Kuala Lumpur June 2019

Escaping some of the Melbourne winter we decided to go to Kuala Lumpur then to Kuching in Sarawak for about 2½ weeks. We hadn’t been to K.L. for many years so was expecting a lot of change.


It was easy to get from the airport to the city and our hotel was in K.L. Central Station so we had no trouble finding it which was great as we arrived late in the evening and after depositing our bags in the room went up to the roof top bar for a drink.


Rested the next day we went to explore the city. We took the train to the main square and we wandered around the main square and admired many of the old colonial buildings. The Textile Museum was nearby so decided to check it out, it proved to be very interesting. They had a small café and decided to have a coffee, it was quiet and they were set up for a group, but as we were the only ones there at the time we had a coffee and biscuit, but they also supplied us with a complimentary local treat as I think we were a rare foreigner to patronise the café.

 We then visited the Jamek Mosque after which we visited the Central Market what can one say about a market that sells a range of goods including souvenirs and jewellery. We had lunch at Old

Jamek Mosque

Town Coffee situated there. We then walked to China Town and visited a couple of temples, Guan Yin Temple and Chan See Shue Temple. After all the walking we returned to the hotel for an aperitif then went close by for dinner.


Next day we took a day tour to Malacca, a town that was colonised initially by the Portuguese the history and buildings were very interesting but the main street was a bit disappointing, though I’m sure more time there would have given a better opportunity to explore the town I more detail. One feature which was rather funny is the over the top decorated Pedi-cabs really kitsch.

Not far from our hotel was the National Museum but it was a rather convoluted way to get there. We were lucky to arrive just in time for the free tour. Our guide proved to be very informative and was well worth joining the tour.

Decorated Pedicabs Malacca

After the museum we went to and explored the Botanical Gardens and found a little eatery there for lunch The Bird Sanctuary was close by and decided to go there. Many birds we not in cages but I felt sorry for the ones who were especially the lone and forlorn looking hornbill.

That evening we went to little India and had dinner there.

Everywhere we go we love to explore bookshops and there was a great one, Kinokuniya in the KLCC shopping mall. I always buy a book from local authors when I travel this time and ended up buying two. We had lunch in the mall, then went outside and viewed the Petronas Towers the las time we were in K.L they had just been built.


We scurried back to base as there was a sudden downpour. After it eased off, we then went to find the Hindu Temple which was very colourful and then to Central Market again to get a few presents.

The following day was our last in the city before we flew to Kuching, Sarawak. We had most of the day as we weren’t flying out until 5.30 in the evening. We had time to visit the National Mosque the concept of the design which was explained to us was fascinating.

Hindu Temple

We then went to the Islamic Art Museum which had a wonderful display which included Qajar Ceramics reflecting Persian artistic expression.


Then off to the airport for the next part of our Malaysian escape.

London January 2019

We arrive in London early evening and by the time we arrived at our accommodation in Camden Gardens it was quite late. We were staying near St. Pancreas, Kings Cross which was very convenient. We ended up at a nearby pizza restaurant.

Our first impression of London was a bit of a cultural shock after spending three weeks in Europe and Scandinavia.

Our first full day in London we explored along the Thames then we caught up with a friend at Greenwich, travelling via the river, it’s always a great place to spend time as there is always so much to see. That night we ended up having dinner at the local pub which was just around the corner from our accommodation.

We were very luck as the British Library was close to where we were staying and they had a fabulous exhibition called ‘Anglo-Saxon Kingdom – War, Art and Word’. It had original documents, like the Doomsday Book and many others which was extremely interesting as well as looking around at other aspects of the library. We spent the whole morning there ending up with lunch.

In the afternoon we went to Leicester Square walking around enjoying looking in second-hand bookshops and tacky souvenir shops. We decided to book a play, then found a place for dinner.

The next day we went out to visit my cousin in Dagenham, she has often said she would like to see me again and it was the main reason for going to London. Later that day we walked the length Oxford Street. We love walking around cities as you see more and can take in the atmosphere of an area.

