20 minute read
BOOK REVIEW
BILL MCCARTHY I did read the first 200 pages of this book. If I had not been distracted by the presence of my two visiting grandchildren then I might have read every second page of the remainder instead of the one in five I did read. Even then it was a toss-up between wordle, sudoku and political party policies. I think Brisbane was not an interesting place in the early 60’s and the characters in the book follow suit. Romantic they are definitely not. The boys drink rum and punch out of rubbish bins. A girl spends a lot of time up a tree looking through her boyfriend’s window, with whom she will not sleep. He gets another girl pregnant who subsequently has an accidental abortion, then kills herself. Other girlfriends are deported or have to leave the country because of the white Australia policy. Another girl gets raped. These events are somehow submerged in 400 pages of idle chit chat. For me, this book was not a pleasant read. MARY BARBER I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were lively, and their dilemmas were easy to relate to. There was enough complexity in their individual stories to make them interesting. This is a coming-of-age book. Tara and her group of friends are at the end of their university days and about to launch into their careers in agriculture. What paths will they take? Which love will last? Readers who know Brisbane well will enjoy the timber homes on the riverfront, the vibrant treescape and the coffee shops of the 1960s. The dialogue and descriptions were all smooth and easy to follow. In short, this is a good book to immerse yourself in.
SUZI HIRST What to say? I struggled! I did not finish this book. I tried but had to force myself to pick up the book and keep ploughing through. Half way through I gave up. I was Interested to see what the reviews were like on the internet, and I was surprised that in the main it was all positive. I will be keen to read what me fellow reviewers have to say about the book! Guess it was just not a book that grabbed me. I will leave it to you to decide whether to give it a go or not! Happy reading.
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THOSE BRISBANE ROMANTICS By Danielle De Valera
Way back in the day when people wrote letters, a box of Old Gold chocolates had significance and the City Hall at 91 metres was the tallest building in town; everyone’s under twenty-five and single, and everyone’s hoping to get that special someone into bed. But in Brisbane, 1961, that’s not so easy. Perils abound: The Pill can’t be dispensed to unmarried women, pregnancy terminations are illegal, and being gay is a criminal act - relationships take on unique shapes. If you remember pounds, shillings and pence, you’ll enjoy revisiting this era. TONY HARRINGTON It was interesting to revisit places and an era that I grew up in. This book is about the social, romantic and work life of a group of recent post graduate agricultural scientists in the early 1960’s. I wasn’t too keen on the two principal characters and their on-off relationship. Too many other characters and couples distracted from the main theme. Too many parties, too much booze, too much extraneous stuff! The only thing I found a little bit romantic was the main female character’s love of flowering plants and nature. I didn’t find those Brisbane romantics very romantic at all. The main theme of the book was the power of sexual attraction and the question of sex before marriage. In those days marriage meant motherhood and domesticity versus a career for the single woman. This novel was well written but it didn’t excite me. 4/10
JOHN KLEINSCHMIDT The author provides us with a coming-of-age tale that is as much about life and times in the 1960’s as it is about the uncertain hearts and minds of her vividly described university student characters. Eight agricultural students living and partying in an old Queensland house in Spring Hill experience roller coaster romantic relationships pressured by early marriage and career choices, inter-racial issues influenced by the White Australia Policy and a multitude of other confronting matters including their education choice and artistic aspirations. The writing varies between sparse and beautifully crafted, sometimes an off-putting mix. Not a must read for me but relatable. JO BOURKE This detailed account of student life in the early 60s struck many chords in my memory. I was admitted to Kelvin Grove Teachers College at the tender age of 16 due to a shortage of teachers and quickly embraced student life. The author’s description of the fine old house, the jacarandas, the City Hall, the revues and the parties after are spot on for me! Despite the many characters in this novel, the author skilfully weaves each individual vignette, so the narrative is enhanced and reflects so well the culture of the times with its lack of birth control and the White Australia Policy. I’d love to see this story read by senior school students, but I suspect they would shake their heads in amazement. This is a story for those who lived through the 60s student days and who somehow made it through those days of self discovery and can look back with affection.
I had not previously heard of this author and the internet listed at least a dozen of her books which I look forward to reading.
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Scoot you way to sensational Singapore
SCOTTY MCRAE takes us with him to a place he says that everyone should visit – at least once in their life.
Singapore is a great blend of new and old
When it comes to holiday destinations under 10 hours flight time from my home base of Sydney, Singapore has always been a personal favourite. So, when they became one of our neighbouring countries and relaxed their Covid entry requirements a little more last week, I was more than eager to return.
Singapore has so many travel prerequisites covered. It’s a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
Cuisine that is influenced by its diverse population from all around Asia. Think Eurasians, Peranakans, Indonesians, Chinese, Pakistanis, Middle Eastern settlers, and a few English, and you get my drift, right?
