Max surveyed the scattering of mourners, mostly people of Ted’s vintage, women in obligatory black, men in too-tight suits and black ties, and a motley assortment of carers in jeans and T-shirts or track suits. He began. ‘When the funeral director rang me and asked if I’d say a few words at Uncle Ted’s funeral, … Continue reading Uncle Ted’s Funeral
Stories
A conversation between Mervyn Martian and Edgar Earthling
Mervyn: Edgar, what are you doing? Edgar: I’m reading a book. M: What is a book? E: A collection of paper pages with writing on them. M: What is paper? E: It’s a thin flat surface made from wood? M: How is that done? E: Trees are chopped down and chipped and then made into … Continue reading A conversation between Mervyn Martian and Edgar Earthling
Scenes from the road in America – 3 (Warning- May contain traces of Canada.)
New York. I’ve braved the slush and the biting wind to stroll down Broadway and to watch people skiing and snowboarding in Central Park. Having returned to my hotel and removed a couple of layers of clothing, I’m sitting in the bar downstairs and chatting with a Norwegian man who speaks impeccable English. He tells … Continue reading Scenes from the road in America – 3 (Warning- May contain traces of Canada.)
Scenes from the road in the UK – 1
London. This is my first overseas trip beyond Asia and my first chance to meet face to face with some of our sister organisations from other countries. We land as the sun is rising in a clear sky. I take the shuttle bus to my hotel on the South Bank and along the way get … Continue reading Scenes from the road in the UK – 1
Scenes from the road in America 2
New Orleans. It’s a year after Hurricane Katrina and it is impossible not to be moved by the devastation to local communities and the stories related by our local conference delegates about the snail’s pace reconstruction efforts, especially in the African-American neighbourhoods. My South African colleague and I agree on most things (except for when … Continue reading Scenes from the road in America 2
Scenes from the road in America – 1
Virginia (various towns). I have rented a car to drive from Washington, DC to Austin, Texas. I’m on my own time until I get there and I imagine myself in every American road movie I’ve ever seen. Sounded good until I left the rental garage and experience the reality of a whole new world where … Continue reading Scenes from the road in America – 1
Scenes from the Asian road – 3
Delhi. I am travelling in a tuktuk to a conference venue with a young American colleague who is profoundly deaf. He is possessed of a wild shock of red hair. I tell him to expect a lot of attention in a country where black is the new black when it comes to hair colour. I … Continue reading Scenes from the Asian road – 3
Scenes from the Asian road – 2
Shanghai. My flight to Hong Kong is delayed considerably. (I discover later that this has occurred because the Chinese Air Force has suddenly closed the airspace for an exercise and that it is not uncommon.) Finally a boarding call is given to a gate downstairs from the busy main departure area, empty of all but … Continue reading Scenes from the Asian road – 2
Scenes from the Asian road – 1
Seoul. I am meeting with a potential South Korean supplier. We are in an old part of the city in a building which is part office and part museum. We have all removed our shoes. While we talk, we partake of seemingly endless cups of tea prepared and drunk in the traditional manner. Some of … Continue reading Scenes from the Asian road – 1
Give until it hurts
February 1983. The Ash Wednesday bushfires are out, apart from the odd hotspot, but the smell of the burnt eucalypt and livestock and the smoke haze still hang in the air. On this particular day, a motley collection of fire crews, SES, Police, welfare workers and volunteers gather around 44 gallon drum braziers because it’s … Continue reading Give until it hurts