The following morning, we caught the train from Paddington station to Exeter (note even the cheapest tickets were very expensive). We went to meet another friend there for lunch. Exeter is a really pleasant university town, with an interesting Cathedral, and archaeological ruins, and very charming shops.

Exeter Cathedral

On our 4^th day we went to Tower Bridge and the exhibition of the original Engine Room which is now obsolete as the opening and closing of the bridge is now computerised, very informative. We then walked to Borough Market and enjoyed lunch there. We then went to the Tate Modern Gallery our full day was finished off by going to ‘The Play Goes Wrong’ in the evening.

There is always heaps to do and see in London and as it had been ages since our last visit there was always things to explore. We first had to go to the Bank of England to exchange some old pound notes we had for new ones we could use. We then walked to St. Martins in the Field for lunch and stayed for the free

Tower Bridge

concert, but also booked for a recital that evening and ended up having an early dinner at the Silver Cross Pub.

On our last day we went to the Tate Gallery for a Pre-Raphaelite Exhibition of the artist Edward Burne-Jones. We then walked back to Leicester Square and ended up at Foyles Bookshop and of course bought some books and DVDs. I checked out the travel books and they had my book Pieces of China in stock which was gratifying. Our last night we had dinner at an Indian Restaurant close to our accommodation, then packed up our cases ready for the trip back home.

The Tate Gallery

Iceland Intrepid Tour January 2019

 Our first stop was Ꝧingvellir National Park is Iceland’s most important spot as it was where the Viking settlers established the world’s first democratic parliament It was blanketed by snow but had a

Icelandic Horses

stark beauty. Then we visited the geo-thermal area and witnessed the geysir (an Icelandic word), very impressive then to the Golden waterfall, one of many waterfalls we would see on the trip. A little side trip to see the Icelandic horses which a very cute and quite small and not surprisingly have thick coats. We then arrived at a working farm to stay the night (Hotel Fljotshliᵭ).

Ꝧingvellir National Park

The next day we were on the move to and visited Skogafloss waterfall on the Skoga River in the Skaftafell National Park. On the way to the glacier lagoon we stopped at Dyrhόlaey which is a rocky plateau on the coast with a spectacular view of the sunrise. It was extremely windy that I felt that I could have been blown off the cliff. We then travelled through the Eldhraun lava field of the 1783 eruption of the volcano Laki which had a devastating effect across the countryside. We visited the Fjadrargljufur canyon. We then stopped at Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon with its many huge lumps of blue tinged ice broken off from the glacier at the coast. We then headed back to Vik I Mydral where we would stay the night, but on the way stopped at a small village church.

The following morning, we went to the black beach south shore and enjoyed another great sunrise over the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks, then off to two more waterfalls one being Seijalandsfoss.

Glacial Lagoon

We then travelled to the Blue Lagoon a famous thermal pool to enjoy a relaxing time in the pools, though they were very crowded. From there we headed back to Reykjavik for an overnight stay.

In the morning we had a drive around the city, though we had explored on our first few days there. In the afternoon we flew to Akureyi, capital of the North, which was a charming town, the prominent Lutheran church is located at the centre of the city on a hill dominating the surrounds. It has 3200 pipe-organ, and a suspended ship hanging from the ceiling reflecting the old Nordic tradition giving offerings for the protection of their seafarers. There are many interesting features but the similarities in design to that of the Reykjavik cathedral are due to the fact it was the same designer for each. On our way to our hotel we stopped at the beautiful Goᵭafoss or waterfall of the Gods to fight with the wind. Before checking into our hotel, we walked around Skutustadir pseudo craters which resemble a true volcanic crater but has no actual vent from which lava has erupted.

Next morning, we explored Myvatn Lake area, walked in the Dimmuborgir lava field and Namaskard

Geo-thermal area

geo-thermal area which was extraordinary. In the afternoon we visited the small town of Husavik we decided not to go and wallow in another thermal pool. The town was extremely small and not much seemed open even though it was Thursday. We visited the Whale Museum which turned out to be extremely interesting.

