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.
The New Otani 10-acre Classical Japanese Garden Tokyo, Japan
The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo
The Imperial Hotel, built by Frank Loyd Wright, opened in 1923. It was demolished in 1968 and replaced by a high rise structure. My family stayed there in 1959, when we were on our way from Burma to the United States.
This postcard was written to my grandmother from some friends of hers traveling in Asia in August, 1961. I think the stamp is pretty cool.
I arrived here in this fabulous city of Tokyo after very pleasant jet air rides (without incident). Bob and I are enjoying our visit here very much and we’ll fly on to Taiwan a couple of days. The Japanese people are busy, clean and well dressed in American styles mostly. The children are adorable. The traffic is terrific and fast! We walked along the Ginza last night – it is hot but everyone fans – and doesn’t seem to mind it. Even the men use fans. We have rooms in the new part of this hotel. Best wishes, Cornelia
Kyoto, Japan
Enjoying a Cool at the Ryogoku-bashi Bridge by Utamaro Kitagawa (1753-1806), Ukiyoe A Series of Six Pictures
The Buddha of Kamakura
1971
We have been in Nara for a week in a stunning Japanese style room. Asian Education Conference. Am deep in the writings of the Buddha.
The Buddha of Kamakura – built in 1252, is the largest Buddha next to the Buddha in Nara. IT is well known as a “handsome” Buddha.
A thousand and one images of Buddha at Sanjusangendo Hall, Kyoto. (Actually this is the temple of Rengeō-in. This main hall dates back to 1266 and these figures are standing Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy (Avalokiteshvara).)
1984
You should come to visit Japan as holiday with your wife. My family can speak English. You are welcome.
Best wishes, Yoshi
1992
Greetings
We are knee deep in pink and white cherry blossoms speeding on to Kyoto to see the last of them as well as the countryside – Erik and Kilena have an enormous modern apt., an all white kitchen I would kill for. Have done lots of sightseeing – no end to Tokyo so no rest for the weary but we are having a marvelous time. Weather is sunny in 70’s perfect. We both send love,
Gunta
The world fastest “bullet train” on the New Tokaido Line Shizuoka.
Toshogu Shrine, Nikko
September 1978
Enroute Tokyo. I just lost a day in crossing the Intl. Date Line. Maybe someday I can make it up. I doubt that I will get to Nikko to see this shrine on the trip but we have a picture of you there. Hope you got your auto insurance ok.
Love, Bill
Aerial View of Tokyo
February 1970
Singapore
We got this card on the airplane yesterday – we are Not in Tokyo. Singapore is a lovely city – we toured it today and will take a tour of the harbor in the morning. It is one of the largest shipping harbors in the world. Off to Indonesia tomorrow aft – again on JAL. Bill had a nice Bday yesterday – dinner and dancing in the eve!
Love, Mom
Tokyo – the beauty of Japan caresses you… as gently as Empress service takes you there. @1960’s
Kunimatsu Dressmaking School, 1952 Yoshio Hayakawa, Japanese, born 1917
We are going to Alem Maya University today. Will fly to Dire Dawa and car will meet us and we will drive back, returning on Monday. All going well, team gets along well. I probably am taking more of lead than I should but that’s my style. Weather perfect here . Hope all will with you.
Love, Bill
Monk from monastery of Debra Dam, Ethiopia
January 1966
It was nice to hear from you. Pep is leading an Agriculture Edu. mission of FAO at the request of the Ethiopian govt. Thanks again for pulling him out of the Univ. of Minnesota. He said in 1958 if they had asked him to do what he is doing now he wouldn’t be able to without his experiences. It’s summertime here. I’m enjoying the weather, relaxing and having a wonderful holiday. The people are friendly. It is so different from other places.
Love, Pep and Ay
1986
I arrived on schedule and was met at airport. Got a couple hours sleep at hotel in London and have had a nap today. Will go to the World Bank, Res. Rep’s home tonight and have tomorrow to read and relax before starting schedule on Monday. Weather is just like Mpls. Very nice.
Love, Bill
Oct 1989
All goes well here, I will fly to Dire Dawa tomorrow to visit the Alemaya agricultural university and then return by car. A four day trip.
Later a four day trip to the Southern part of the country.
Love, Bill
Deacon of the Ethopian Orthodox Church
1985
Greetings from Addis! I hope your trip to California and the cruise were wonderful!!
Will see you soon!
