Now a essential aspect of Singapore's culture and history. It all started with street Hawkers as shown in this photo.
The Original Street Hawkers. They fed Singapore’s growth.

Hawkers, rode and strode Singapore’s Streets, feeding this new workforce, with the only food they knew, the traditional cuisine of their home Countries. This started, well pretty much immediately that Raffles opened shop. By the start of World War 2, Hawking was feeding most of Singapore, but that came at a price: Street congestion, no sanitation, gangs fighting for territory, rampant serious disease. The English Colonial Government tried what colonizers often do: Stamp out the problem but give scant attention to an alternative – How to feed the working population, the engine room of Singapore’s wealth.

Fascists come and go, Colonizers return.

The Japanese Invasion of 1942 stopped the Hawkers in their tracks: There simply was no food! Besides, the Japanese also wanted plenty of not just cheap labour, free forced labour.

1946, Britain, Holland, and France – having recently crushed Italy, Japan, and Germany, for their sheer audacity in trying to take over someone else’s Countries, well these European powers have returned to business as usual: Running someone else’s Country! Britain – Singapore, Holland – Indonesia, and France – Vietnam.

It was back to business for the Singapore Hawkers as well, but the same chaos, hygiene, health issues remained despite another 19 years of authorities trying to eliminate the Hawkers.

Food becomes a resistance movement.

The crack down on Hawker Centres post WW2 came to symbolize National Identity, IE: Singapore’s struggle for self-destiny, free of European or Asian empire building. During the 1950’s Hawker Centres frequently were the subject of ‘resistance’ art:

Street Hawkers running from Security Forces.

Hawker’s scrambling in response to ‘cockatoos’ warning of an authority raid. Having now walked the Singapore’s remaining back blocks, I cannot imagine apprehending such ‘villains’ was an easy business.

Singapore commences time travel into the future.

1965, Singapore has received the property deeds back from Britain and settled an ugly messy divorce with Malaysia. Lee Quan Yu’s new Government takes a different approach to the Hawkers. Lee considers the continuation of traditional regional food critical to building the multicultural society he has in mind, but he is ever pragmatic. Street Hawking is banned full stop, but not before the creation of the ‘Hawker Centre’ in which the same Hawkers can continue business. The new Hawker Centres are structurally sound, hygienic, and well maintained. Rents are controlled, the traditional Hawkers are never pushed into profit deficit by a greedy landlord. The same policy has continued down to today. But does it work?

Well US President Joe Biden thinks so:

US President Joe Biden – Any chance of a Hot Dog?

Anthony Bourdain also thinks so:

“I come here mostly to eat because that’s what Singaporeans do here. And they arguably do it better—with more diverse, affordable food options per square foot than just about anywhere on Earth”.

Anthony Bourdain

UNESCO also thinks they work pretty well, in 2020 Hawker Culture was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Seriously, I have no idea what that means, but I do know, UNESCO has not recently added my local Fish and Chip Shop or Macca’s to that list!

Intangible Singapore.

Three days in, I get the intangibility of Singapore, as Anthony said, it’s something to do with:

“Jam-packed in between the carefully feng shui-ed architecture, the skyscrapers, and office blocks are rich, deep, very old, and deliciously funky remnants of the Old World – Chinese, Indian, Malay – and a culture that still cherishes the joys of a simple, good thing.”

Anthony Bourdain

I can’t help pondering, that for a government, often accused of totalitarianism or at best a benevolent dictatorship, well the Lee Government handled the Hawker issue with sensitivity, taking something flawed, something that others had tried to destroy and made it endure – There is great Leadership on display here. Or,

Perhaps the Hawker Centre is simply an excellent place to eat?

(I explore Singapore’s success in my Postcard ‘Eating, extreme excess, and Crazy Rich Asians’, you can read it by following this link.)

Travel Singapore

Time Travel – Desperately seeking a Singapore Sling 

(This Postcard was written in September 2022, from Australia whilst preparing for my adventure to Singapore. I had only just started writing and admit to having little if any idea what I would say, how to start, or even if I could.)

Firstly, my apology: My Postcard Number 1 introduced my intent to write about my upcoming Journey to Singapore. Since then, 6 Postcards, no Singapore. Just, distractions, crossroads, sidetracks, and lame dabbling in some form of written Stand-Up Comedy. Ok, I admit I’ve been delaying, I have absolutely no idea what a Travel Blog is, let alone how to write one! So, how about I document what I know off Singapore? While I’m about it might even do a little time travelling to reinforce my knowledge.

