We flew from Auckland to Christchurch and got up early the next day to board the TranzAlpine railway. The TranzAlpine is considered one of the world’s great train journeys because of the scenery. It is 139 miles one-way, takes almost 5 hours, goes through 16 tunnels and four viaducts. The route takes it from Christchurch through the Canterbury Plaines, past the Waimakariri River to Rolleston. It then passes through the Southern Alps past the Waimakariri River gorge via Arthur’s pass and ends in Greymouth on the West Coast. We rode it as far as Arthur’s pass.
From there we were on a bus to Hokitika. Hokitika is a beach town on the west coast known for its Pounamu. Pounamu is also known as Greenstone or nephrite jade. The stone is important to the Maori culture. Not all Pounamu is jade. Pounamu can only be found in New Zealand whereas some of the greenstone found in shops is jade from other countries. There are many different kinds of Pounamu, distinguished by the color.
We overnighted in Franz Joseph and took a jetboat on the River Haast the next day. It was a rainy day and we were the last people allowed on the river due to high water levels. Lots of waterfalls.
The west coast is wet and tropical. As soon as you cross over the alps to the east, the climate changes quite drastically. Back over the Alps again and on to Queenstown.
Our first day in Auckland, we met my friends Louise and her sister Barbara for breakfast. I met Louise and Barbara and their family when I was living in Mexico. We went to grade school together. I hadn’t seen them for over 50 years. It didn’t matter. We had a wonderful reunion. Lots of fun. Their family owns two restaurants in Auckland – San Ray and Cazador. We ate at San Ray and it was fabulous.
From there we went to the War Museum which is more of a science and history museum. Interesting place, but unfortunately much of it was closed. Then on to the Art Gallery with was wonderful. Lots of impressionists. An exhibit of Louise Bourgeois – including a film of her being interviewed. A very interesting character. Saw some New Zealand artists as well.
A very civilized place…
The next day we took the 40 minute ferry to Waiheke Island. The island is known for its wineries. We opted for the hop-on-hop-off bus that gave us a tour of the whole island. Beautiful views and countryside. Lots of holiday houses. We at lunch with a view of the sea.
I arrived on time in Los Angeles. Picked up my bag. It was 2 pm. My flight to Fiji left at midnight. I couldn’t check in until 8 pm. No place to sit in the Departure area. Why are airports like that? Masses of people sitting on the floor waiting for check in to start. Couldn’t they just put in a bench of seats? Is that asking too much? I went downstairs to Arrivals. Lots of seats down there. Go figure.
After waiting in long lines, got to check in. Found the gate. My traveling companion’s flight was delayed. No sign of her. Final boarding call. I’m in line to board the plane. She showed up at the last minute. Whew!
We were flying Fiji Air. Flight was 9.5 hours. For some reason it was brutal. The food was not good. The service was great. Nice staff. Arrived in Fiji at 6 am. We time traveled. It was all of a sudden two days later. Or something like that. It took a while to figure out what day it was. Checked into the hotel, napped, watched the sunset, ate dinner, crashed.
The next day was Fiji Day. Who knew? Activities all day long. Dancers in the morning. More dancing and singing in the evening. Along with fireworks.
Signed up for a tour. First stop was the Hindu Temple. The largest one in the southern hemisphere. Women cannot go in with pants or shorts on so we all had to wrap cloth around us. They had a big pile at the entrance so you could take your pick. The temple was beautifully decorated.
We spent some time in the downtown shopping area. Mostly tourist shops.
Next stop was a village on the coast. We learned that cannibalism was common on the island and the European sailors originally called Fiji the Cannibal Isles. The sailors avoided disembarking there. Thomas Baker, a missionary, was killed and eaten in 1867. The soles of his leather sandals, which were also cooked by the cannibal tribe, are preserved at the Fiji Museum in Suva. The story goes that later missionaries arrived laden with all kinds of food in order to avoid being eaten. The small village was lovely and very well kept. There was a church at one end of a small square. Several women were selling trinkets on the way back to the car.
From there we went to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the bottom of the tallest mountain on the island. The garden was originally set up by Raymond Burr of Perry Mason fame. He apparently had a home on the island and loved orchids. It is famous for its extensive collection of orchids.