A foodie’s dream destination, where you can visit a hawkers centre in Chinatown or Arab Street and eat yourself silly for $20 AUD. Yes, you will be able to roll out!
While developing some of the most stunning skyscrapers with a significant tilt towards sustainability and constructed to wow, architecture that has firmly held on to its Art Deco, Colonial historic charms are profusely.
If you’re travelling with the family and you want to earn major brownie points, Sentosa Island with its almost endless enthralling alternatives are undoubtedly a must-see when visiting “Instant Asia.” You can reach Sentosa by cable car with its amazing views or the monorail, but the pedestrian boardwalk is another alternative and a terrific example of Singapore’s modern way of life and you can pretend to burn a few of those holiday calories while enjoying the ‘walk’.
Once there, the possibilities are quite incredible! As I exited the cable car and its spectacular view, I proceeded to the Islands’ newest attraction, “The Skyhelix,” an open-air gondola-style ride that slowly rises 79 metres above sea level, providing 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. If you have a fear of heights, maybe walk past this one. As I travelled across the island on yet another cable car, I was struck by the beauty of the island’s beaches, where you could easily spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the Singapore sun. Unfortunately, I was on a mission and the clock was ticking.
Resorts World Sentosa was next and it was as mind blowing as I was led to believe. I found it almost impossible to comprehend how many entertainment, accommodation and restaurant options could be squeezed into 50 acres and not make you feel claustrophobic?
Still plenty of open space and green settings to enjoy and then you have to decide how many of the attractions to visit!
Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A Aquarium,
The Maritime Experiential Museum and Dolphin Island are but a few so take your time ok. For me though, and not normally one for the Theme parks, Universal Studios was an absolute cracker. Do not miss out on riding “The Mummy” and “Power Rangers’’ rides, just don’t’!
MUST DO: I had the pleasure of walking through Chinatown with renowned artist and street muralist Yip Yew Chong, who offered me an insight into some of his unique and captivating works. This is one you can do yourself, and it will only cost you your time and your imagination. Not only do you get an insight into the Yew Chongs Chinatown, but you will also be taken back in time if you allow yourself. It’s as if you could walk inside the artwork and become a part of his personal history.
GETTING THERE: If you are looking for a super cost-effective choice when flying to Singapore, I suggest you give Singapore Airlines low cost carrier ‘Scoot’ a go. My journey was seamless and surprisingly very comfortable. The “Scooties” as the staff are affectionately dubbed are up there with the most helpful and attentive flight crews I have experienced ever. Also flying in the big bodied sleek and stylish Dreamliner certainly removed any restrained feelings Take a walk through Chinatown’s artwork Singapore is a foodies dream destination you may experience elsewhere.
Scoot’s versions of Economy, Premium and Business are also ‘out of the box’ with the choice of Economy, Scoot in Silence (no kids in sight) and Scootplus (Scoots Business Class).
Check out flyscoot.com for the scoop on Scoot.
STAY: Swissotel Stamford not only provides a master class in delivering slick service and luxurious accommodations, it is located in one of the most accessible and scenic positions possible. Finally reopened after two long years serving as a quarantine hotel, staff here are in raptures at the return of much missed travelling guests. Affordable lavishness is the go here and every room is brimming with chic design and technology-enhanced trimmings. With some delightful dining options in house and the direct connection to the alluring shopping precinct of Raffles City you will be more than happy with your surroundings.
My Travellingguy tip at Swissotel is to treat yourself to a meal or at the very least a couple of sundowners at Skai on the 70th floor. Beautiful views and delectable cuisine. For more info: thetravellingguy.com
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More than 40 people, a 26-metre long and 8.7 metre wide trailer, 700-horsepower prime mover, police escort and nerves of steel were needed to lift a 100-year old paddlewheeler out of the Murray River in Victoria and transport it on a mega trailer more than 1700km to its new home in Longreach by road.
Undertaking the first ever mega marine move in Australia of this scale, with a boat this age is Queensland grazier, lover of outback history, tourism entrepreneur, Richard Kinnon of the Longreach-based Outback Pioneers.
“This is believed to be the largest haulage of a marine vessel this old ever undertaken in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Kinnon said.
“When I found out the Pride of the Murray was looking for a new home, I knew I’d found a genuine outback pioneering artefact we just had to preserve.
“The only problem - this perfect piece of Australian history is giant and 1,750 kilometres from Longreach.”
“It’s an extremely delicate operation. It’s a 100-year-old boat we are lifting out of the water and putting it on top of a trailer before we drive it from Victoria to Queensland. Before the boat was winched from the water the wheelhouse was removed because of height restrictions and placed on a separate truck to be transported to Longreach.
“We’re passionate about educating people about Australia’s proud pioneering history and once the paddlewheeler is recommissioned, 100 people a day will get to relive an authentic river experience.”
“The incentive for me and the Kinnon family is millions of tourists will get to enjoy riding the Pride of the Murray on the Thomson River for another 100 years,” Mr Kinnon said.