Sir Stamford Raffles – Colonizing Hero or Self-seeking villain?

Sir Stamford Raffles arrives.

Stamford Raffles rowed his pinnace ashore in Feb 1819, founding Singapore. With a ‘chilly bin’ full of Guinness he started a Pub, it became the internationally famous Raffles Hotel. A deck hand press ganged in Hong Kong, being of cultured upbringing, did not like drinking without food. Try these Singapore Noodles! Stamford’s French Chef, abhorred Guinness, saying: “Labière anglaise a le goût de la merde“, Aussie English translation meaning kinda: “English beer looks and tastes like something me bluey passed“: Try this Singapore Sling.

I first visited ‘Raffles Pub’ in 1986. It was somewhat run down and scruffy, rather rakish, and charming. Not very posh and none to selective about clientele, after all they let me drink in the main bar.

Singapore loves its Colonial Heritage.

Now ‘Raffles Pub’ is top shelf all the way. I took these photos a few nights back. Wet through, and rung out from walking Singapore: Well, I could not get in! Besides, $35 for a Singapore Sling, well that’s not really my cup of tea!

Without question ‘Raffles Singapore’ is the finest of the colonial architecture of Singapore, says a lot, because though the Singaporeans, were keen to see the British return to Europe, the Singaporean’s have spent considerable wealth maintaining the architectural heritage that remains in consequence of the British Empire.

Singapore, how did we get here?

Ok, that’s about my limit of knowledge on Singapore, other than:

The Singaporeans were mighty pissed in 1942, when Britain’s unconquerable armoured gunned fortress, fell quickly to Japan. The Japanese plan was really complicated: Let’s knick a pile of pushies from China, then ride down into Singapore from the opposite side of all those British guns. The British Commonwealth were dismally badly prepared for World War 2. One of many strategic failures was to underestimate the grit, tenacity and creativity of Japan. I suspect racism and bigotry played no small part in that.

In the 1950’s Singapore asked the British to go home. Unlike the French response to Vietnam’s similar request, surprisingly they actually did. Perhaps they remembered Publican Stamford’s advice:

“Better to walk out of a Pub Brawl, then been thrown out“.

Sir Stamford Raffles.

Singapore managed communism with just a little slaughter and mayhem, well by Vietnamese and Indonesian standards.

Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, warned Australia in 1980, “You will become the poor white trash of Asia‘. Very surprisingly, Australia’s Prime Minister Bob Hawke agreed with him.

Singapore, myths, ripping yarns and lies.

So, all of my extensive knowledge is true, or perhaps not?

in Feb 1819, Stamford did indeed establish the Singapore we know. A little time travel to 0135BC finds Claudius Ptolemy, a Roman Geographer, writing of the existence of the geographic place we know as Singapore. Which, introduces another of my pondering obsessions: Just how much knowledge of the Ancient World has been lost? More so given in 1776, British Captain James Cook, after several weeks Rugby Touring in New Zealand, literally ran into an unknown Australia! An Island 10,700 times bigger than Singapore.

The Buddhist Kingdom of Sumatra actually founded Singapura in 1250. Singapura means ‘Lion City’ in Sanskrit. Remaining the National Symbol today. Genghis Kahn, obsessed about time travel, also had a penchant for ‘Duty Free,’ establishing a Singapore trade mission in 1320. Singapore is hence the oldest location where a thriving Chinese community existed outside China.

1613, the Portuguese destroyed Singapore. Why? Perhaps the sailors were thirsty, and no one loves A Pub with No Beer. Indeed, their time travel was 200 years too early. Singapore sank into obscurity until Stamford decided, what a great place to build a pub!

Cocktails, noodles and other truths.

Singapore Noodles, well they are actually ‘Hong Kong Noodles,’ created by Hong Kong chefs in 1955 to add a little panache, to oh so common stir-fried noodles. Perhaps, Singapore had already established its position as an Asian food paradise for international travellers.

Stamford’s pub did indeed create the ‘Singapore Sling,’ but in 1915. Bartender Ngiam Tong Biam, an empathetic soul, realised some ladies, actually like a serious drink, but walking around in those high heels and silk sarong kebaya, carrying a double scotch was, well not very lady like. But a pink coloured drink, with fruit and an umbrella: Who could possibly know it has 3 times the boot of Stamford’s Guinness!