Love, Bill
Semien Fox Bale Mountains National Park
May 1986
I had my first meetings today and all went well. I am well received. Starting tomorrow I will start visiting research stations and will be traveling until Saturday.
For now, Love, Bill
The Saddle Cloth Suk
October, 1986
I had a good trip to the East and this weekend will travel to the South Central region. Weather is very nice! Saw lots of camels on the trip east. After the 1st of Nov. we will be in Addis for the balance of our time here.
Cavalieri Hilton …minutes from the heart of Rome, with a unique view from the magnificent 15 acres estate on Monte Mario.
Villa Carlotta on Lake Como, Italy
Genoa
January 1973
We are in Genoa waiting for the train to take us on our way to St Raphael, France. This is such an interesting city – walked down to the docks yesterday aft. and saw the huge ships coming and going. Just great! Everybody seems to be getting along fine – so far!! Steve even told Va. he was glad he had come!!!! We hated to leave Switzerland – it is so beautiful.. but every new thing we see is great!! Food is good. The kids have lived on spaghetti!! They love it!
Love, Jean
The Coliseum, Rome, 1973
Lago Maggiore, 1976
This is where Pa has finally returned to! This is all we see from the windows of the house – quite unbelievable! The water is a little cold for me but the weather is good. Warmest greetings to you.
Lanna
Florence, 1969
Piazza Signoria e Loggia dell Orcagna
I love this piazza. Spent many hours there.
San Rafael, France June 1973
We are here in a nice hotel right on a truly beautiful beach. We spent from 8:30 am till about 3 pm on the train from Genoa – thru Monte Carlo – along the mediterranean. very impressive. We’ll be here 2 days so can rest and enjoy the beach and beauty. All ok.
Love, Dede
Fountain of Square of Spanish Trinity of Mount
Rome, 1968
We arrive Saturday night in Rome after a lovely drive through the south of France. Rome is incredible beautiful and we are very happy with Eduardo’s family and my sister. I hope everything is all right in Mexico. How was Tom’s graduation? Give my regards to Bill when he comes back. My sister is very busy with her exams but I hope she will be finished on Friday.
Love, Stella
Rio and Greeks’ bridge
Venice, June 1968
After some delay getting visas for Hungary in Rome, we came to this beautiful Venice – crowded with German tourists. Will take the train for Budapest tomorrow morning; Sheila will come along for four or five days and then fly back to Mexico via London. Hope your African safari went all well!
Best Regards, Stella
Panorama from Boboli’s garden
Florence, August, 1984
The Pantheon
Rome, August, 1972
Dear Friends
It is hard to believe I’m in Italy – we flew over to be with Gay on her 2 weeks vacation after working at the US Embassy for a month – Rome is a fabulous city with its ruins, museums, parks, fountains, pines, etc. We drove to Florence yesterday and it is a most interesting historical city also. We are going to Venice before flying back to Washington together.
Best wishes
Ravenna, S. Apollinare Nuovo, mosaic 6th century Christ separating the sheep from the goats
Ravenna, S. Vitale, mosaic 6th century The sacrifice of Abel and Melchisedec
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.
So far so good – only about 30 min. late. had an interesting seat partner (man) and we visited so much I didn’t read my magazine – Canadian with lots of interest in life.
For now – Love, Bill
1972
Hotel Avila, Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas’ most distinguished hotel
Museo Bolivariano
1975
Dear V
It’s good to be back again. We were in Bogota one week also. Lots of change here. Thousands of new autopista’s, casas and edificios. Bob is working 6 weeks at the Pedegogico Evaluation and doing research for a chapter on Students and Politics. Rodolfo is here also. We called Ruth and said Hi. Funny isn’t it. We took an apt at Macuto for 1 month. Move in Sat. Anthony is here also.
Love to all, Nita and Bob
Avenida de Los Proceres
May 1966
Dear
I hope this reaches you before I do. I arrived here late last night and my bag did not arrive. It wont get here until Thursday night. I am really discouraged with PAA!!
Love, Bill
Hotel Macuto-Sheraton
Hi
Made it here OK and have my flight confirmed to Port of Spain for 8:00 am tomorrow. Will hope to get in Hilton.
Love, Bill
University City, Caracas
January, 1966
National Library, Caracas
April 1966
The conference in Maracay is over and I think was very interesting. I will tell you about it when I return to Mexico about the 9th of May. Hopefully I will find a little time to spend in the county-side before then.
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.