The last day of the tour we drove back to Akureyri where we visited the Christmas Garden, the complex includes a building like a gingerbread house selling innumerable lollies and Christmas decorations, plus another building that sells handicrafts and local products. We flew back to Reykjavik in the afternoon and in the evening we all met again for our last dinner together.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and our guide Jurate was excellent.

Iceland January 2019

We arrived in Reykjavik at 3.40 pm it was already dark. After we settled into our hotel, we went to explore down town. We just checked the layout and as it was getting late, we started looking for a place to eat and found a Thai restaurant and decided to eat there.

The next day we were out and about quite early ready to explore the city. Our first mission was to find an ATM to get some Icelandic money and when we found one it was right next to a bookshop, which is always a favourite place for us no matter where we are. Of course, we went in and as they had a café, we had our morning coffee fix and enjoyed looking at the books. Wherever I go I like to by book by a local author of the country often a novel as I feel they if an insight into the society, though non-fiction can also be on the list. Iceland has the most authors per population than any other country, maybe because it’s so bleak and dark during winter so huddled at home one can let imagination run riot.

Typical Building

We tore ourselves away from the cosy bookshop and went up to the cathedral which dominates the city. Being a Lutheran church, the interior is plain compared to the Gothic churches in mainland Europe, but its architecture drew ideas from that making its structure a simple ‘Gothic’. The main feature is the amazing 5275 pipe organ which was installed in 1992, individuals sponsored each of the pipes and their names are inscribed on them. We then went to the Settlement Museum which is built around a 10^th century Viking longhouse. The exhibitions give a glimpse into early Icelandic life and is well worth a visit. Then off to the Modern Art Museum with ever changing exhibitions. Then off to Volcano House shows films every hour about the Vestmannaeyjar volcanoes and Eyjafjallajőkull which were very informative. 

Reykjavik Cathedral

In the evening we went to the Loftid Bar, there we had the local drinks of Brennivin a caraway flavoured spirit and Snorri pale ale. Later we went to the Uppsalir for dinner.

I was determined to taste more Icelandic food, we bought pylsur, hotdogs supposedly very special, not a fan of hotdogs anyway, so probably not a good person to judge their uniqueness or quality, we then went to the market, which was OK had a range of goods, antiques, clothes, jewellery and food. It’s here we tasted the famous or infamous hᾱkarl fermented shark, it is definitely an acquired taste and not one I would want to pursue acquiring, in a word it was disgusting and the taste seems to last in your mouth for a long time.

We walked to the cathedral again on the following day hoping there would be an organ recital but it mainly takes place in summer. There is a hand knitters association, and being a knitter myself I decided to check it out. About the only thing that is cheap in Iceland is knitting wool, I bought some as well as a pattern which I plan to knit when I get home. And near this shop we went into a bakery and bought the last Icelandic thing on my tasting list, vinarbrauᵭ a rolled pastry laced with custard and jam. Extremely yummy and definitely recommended. We also bought a CD of modern Icelandic music, which is quite haunting.

One of the Main Streets

Then off to the National Gallery and Museum both extremely interesting and well worth the visit.

We would be meeting up with our tour group the following day but had the whole day for further exploration of Reykjavik we just basically wandered around down to the coast and just enjoyed the day, another venture into the book shop from which I bought the book Independent People by Halldόr Laxness. Iceland has the most writers per population than anywhere else, maybe it’s the unforgiving weather during winter makes writing one of the few activities one can do huddled in doors during the cold and dark.

In the evening we met our tour guide plus our fellow companions. Then we had dinner and were rushed off to a Northern Lights hunt which unfortunately did not appear.

Up early for the start of the tour.

Is Australia becoming a Police State?

This may seem an absurd question after all we are a parliamentary democracy with its balance of the separation of powers. The climate of fear based on keeping the country secure from would be terrorists has been ramped by our government anaesthetizing the population in accepting any law or imposition in the name of security.