A lot of time in Fiji was spent by the pool. Totally awesome.
In case you can’t tell — I’m the one in the striped shirt on the patio and I think that is Virginia (?) I’m helping with breakfast!
Love, Bill
Puerto Rico, Jan 2003
Can’t say I have actually seen this view but hey are all lovely, in the warmth and sunshine. Almost time for the wine and cheese hour and then dinner. Tomorrow lunch with Supreme Court Staff and the office reception.
Love, Tim
Sainte-Luce Village
Meilleurs son venirs de la Mar-tinique.
Barbados, 3/25/69
We arrived here this am a bit sunburned but that will pass. Tom is sitting in the shade by the pool while I am off to work.
Love, Bill
The new Barbados Hilton, built on the site of Ft. Charles, has 158 charming guest rooms, garden cottages, and suites. Situated on this spectacular beach-front site, the hotel recaptures the old fort’s flavor through its native coral limestone structure and colonnaded courts. It is truly a hotel designed for those who appreciate and are at home with the finest.
Sheraton – Kingston Hotel
This is a popular place, I have three postcards like this one.
January 1968 Arrived OK and met with Hardin and others tonight. Disorganization rules but perhaps all will be ok. See you soon. Love, Bill
September 1968 We finally landed 1/2 hr. late last night – then to a nice small dinner party where they had a 3 week old baby boy. I’m going to Dr. with his parents for a check this am, then to their house for lunch. The weather is beautiful. Pool looks great! Love, Va
January 1969 Had a nice flight over. That is really the way to come. Hans is here and we will have dinner tonight at Jim & Suzy’s. It is warm and delightful here. I’m going for a swim now!! Love, Bill
March 2001
I have returned to Ithaca (& we got upgraded to 1st class on one of the flights, which was lovely!) – it is cold and snowy. It rained and was windy the first 2.5 days of our trip which was hard especially for Dave, since the fishing was very bad. We were watching the weather channel religiously. Then we had lovely weather the last 2.5 days and were staying at an incredible resort/casino/waterpark/outdoor aquarium – so we had plenty of fish to see, and enough sun to tan and play in the ocean. All of the buildings were cement, but painted lovely colors. I hope you are both well.
Much love, Allie
Vibrant color, Bahamian shutters, and tropical flora create a palette of color that is pleasure to the eye and soul. Photo by Linda M. Huber
I have yet to see anyone doing any of these things, but we haven’t had too much time to just wander… We have gone to an authentic Bahamian dinner at a nearby bar, and also have gone horseback riding. It has been a very fun trip so far, with only a few rainy days. I have seen many beautiful flowers, birds and coral. Hope all is well…
Love, Valerie
Left: A local wood carver hard at work. Center: Making a model boat out of shells. Right: Palm fronds are stripped and dried before platting, to make straw articles for the famous Bahamian straw market.
Grand Cayman, November 1996
Been here – done this now! Good trip – real warm. Did I have to say that? Bus ready to leave – please share with Jean.
Aloha, Kay
St Maarten, Netherland Antilles, 1965
Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies
Puerto Rico, November 1968
All goes well – not exciting and I’m glad I decided to go to Tobago rather than stay for all of conf. Weather is good – Suzy here with Jim but not Jaime – see you Fri.
Love, Bill
El Morro Castle, one of the oldest Spanish fortresses in the New World
Hi – This is a lovely little city with Roman ruins thru-out. This amphitheater is sometimes used for concerts even now! I actually was on the Mt. today where Moses saw the Holy land and is buried. Saw the Dead Sea, almost to Jerusalem. It is cold. 3 degrees C. when we landed. But warm in the sun. We go on an agriculture tour tomorrow to Jordan River valley, then leave on Sun. – me to Haag, B to Kenya and Malawi. Great Trip! — Love, Va.