The value of Travel.

I have to catch the post now, so, why did the British leave so willingly? Can wait for another Postcard.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.” So wrote Mark Twain in 1880, and it’s true. In our troubled international times, and abundance of open mindedness would surely be a positive attribute in all society.

Travel is excellent, even more inspiring when you actual know something about your destination.

Time Travel Modern History

National Myths – Bastard Horses and Scared Heroic Young Men.

A real Postcard – Subject of wonder my entire life.

National myths, every country has one. Humans need a sense of belonging. Who am I? We want to be part of something more than a mixed-up land full of people scrambling for a living. Australia’s national myth captures boys who fought and died in World War1, our (ANZACs).

The above postcard is but one of many sent by home sick Aussie boys.

A Postcard I first observed sometime back in the 1960’s: 1960’s! Ask your Grandma, it’s in all the history books. But, first let me introduce my Uncle Leslie Loveday, my Great Grandfather’s Brother.

Leslie sent this Postcard from Egypt to Australia on Feb 06, 1916. He had volunteered for war and joined the 1st Australian Imperial Force (AIF) Light Horse, a mounted infantry unit. Leslie was a country lad: riding, shooting, and living rough was part of his way of life. Leslie was like all Light Horseman: Rough, tough, adventurous, brave, courageous – ever up for a drink, smoke, and a bloody good laugh.

Les wrote to my Great Grandmother Annie: “Dear Annie, With Best Love Les“. Six months since seeing Annie, he might have been dead or gravely wounded: That’s all he could muster! Never accuse Les of verbosity!

Family heroes and National Myths.

As a child, Uncle Les was a mystery to me. A considerable hero in my family and certainly part of the Australian National Mythology which has developed around the 1st AIF Light Horse. The Light Horse became Australia’s crack special forces of World War 1. Over 100 years, they now carry the burden of all that Aussies aspire to be: Straight, Honest, Brave, Fearless, Straight Talking, Loyal and True – Ridgee Didge even!

Uncle Leslie was a ‘Philosopher,’ not literally, but that was the teasing name created by those who enlisted in 1914. See Leslie, apparently thought deeply about it for 2 years, then finally joined up in 1916. But,

The real truth was Uncle Les was only then just 16. When Uncle Les’ Squadron arrived in Egypt, it was immediately broken up. Three quarters were sent to Gallipoli, Les remained in the Middle East. This probably saved his life as Gallipoli, and later the European Front, were slaughterhouses. The role Les’ mates served in France, contributing to ending WW1 can be reviewed at this Link.

Les spent the War chasing Turkish cavalry around the Palestine Desert. Les rode a ‘Waler’ into battle. Another Aussie Iconic image, the stout, ugly, tough, loyal, and resilient war horse unique to Australia.

Bill and Les – Aussie mongrels fighting a War.

Now I only learnt all this recently. Not one person in my family had any such details. It seems the details of National Mythology do not really matter: What is important is the transformational power of the message. Something else I discovered.

Reality versus Myth.

Les is not actually my Great Grandfather’s Brother; Les is actually the brother of my Great Grandmother. So, Les is actually Leslie Smoothie. Yes, I know why does that matter? It does not, other than it exposes my bias for thinking in terms of men’s history. And it also explains why I could not find any details in Aussie War Records for Leslie Loveday. To be honest, I started to think the Family Mythology was a well-kept secret scam. So, what happened to Uncle Les?

Les came home in one piece. The Australian War Museum records that on one occasion Leslie’s Troop surprised a Turkish Armoured Patrol Boat resupplying in a canal. Typical of the Light Horse, they attacked, armed only with 303’s rifles and a handful of Lewis Guns, the automatic weapon of its day. Predictably, the Aussies were quickly outgunned by the heavy deck guns of the Patrol Boat. Leslie conducted a one-on-one duel with the Patrol Boat, he armed only with a Lewis. Dodging, weaving, and popping up from sand dunes, Leslie brought time for his Troop to withdraw, then I imagine skedaddled.

Uncle Les lived out his life as a baker in a small Australian country village, not far from where I now live. A humble quiet life. Presumably, he knew my grandmother, may have got drunk at my Mother’s Christening. He may well have known my dad, as I remember Les’ Brother-in-Law, my Great Grandad George Loveday. George and my dad were sitting in the sun rolling cigarettes, must have been around 1968. But,

National Mythology.