All of the Outback Pioneers’ immersive, award-winning and authentic experiences and accommodation including a future sunset cruise on the Pride of the Murray,
For more information and bookings visit the website: .outbackpioneers.com.au/lp/pride-ofthe-murray/
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2022/2023 Tour Program
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IN just 12 days of comfortable travel through Outback Queensland you will have the great opportunity to experience a tour that is dedicated to you creating everlasting memories . The travel highlights include viewing spectacular gorges and picturesque waterways, uncovering unique pioneering history, fossil rich lands and provides the opportunity to meet the locals who call outback Queensland their home. In between the exploration, you will be enjoying billy tea and dampers, picnic lunches and delicious meals at pre-booked locations.
On day one those travelling from the Sunshine Coast will be transferred to Brisbane airport for the flight to Townsville, where you will meet the Coach Captain. He is ready to transport you to Charters Towers where the safari tour begins. You will be introduced to the longhorns before a camp oven damper and billy tea, served from the genuine cowboy chuck wagon. Your guide reveals many significant sites and facts about the town’s history of gold. The next day we leap back millions of years in time and go on a guided pre-historic journey around the Kronosaurus Korner Complex.
Travelling across this great land, we drive through Julia Creek towards the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Cloncurry and visit John Flynn Place Museum. From here it’s over to the lively outback town of Mount Isa and a tour of the Hard Times Miner. After a great day, it’s back to Cloncurry for great food and conversation with fellow travellers. The next stop is Karumba , a visit to the Barramundi Discovery Centre and a trip on the Crab & Croc Cruise.
The journey continues to Normanton and a stop to board the Gulflander to Critters Camp. Next, it’s time to experience the beauty of the Cobbold Gorge. In a electric powered boat you will discover the marvellous narrow gorge . There’s plenty more to see along the way including a stop at the Undara National Park. On the last day, we head off at a casual pace to Cairns, after settling into our accommodation, we’ll board the Spirit of Cairns for a magical cruise along the Trinity Inlet. There’s so much to this tour. For more info go to CTTravel.com.au FOR many, the Mediterranean quiet season is an ideal time to explore the region. With fewer travellers, visitors can explore historic landmarks and hidden local treasures at an easy-going pace and have more opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals.
Join Viking and discover a region awash in culture and history. Civilisation is said to have begun and evolved on these shores, whether as the birthplace of democracy or science or with the refinement of wine or art. From the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Sicily to the ancient past of Greece, Viking reveals millennia of history to you during their many journeys along these fabled waters.
Viking’s Explore the Mediterranean for Less campaign includes limited-time offers on six 2022 Mediterranean voyages including the 15-day Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities from Istanbul to Rome and the ever-popular 8-day Iconic Western Mediterranean from Barcelona to Rome.
You can simply unpack once, and Viking will take care of the rest. With just 930 guests, and all veranda staterooms, Viking’s award-winning state-of-the-art ocean vessels are intimate yet sophisticated, with no kids, no casinos and everything you need included.
With some of the best value found at sea, a Viking ocean voyage includes all meals, with no fee for alternate dining venues, complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch & dinner, 24-hour room service and endless specialty tea, coffee & bottled water. Plus, there is an excursion in every port, unlimited Wi-Fi, all onboard gratuities, port charges and taxes and access to the state-of-the-art LivNordic spa facilities. Book before 30 June 2022 with Tewantin Travel and you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of Viking’s Risk-Free Guarantee with the flexibility to change your cruise dates up until 14 days before departure.
EXPLORE THE MED FOR LESS IN 2022
For a limited time only
from $2,995pp
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Messina Sicily Ionian Sea
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ICONIC WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN
BARCELONA – ROME or vice versa 8 DAYS | 5 GUIDED TOURS | 4 COUNTRIES SET SAIL Select 2022 departures From $2,995pp in Veranda stateroom MEDITERRANEAN ANTIQUITIES BARCELONA – ATHENS or vice versa 15 DAYS | 11 GUIDED TOURS | 6 COUNTRIES SET SAIL Select 2022 departures From $5,445pp in Veranda stateroom
ENJOY, IT’S ALL INCLUDED
• Private veranda stateroom with king-size bed • Guided excursion in each port of call • Access to LivNordic Spa facilities • Wi-fi & onboard gratuities, port charges and taxes • Choice of 8 dining options • Wine & beer served with lunch & dinner • 24-Hour room service • Industry-leading health & safety program
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, includes all advertised discounts and correct at time of printing. Guests are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at time of travel. Mediterranean Antiquities based on 29 December 2022 departure. Iconic Western Mediterranean based on 5 November 2022 departure. These offers are valid on new bookings made between 22 April and 30 June 2022 unless sold out prior. Risk-free guarantee applies to 2022 departures only. For full terms and conditions visit viking.com