It worries me when people don’t understand the underpinning of the rule of law. The law is not arbitrary but there for everyone be they people we like as well as people we hate, it is what is written in the law that counts and judgments are made on this, not an arbitrary decision from a politician. Thus, centralizing power in a minister’s hands with no chance for review leads us down this path.

 If judgements are arbitrary it makes us no different from a totalitarian state where no-one can be sure what the decision is based on. 


A number of years ago I listened to a talk on this subject by Professor Philip Alston, international law scholar and human rights practitioner. He outlined the characteristics of a police state and the list really concerned me considering the state of our government today.

The denigration of law when Tony Abbot worried about if a suspect terrorist was tried and was freed. What happened to being presumed innocent until proven guilty a basic tenet of the rule of law? Removal of legal restraints from government and exemptions granted to agencies from the coverage of normal execution of the law. A person can be taken into custody on suspicion without the normal recourse to access to a lawyer.


Limits on press freedom and curtailing public access to information this has been seen when questions have been asked about the detention of asylum seekers and turning back the boats. The press and public have been fobbed off the high-handed response about the need for secrecy for security reasons. It is easy to stamp ‘Top Secret’ on a document but it doesn’t necessarily make the information in it an actual security risk, but rather that politicians do not want to be embarrassed.

Authorizing the surveillance of the citizenry, nobody objects to surveillance of those possibly perpetrating crimes but it must be authorized in the strictest way through the courts. Limiting the freedom of movement of citizens, there is no limits on how this can be used. The demonization of certain groups also lends itself to abuse.


Truncated Parliamentary proceedings of which I would add the blatant way in which to push through questionable security laws by denigrating anyone questioning them as being soft on terrorism. This builds a further sense of fear in the population. 


Once there are exceptions to the rule of law it becomes open to the possibility of abuse. With the aggregation and reductions of these freedoms they can easily be expanded. The government can point to the many joint committees in this area, the Human Rights Commission and the media but they are fig leaves when the government denigrates and abuses anyone who criticizes their decisions and behavior.


Much of the population is inured to these accumulated changes. The usual refrain of, ‘if you haven’t done anything wrong, what have you got nothing to worry about?’ But it worries me, what they can do to one person or group today it can do to anyone, history tells us this.

Benjamin Franklin’s statement about freedom still holds true. ‘Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve either one’ 


Australia has no Bill of Rights, like Britain, Canada and the United States to measure any new law against and we are now walking away from International law. Where does this lead Australia? On the road to a police state, I hope not.


I think we all should be fearful considering the raids we’ve seen on NewsCorp and ABC journalists as well as the accumulation of power in Peter Dutton’s hands in his now expanded ministry.

Helsinki for New Year's Eve

The population of Finland is 5.5 million with 700,000 in Helsinki, which makes a smallish city. I had no preconceptions about Helsinki so I was open to whatever I discovered.

Frozen Harbour

We arrived in Helsinki around 2.45 in the afternoon and it was easy to get from the airport by train to the main railway station from the airport. Our hotel wasn’t far from the station, but as there were two parts to the street and the map, we had was indistinct we managed long way round. As it gets dark early it throws one’s perspective of time out. We conducted an initial exploration of the city the various streets, pedestrian malls, parks and shops. While we were looking in one of the shops that sold beautiful glassware, they had mugs with these cute little creatures on them ‘Moomins’, they sparked a memory of a children’s book I knew about from a study I did of children’s literature over thirty years ago. I gave it some thought and up popped the name of the book ‘The Finn Family Moomintroll’ by Tove Johansson, then we discovered souvenirs of these little book creatures everywhere and in all the museum shops, it became quite a joke. There is even a Moomin cafe!

"Moomintrolls!

The Christmas decorations were still around and were beautiful. Like Vienna these decorations look spectacular and I think because it’s dark and the lights on them show up to their advantage. We found a small place called Venn for dinner, we had hamburgers, mine was a veggie one.