I’m guessing, as you can see: The details of National Myths don’t really seem to affect their powerful presence in our lives. So, the point of all this? Well, it is a good ripping yarn if nothing else. It speaks to how National Mythology develops, it’s often careless with the details. Enduring no doubt, all Nations require a foundational storyline. Whether they are true or not, or whether Nations are better for their existence. Whether individuals’ lives are improved for them. I am pretty confident it depends more on lives well lived by humble men like my Uncle Les.

Photos Travel Singapore

Retail Therapy – Shopping, eating, consumerism, and status.

October 2022, I’m in Singapore attending to some ‘Retail Therapy’.

Singaporeans work hard and play harder.

They also shop, eat, shop and do some more eating – Shopping requires a lot of energy!

72 years previously Singapore became independent from Britain.

Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yu stated, “My Country would never again be bullied by Europeans or Asians”.

His direct reference being Britain and Japan.

If (and it’s a big if), Consumerism on a massive scale signifies success, then well-done Singapore.

Irrespective it’s all pretty groovy!

Time Travel Ancient History

Time Travel – Destruction, Lust, Philosophers, Fascists, and Arseholes 

(The concept of Stoicism consistently pops up in my writing as a sub theme. It will do it again in this piece. The Stoic Philosophy, and its positive impact on modern life, has gained popularity on social media. If you the reader want to know a little more highly recommend Chris Kirk's regular stoic ponderings at 'https://ascendbeyond.beehiiv/com')

28 November 2022, finds me Down Under in rural Australia, suffering a debilitating head cold – feeling ‘blah’. No physical activity outside today for this little black duck. Besides, it’s oh so hot, extremely dry: The run down to XMAS in Australia. So, time for some ‘Time Travel’, better known as the pondering of history. 1980, I brought this old TARDIS, from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the first of many of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s cultural budget cuts. I’ve been very fortunate that my obsession with Time Travel, always provides the instant ability to leave the present, ponder the past, and imagine the future.

Julius Caesar – Time travel and a self-promoting violent arsehole.

The British Broadcasting Commission (BBC) created the TARDIS. A machine for travelling through history.

I’ve been casually pondering such issues as: Was Julius Caesar a Superstar, or just a typical self-promoting politically violent arsehole? Did his behaviour time travel down to us? Ancient British Druids knew some cool stuff, what happened to them? What did the Ancient Romans ever do for us? Did anything of significance time travel down to us in 2022? Just every day meaningless ponderings: Oh, and do head colds impact your mental faculties?

Now, if I can just remember where I put my reading glasses, ok: Here we come Julius.

Caesar meets the British Celts.

Julius Caesar, famous Ancient Roman General. Julius is a famous time traveller. His life has been recorded in history and travelled down to us.

2077 years previously, we find Julius Caesar invading Britain for the first time. Caesar’s all conquering legions fought their way ashore, but they did not stay long – seems British food was rough on the Italian digestion, besides those naked blue painted Brits, were not great company: They liked to get drunk and throw stuff!

Julius’ rugby toured Britain again 12 months later, again he did not stay exceptionally long: Preferring a Roman Cafe – good coffee, and the leisure time to write an awful lot of Fake News about British Celts.

Julius Caesar – Lies and Time Travel.

Caesar highly embellished the success of his troopers. Roman Infantry and Cavalry were at that time invincible. Caesar was the Ancient World’s equal of Field Marshal General Rommel, master of combined arms: Both suffered political assassinations. They were notorious self-promoters: Julius with his written war diaries, Irwin with his photos. We have so many excellent holiday snaps of Irwin in combat, simply because he ordered them taken. Jumping to 2022, Irwin has self-promotion in common with Donald Trump: The similarity stops there – One is a Fascist, the other was not.

General Rommel, famous German leaded of World War 2. Another brilliant time traveller who history has recorded, and he travelled down to us.

Julius’ War Diary Time Travel to us.

Caesar’s War Diaries skip the fact that arrival in Britain was accompanied by the sounds of his men being violently seasick: Romans were not particularly good sailors, this was not the Mediterranean! So, the common legionnaire, disorientated and vomiting: Looked up at the blue faced naked masses, led by Druid priests, and simply said “Vaffanculo, non sto uscendo da questo galeone”.