Mt. Nebo-Siyagha. The basin of the Baptistry in the Memorial of Moses
The Hague, Feb, 1982
Hi
This is one of the many mosaics beautifully preserved in Jordan. Twas good visiting with you last week, hope the snow is abating. Yesterday the 2 Alicias and I went up north of Amsterdam to the Frisian Floral Fair and it was just fantastic. This whole building filled with flowers — mostly bulbs (tulips, crocus, daffodils) in every color of the rainbow (even black tulips!). We bought some sprouted bulbs to plant in pots inside which should bloom in 6 wks — we hope! Bill is due on Tuesday, we go to the St Martins in the Field concert in Amsterdam that nite. It is still hold here.
Love, Va
El Hussein Mosque
February, 1982
Hi
I’ve just come from the top of the Mt. where Moses was buried and saw the Dead Sea from there. I’ve got to read my bible when I get home!! Such a nice young college prof. has been “sightseeing” me and I’ve learned much from her. It is a lovely little city with an almost perfect climate (tho a bit chilly this morn.) built on hills with terrific views. I go home on Sun., Bill to Africa.
We are having a great time here in Fiji. the beach and everything are just great. No waves for surfing but the water is just right. Why don’t you phone us some evening soon after we get home – or Va will call you.
Love, Bill
Elizabeth. Dressed in her Sunday best, Elizabeth finds pleasure in picking and displaying Hibiscus flowers.
July 1982
Dear Kathy
This is my fourth trip to Fiji and I expect to be back here one more time this year. So I must like it, which I do. On this trip I’ll visit the main parts I haven’t visited before.
See you soon.
Love, Bill
Vani – Portrait of an old Fijian lady from Moturiki Island, Fiji
July 1982
All goes well, some of us are off to Vanuatu and Taveuni tomorrow for a week. We have had rain every day so no tennis. We are hopeful that when we come together again o the 27th that the sun will appear.
Love, Bill
The Ratu – A Fijian chief in full traditional ceremonial dress made of masa (tapa cloth)
Treasure Island, Fiji
April, 1981
I did not get a chance to visit this island this trip but it is the one I visited by sailing ship in 1970. Fiji is very nice! I would like to come back and spend a holiday here.
Love, Bill
16 km south west of Lautoka, Treasure Island is casual elegance in lush, tropical surroundings. Ultra-modern Fijian accommodation with private beach and lagoon view.
I was driving west towards Spring Green, Wisconsin. I followed the winding road through the valley surrounded by wooded hills. Amazing beauty all around. I was on my way to Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s estate. I took the two hour tour. It was interesting and the guide was well informed. However the out building, studio and main house were what you would expect. Lots of wood and stone, lots of built-ins, lots of Asian art, and unpredictable architecture. What impressed me the most was the nature surrounding the structures. The setting was stunning. What I learned was that me Wright was very in tune with nature and was conscious of the beauty outside. And of course he tried to incorporate his buildings within their surrounding.
I think I sound a bit incoherent. I’m sitting in a Ramada Inn in Richland center after a long hot day.
Tomorrow is another day. Enjoy the photos! Click for larger view.
The day has finally come. It feels like I have been working on this book forever.
But now, here it is!
I have set up some pages to go with the book. Lots of pictures and videos. Praise from readers. And info on where to get it. Also info on how to get a review copy. Click on Much More Info below or on Echoes of a Global Life in the menu above.
ECHOES OF A GLOBAL LIFE by Kathleen Gamble A story of survival from Burma to Moscow and beyond. Memoir. Travel stories. Living in interesting times.
Echoes of a Global Life is part memoir, part travelogue, part history lesson. Kathleen lives in a world of constant change. Moving from city to city she says goodbye to one and starts to explore the next. Never two the same. She is a survivor. She keeps on going. Through trauma, including a plane crash, and other scary times, there is also humor. Kathleen was born in Asia and lived on five continents before she was eighteen. She takes you to Burma, USA, Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria, Switzerland, and Russia. She weaves in parts of each country she carries with her. Her family lives through a coup in Burma, student rioting in Colombia, two coups in Nigeria, and political unrest in Russia. Sometimes things are fabulous. Sometimes they are not. She is a Third Culture Kid, rootless and restless. As an adult she lived in Moscow for nine years during the 1990’s where she witnessed history in the making and a terrifying exit. Life is never boring.