We made our way down to the market square and stopped at Tuomiokirkko (Helsinki Cathedral) which dominates the area as it’s on a hill.  It is a fine chalk white neo-classical Lutheran Church as such is quite plain inside compared to Baroque and Gothic cathedrals designed by the architect Carl Ludwig Engel.

We then continued down to the waterfront the sea close to the coast was frozen the stark leafless trees presented a haunting scene against the mist and snow. As walk along the waterfront we found a café open so we warmed up with some coffee and I it turned out to be one of the very well-known ones.

Just above the waterfront is Upsenskin Kathedral which was originally built as a Russian Orthodox Church in 1868 from eye-catching red brick and towers over Katajanokka Island. It has the classic golden topped onion domes and now serves a Finnish orthodox congregation.

The famous indoor market at the water’s edge was a good place for lunch with stalls selling a wide range of delicatessen treats such as bear, reindeer and elk salami as well as fish, salmon and smoked salmon galore and a great range of baked goods.

Upsenkin Kathedral

We then went to the Anteneum – Art Gallery, which had an extensive art collection, mainly of Finnish artists. I love looking at the local artists of various places as one often doesn’t get to see them anywhere else. It was set in a manner that provided information about the social history of the time which is reflected in the art work. After we left the gallery, we watch the ice skaters in the square next to the station, marvelling at their ability, even little children showed confidence on the ice.

The following day a short ferry ride to Soumenlinna Island. It was worth a visit. During the Swedish era beginning 1748 fortification on the island began ending 40 years later. There are 6 museums on the island and we visited just a couple as we were only there a day. There are some delightful cafes to indulge in a coffee or lunch. Everything is well set out with various routes marked so one can get a feel of the history of the island.

On our second full day we went to Finnish Museum which presents Finnish history from the stone age to the present day as well as cultural history through a range of artefacts. The building itself is magnificent with ceiling frescoes in the entrance hall. Whenever I visit museums of non-prominent countries of the world, I always feel just how little I know, even though I’ve studied European history.

We then went to the famous Temppeliaukion Church, known as the ‘Rock’ Church. It is a Lutheran church which was designed by the architects the brothers Suomalainen and is built directly into solid rock and was completed in 1969. The church furnishing was also designed by the architects and the organ is magnificent with 43 stops and 3001 pipes. The church itself plus the simplicity of the interior which give the church its special awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Finnish Museum

We then wandered back to base and that evening dined at the restaurant ‘Lost in Helsinki’.

New Year’s Eve we decide to go to the Botanical Gardens however as it was winter the greenhouse was closed much to our disappointment. We then walked down to the coast to visit the City Museum, which had some interesting exhibits but was geared to children. After which we wandered around the shops again and just for fun, we went to the Moomin Café. After lunch it had started to snow so back to the hotel for a while before dinner. 

Then around 10.00pm we went down to the square where there was New Year’s Eve entertainment and the eventual countdown prior to midnight. This was the square of Helsinki cathedral, security to get into the area was tight, the crowd was exceedingly well behaved and not overly squashy. The entertainment was great with a variety of music and as the time was getting closer to midnight the snow became heavier, then the countdown. At midnight the fireworks all came off the cathedral, it was absolutely magic. It may not have been as spectacular as many of the larger more prominent world cities but there was a very special atmosphere and experience. Afterwards a very orderly crowd made exited without any incidents.

Kamppi Chapel

New Year’s Day in Helsinki is basically a dead day as there isn’t much open.  The shops were closed though the Christmas markets were still open so gave me an opportunity to buy some presents, we had some lunch at the market then went to the Kamppi Chapel (Chapel of Silence) is quite small and is located in Narinkka Square near a shopping mall and is intended to give people a chance to have a calm moment in one of the busiest areas in Helsinki. It is an ecumenical chapel and is very popular. Just entering it has a calming effect. Overall for the day we just relaxed.