Julius delivered his typical brilliant oratory: Straight out of ‘Saving Private Ryan’, “Solo due tipi di uomini stanno su questi galeoni, gli uomini morti e quelli che stanno per morire‘. Still, they refused to move! Very cleverly he sent a faithful Centurion ashore carrying the ‘Roman Standard‘, but also carrying something Julius failed to mention, everyone’s pay! Perhaps the first recorded evidence that common soldiers will certainly fight for Empire, but it’s equally motivating to secure your pay whilst you’re at it. Who were these Druids?

British Celts and sexy Druids – Time travel.

British Celts were led by a ruling high class of Druids: Born to rule, leadership as birth right, aristocratic, priest, teacher, judge, magician, wizard, shape shifter and politician – The British like this sort of thing! Druids were highly effective at marshalling martial resistance to the Romans. Consequently, Rome responded with its typical pragmaticism – they simply slaughtered every single Druid. Ironically, Irwin Rommel would have preferred if Germany’s evil Druid had had been slaughtered. To reinforce a lesson, we’ve often forgotten over 2000 years, women were well represented amongst Druids.

Druids were the ruling class of Ancient Britain. Travelling through history down to us. They are renowned for their knowledge, leadership, wisdom, and political power. Women were well represented amongst Druids.

Female Leaders in the Ancient World.

Yes, Druids were men and women. Ancient records suggest they held some knowledge beyond common in Ancient Britain – From an earlier civilization, Atlantis even. I’m confident they looked nothing like the images that have time travelled down to us. More Maggie Thatcher or Boris Johnson, similarities exist, as Billy Bragg, (British poet, one time busker, folk singer and general shit stirrer) would agree, both were shapeshifters from another Planet.

Italian Mobsters and the Peace of Rome.

So, did Julius omit anything else? Caesar conveniently forgot to mention the significance of nature and specifically trees in the spiritual life of British Celts. He mentioned trees as in: “The Druids made human sacrifices and indulged in cannibalism amidst sacred tree groves“. It was indeed such sacrifices that Rome used as justification for the destruction of Druid led Celtic Civilization. Monumental hypocrisy on behalf of Rome! Caesar was motivated to promote the Celts as savages, he was playing a political game in Rome. Caesar’s War Diaries were the ‘twitter’ of their day. This dehumanizing of other humans for self-seeking political purposes, has been a constant time traveler down to us. Caesar was also broke!

Protection Racket in the Ancient World.

In service to the Italian Mob, Caesar was in debt to the Roman mobster families. Right up to the ears of ‘Genitor’ his fine equestrian mount. He had borrowed heavily to fund his earlier conquest of the European Celts. Not keen on sharing his bed with parts of Genitor. Military success for Caesar brought financial capital and the military honours required to dominate Rome’s politics.

Caesar invaded Britain, not to spread Roman Civilization, and certainly not to stop the alleged Druid atrocities. If Caesar was spreading ‘Pax Romana‘, it was more akin to a New York Mafia Protection Racket. Caesar wanted gold, silver, tin, and timber, the latter in huge abundance right across Britain.

Historians agree that the Celts of Britain had had a deep affinity for trees for thousands of years. The Celts were completely embedded as a forest culture. A telling point is that in the Celtic language, more words existed associated with trees than any other concept. Where might we be today if this affinity with nature had time travelled as ingrained human culture?

Ripping Yarns and the Tree of Life.

Ok, another ripping yarn and perhaps interesting, but what’s my point?

Postcard # 1 warned of my passion for Ancient History. http://postcardsfromdownunder.com/about-me/I’ve been reading history voraciously since I was about 20, so 40 years. Always pondered the achievements, thinking surely many cool things did not survive time travel? Knowledge lost? I also warned that all things are interconnected. Certainly, Ancient British Celts believed this was so. The Tree of Life was the spiritual, temporal, and pragmatic instrument of connections in Life. Such interconnectivity travels across time and space – Sometimes you just need to listen.

The Purpose of a Ripping Yarn.

My purpose was to consider the lost, what remained, reasons for such losses, what remains unchanged, and that rediscovered. All in the context of truth, warning that there are some real bull shit artists around these days. An art group I’ve been a member of for decades. Time Travel is a great antidote to such nonsense.

Somethings have not changed in 2077 years. History demonstrates that Politicians, Corporate Tyrants, and the Military, are capable of deception in service of self-seeking, self-promoting activity. In the name of self-interest, surely much has been lost, that could have made a better future. A better present, the one we live in now!

