Postcard: Yoruba Coronation Cloth (detail)– Nigeria. To benefit UNICEF.Igu Mask, Nigeria
Paris, March 1973 We are on our way to Amsterdam. I’ll take KLM to Chicago, Bill to Frankfort and Lagos. The Paris weather has been cold but clear and sunny – lovely. I walked miles to know Paris a little better. Had lunch with Zina yesterday – she says Lisa is very unhappy here – she’s going to US for Easter. Do keep warm, for that helps to recover and prevent colds. Love to you, Mom
1985. NIGERIA The most populous single African nation on the continent of Africa, lies on the west coast and has a rich tradition and culture closely connected with her religious beliefs and the rites and practices relating to them. Traditional religion has given the people a heritage of culture and tradition which is still noticeable despite later influence by Isalm and Christianity. The agriculture, music, art, craft, language and economies of the country still bear traces of this influence.
Ibadan, Nigeria
Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Nigeria
Tinubu Square and Central Lagos
December 1973 T & J got here about 4 hours late but happy and not too tired. We are gradually hearing about their trip to Europe, their life in Australia. You can see Bill’s office at the top right of the photo. Hope you are well, Love, Dede
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.
Kin-na-ri (mythological half-man half-bird) in front of Thebdidon royal pantheon.
Thai Royal State Barge, Bankgok
Wat Arun Temple of Dawn, Bangkok, Thailand
The image of the Emerald Buddha under Summer season attire inside Wat Phra Keo at the Royal Place grounds, Bangkok.
1982 The Emerald Buddha Temple at night during the time of Bangkok Bicentennial
The Prasart-pradiep-bidorn in the Emerald Buddha Temple, Bangkok, Thailand
A giant standing on the ground of the Emerald Buddha Temple, Bangkok, Thailand.
The Throne with four posts and supporting a roof with spire on the grounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, Bangkok, Thailand
February 1985
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Do these dancers look kind of familiar to you? We saw a dancing show yesterday – many of same steps you learned. Bill took lots of pictures! It is to be 96 degrees here today. We joined the worshipers a the Temple of the Emerald Buddha yesterday – very impressive.
Tomorrow (Bill’s birthday) we leave for Singapore for 2 days. Have a good weekend! Love and Kisses, Mom
“Finger Nail Dance” one of the most beautiful Thai Classical Dances
October 198?
The trip over was long as usual. Got in about 11:00 pm. Just bit late. I am just lying by the pool and resting.
This hotel is very nice about like the Mandarin in Jakarta in many ways but with a larger pool!
All OK so far. Will write regularly. Love, Bill
The Regent Bangkok, Thailand
August 1989
Good to visit old friends – not enough time. Came for the 30th anniversary of AIT – many ceremonies, graduation, even lunch and inner with the Princess. On to Hong Kong for a few days then home. Am afraid La Jolla will be too dull for words after all this excitement.
Love Bob and Gunta
February 1982
We visited here yesterday and it is all being refinished but still magnificent. We were met by Bob and Gunta on arrival and spent the day with them. They send you greetings.
Today we will shop, rest, sun and tonight travel to Karachi. It is HOT here.
Love, Bill and Va
The Emerald Buddha Temple, Bangkok
April 1988
This is such a fun place. We are mesmerized by the river traffic in front of our hotel. My new suit is heavy black silk for winter, but not for your wedding! Wish you were here.
Love, Va
The Royal Barge Procession for the Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, Bangkok. Thailand’s fabulous royal barges will form a stately procession to transport His Majesty the King to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) where His Majesty will present saffron robes to the monastic community.
January 1967
Hi
Arrived Bangkok on schedule in AM. Just checking in hotel. All still looks interesting.
Love, Bill
February, 1989
Dear
Greetings from lovely warm Bangkok. I hope all continues to go well in Moscow.
We go to Chiang Mai tomorrow, where I have never been before, and then back here Sunday Evening. I hope you are all warm and cozy.
Love
The Oriental Hotel, circa 1876
July 1987
Dear
The original part of the hotel still looks like this but they have a modern, lovely hotel around it. It is still one of my favorite places in the world. The flight over was long! 24 hours! With stops in S.F and Tokyo. Saw three movies – The Tin Men, Hoosiers and Burglars on the plane. Burglars was good.
Take care
July 1988
This should reach you by the time of your birthday! Happy Birthday! Our hotel is lovely! Looks quite different now than in this photo but this is more or less as it was when we first stayed here in the 50’s. Hope all is well and your trip to Boston is fine. I am having a new silk suit made.
Love
February 1990
Hi
We all met as planned at airport about midnite last nite (24 hour trip – tired). This hotel (the new version) is just gorgeous and comfortable – we are impressed. We had big slabs of papaya for breakfast in the sun along the river. Wish you were here.
Love
The Oriental, Bangkok, Circa 1876
From its earliest origin as a rest house for western adventurers, The Oriental has stood for quality of life that made it an oasis midst the hub-bub that prevails all about. As it was over 100 year ago, so it is today.
Giant Guardians at the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawa), Bangkok, Thailand
February, 1970
Dear
Greetings to you on my birthday. We are at airport waiting for plane to Singapore. I have found Bangkok and the people to be great as I expected. See you next month.
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.
When I was 18 years old I had an overnight layover in Frankfurt, Germany. I stayed at the airport hotel and I needed to eat so I walked into the hotel restaurant. Alone. It was my first time dining alone. I was nervous but I was hungry. The Maître D’ was very nice and showed me to a small out of the way table. There were no cellphones to play with in those days. I think I might have had a magazine. I don’t remember what I ate or if it was any good. I remember seeing several men dining alone. No women. The service wasn’t the best. It took forever to get the bill. I was rather low on the totem pole, I guess. But I got through it.
Since then I have dined alone many times but never by choice. Usually when travelling. Airports and hotels are mostly reasonable places to dine alone. People understand why you have the need to do such a thing. Outside of that, at regular local restaurants, I often get the feeling they are put out by it. Maybe it is my imagination. Maybe I am too self-conscious. Now that I have a phone to play with it is a bit less painful.
I know people who love to dine alone. I suppose it gives them a sense of freedom.
I enjoy watching other people. How they interact. What they eat. How much they drink.
I arrived in Scotland a couple of years ago, made a beeline for the hotel restaurant and ordered two beers one right after the other. Just to help with the nerves… Jet lagged and sleep deprived, I found I was quite drunk and barely managed to pay the bill before collapsing in my room. I think I overtipped the waiter and he was a little confused by it all. Not the best way to start a trip.
Now that I am old I really don’t care anymore. Age does have its advantages. My birthday is coming up. Maybe I will have a nice meal to celebrate. Or maybe I’ll just get a slice of cake to go.