The following day we were off to Iceland and as we were going on a small group tour we were met at the airport and taken to our hotel we saved us negotiating the transport.

Helsinki's Main Railway Station

Christmas In Vienna 2018

Going from an Australian summer to winter in Europe seemed madness to many, however we bought all the suitable cold weather gear and we assured ourselves we would be able to manage the cold climate. This proved to be true.

Christmas Decorations Vienna

Vienna is one of our favourite cities and it certainly was magical around Christmas time. We booked the hotel we’d staid at a few times before not far from Stephansplatz, it’s a small family run hotel. Prior to leaving home I’d booked dinner for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We were tired when we arrived early in the morning and were lucky to be able to access our rooms straightaway so we able to shower and go out. We hadn’t gone far when we came across some stalls serving mulled wine, so we had to indulge then went off for a real morning tea of ‘café and kuchen’ one of the best things about Vienna. We wandered some more but then decided to go back to our hotel for a rest then have dinner at the hotel restaurant, which has a really tasty menu.

The next day we were more adventurous, found the Shakespeare & Co bookshop had a coffee at the Herrier café then wandered the back streets to Karlsplatz and a Christmas market lunch of a ‘potato pancake’ and of course a mulled wine. There are many Christmas markets dotted around Vienna and we frequented most of them. There was an interesting Exhibition of the paintings of Monet, Chagall, Picasso & Munch. That night we went to a delightful trumpet and organ concert at the Maltese Church.

We decided to do a side trip to Bratislava the capital of Slovakia as it was about an hour away by train. Being a Sunday I assume it was a little quieter than usual. I would would describe it a mini Vienna, as it has some of the Baroque buildings and churches like Vienna but much of it seemed run down, which is understandable after being under Communist rule for such a long time and nothing was done to upkeep the old buildings. As it was such a quick trip, we didn’t have time to visit the

Bratislava

castle but we managed to visit the museum and roam the streets and gain a feel for the city. On the way back to the bus there was a small Christmas market we visited it had our usual mulled wine, then returned to Vienna. Dinner at the restaurant Jama in Hoher Market.

The next day was Christmas Eve and we went to the Kunsthistorisches Museum the magnificent art gallery, there was a special Brueghel exhibition but unfortunately it was booked out for over a week. We still ventured inside and strolled around the various galleries and had morning tea in the grand surroundings of the café with their grand prices to match. Just outside another Christmas market, there were a range of local products and of course mulled wine and we also indulged in a Viennese hotdog a waffle and later some chestnuts. We then returned to base then ventured out for dinner at Café Morris before going to midnight mass at St. Stephan’s Cathedral. We’re not particularly religious but it was a very moving mass with the pageantry which fitted the location and beautiful choir and organ music. The down side being a number of people near us at the back who don’t know how to behave in a church especially during a service. It doesn’t matter what religious building one enters, be it temple, mosque or synagogue surely a bit of respect for surroundings shouldn’t be that difficult.

Christmas Day, we got up late but most places were closed today and it was raining quite heavily but fruitlessly meandered around and had a hotdog, mulled wine then scurried back to base due to the rain. Later we ventured out again tracked down the Jewish quarter and memorial, as well as the museum close by it.

Christmas decorations

We eventually found the restaurant we were going to during our morning walk and it was very close to our hotel. It is a traditional restaurant when we arrived for dinner that night as we walked in the entrance, I realised we’d been there before(twice) on previous visits to Vienna. We had a very enjoyable dinner that night.

The next day was our last here and we always like to just stroll around, we love the Hofburg area and always visit the magnificent National Library and they had another interesting display of their historical collections over the 650 years of its establishment.

Restaurant where we had Christmas dinner

We then had lunch and walked in the direction of the Rathaus, and there again was another exceptionally good Christmas market, we had our usual and I bought some Christmas decorations and presents. The had coffee close by and on our way back there was a really long line outside the famous Café Central, I certainly wouldn’t be doing that.

Dinner again at our hotel that night as we were leaving early the next day for Helsinki.