But did anything significant time travel down to us from the Ancient World?

What did the Ancient Romans ever do for us?

What did the Ancient Romans, Greeks and Persians ever do for us?

Rome gave us roads, central heating, concrete, the modern calendar, and flushing toilets. The latter quite an achievement, given this Aussie boy, did not have a flushing toilet till 1972! Ancient Greece left us some wonderful food. But also:

  • The water driven grain mill;
  • The speed odometer (important to control drink driving of bullock carts I guess);
  • Alarm clocks;
  • Cartography;
  • The Olympics;
  • Geometry;
  • Medicine,
  • Philosophy,
  • Democracy; (if you exclude women),
  • and Science.

Not to be outdone, the Ancient Persians left us:

  • The First Declaration of Human Rights (we obviously lost that copy);
  • Irrigation;
  • Refrigeration;
  • Guitar;
  • Monotheism (origin of the three Abrahamic Religions);
  • Windmills;
  • Air-conditioning; and
  • and the Postal System.

Stoicism.

And then there is, ‘The Philosophy of Stoicism‘. 200 years prior to Julius’ British Tour, Zeno of Citium, Greece deeply pondered stuff. Zeno was a very grumpy writer. I know something of grumpiness I’ve written at length about it. You can find my previous post by following this Link.

Zeno of Citium, Ancient Greece deeply pondered stuff.

Lifes Purpose.

Eventually, several bottles of retsina in, he nailed the ‘Purpose of Life’ – Stoicism. Julius obviously skipped this class at the Military Academy – Playing polo with Genitor, I guess.

 Zeno’s ponderings time travelling 500 years down to Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius – 2022’s most well-known promoter of the power of Stoicism.

Mental Health and the stiff upper lip.

Few people would have heard of Zeno, but everyone is familiar with the term to be ‘stoic’. EG: The British displayed great stoicism during the Battle of Britain.

The stiff upper lip, the British Bulldog Defiance!

‘Keeping a stiff upper lip’, to be stoic, is an aspect of the Philosophy of Stoicism, but not the essence. The essence of Ancient Stoic Philosophy is that man can harness Logic, Acceptance and Control. All aimed at calming the heart, mind, and soul. Starting to sound familiar? Up steps modern Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Now time travel gets really interesting!

CBT has proven effective in treating:

  • Depression,
  • Anxiety,
  • Eating disorders,
  • Bipolar dysfunction,
  • Childhood abuse disorders,
  • Alcoholism,
  • Drug addiction, and
  • Smoking.

Given the increasing prevalence of such issues, high chance you’ve personally benefitted from CBT. Or at least some of your family and friends have. Excellent, how does CBT work?

In essence, with CBT, the idea is that if you have unhelpful automatic thoughts, these can negatively influence your emotions. Your emotions then drive behaviour. Often those negative or automatic thoughts do not accurately present reality. So, CBT interventions help you recognize or change those automatic thoughts. Then manage how you perceive, interpret, and react to the world. This sounds awfully familiar.

So, CBT of 2022 is based on Old Zeno’s writings of 2400 years previous? Well not exactly.

CBT arrives in the Contemporary World.

In 1962 American psychotherapist Albert Ellis, a pioneer of early CBT, was pondering his own time travel. Writing up clinical observations, he suddenly recalled his own Year 10 class on the teachings of Marcus. He was I imagined quite stunned:

“This principle, which I have inducted from many psychotherapeutic sessions, was originally discovered and stated by the ancient Stoic philosophers, especially Zeno of Citium, and Marcus Aurelius“.

The truths of Stoicism were set forth by Epictetus, who wrote:

“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of them.”

So, in 1942 the stoic old bulldog had it right:

It seems that 2400 years previously, humans stumbled across the healing power of Stoicism. Then enthusiastically went about destroying other people’s civilizations, tinkering with new religions, reducing trees to commodities. Generally, after fucking things up, then hurried off as if nothing happened.

Fortunately for those for whom CBT is a lifeline to happiness, we found our way back in time.

Time Travel.

Time for me to live in the 2022 present. After all my TARDIS needs a service, you just can’t get the spare parts. I’m told its COVID delays and the Ukraine War – Best be stoic and focus on what’s in my control.

Pay attention to your own personal TARDIS – Time and Relative Dimension in Space.

Take care.

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