Sunday 27 April 2008

Jakarta, Singapore, Amsterdam,Geneva, Kuala Lumpur

It's been a whirlwind of a week as I had to go to Geneva for meetings on the future of our Tsunami operation in Indonesia. With Avian Flu threatening to mutate into human influennza at any time, and HIVAIDS on the increase, I also discussed the scaling up of these programmes amongst many other issues. Had a day in Singapore on the way and time to look at Mont Blanc and the Alps from Geneva. Got back last night dog tired. No energy for a story but a few photos and a poem at the end.
Singapore is so charming by night.

Many of my old favourite Chinese buildings I first saw in the early 70s are still there and being tastefully restored.



It was sad to see how prostitution is so out in the open, something that was unseen in the 70s and 80s.



Amsterdam. I never got out of the airport but sampled the wine, food and admired Van Gough paintings on display and the superb copies for sale.
Geneva was pretty as ever and to the east, Mt. Blanc was visible on Friday and Saturday.
Close up of Mt. Blanc I took last year.



Below is a poem I wrote about Geneva a few years ago.

Calvin


A lonely chime
Rustles life into
Slumbering insects
In fallow fields
Where Knox and Calvin
Wandered deep in thought

A lazy chime
Rolls over a
Once puritanical city
Drained by the Rhone
And gathering greed
Veiled by a humanitarian face

13 comments:

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Bob,
Glad to read you are back and well. Reads like a busy but productive week fighting the good fight. Hope you get some time to relax. Enjoyed the photos and poem, such variety. ooks like I hit my mountain visit spot on, as we are being hit by a weather bomb and it doesn't look to pleasant up in the mountains, though if at a hut and well supplied........
Have a great day Bob. Kia ora.
Noho ora mai ra,
Robb

Ruahines said...

Tena koe Bob,
The book arrived yesterday, and I lie in bed last evening just skimming through the photos - a fine undertaking in its own right - and will look forward to reading it as soon as I am finished with my current book on Scott and Amundsen. Kia ora Bob.
Noho ora mai,
Robb

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Kia Ora Robb. Pleased you got a copy of my book. It was printed in India as I could not get a NZ publisher interested in it. Too specialised and no profit in it.

Enjoyed reading your latest poem. I have just found a company that will be able to scan 2000 slides into electronic copies which I have taken over the years. It scans about 10 different expedition from the Andes to the Himalayas, Arctic to Antarctic, the mountains of East Africa to the Tienshans. So I will post a few from time to time.

Take care.

Bob

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Kia Ora Robb. Pleased you got a copy of my book. It was printed in India as I could not get a NZ publisher interested in it. Too specialised and no profit in it.

Enjoyed reading your latest poem. I have just found a company that will be able to scan 2000 slides into electronic copies which I have taken over the years. It scans about 10 different expedition from the Andes to the Himalayas, Arctic to Antarctic, the mountains of East Africa to the Tienshans. So I will post a few from time to time.

Take care.

Bob

Marja said...

I see you are doing very important work and you are a great poet as well. Multitalented!!
I had the luck to visit 3 of these places. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam of course. Love them all and Vincent is one of my favourite painters.
Have a good rest

Unknown said...

How busy you are! I am not really a big fan of Singapore, but your pictures are very beautiful...actually, i am now in Singapore:)
Well, I am also interested in the meeting in Geneve regarding AI and HIV/AIDS...that is my part. Hope you do not mind to share it with me later.
Have a wonderful day.
Maki

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Thanks Marja for your kind comments.

Vincent is one of my favourite painters too. So versatile. And what a hard life he had.

Maki

Thanks for your feedback. I will be in Medan Monday night en route to Nias. Enjoy Singapore. Will share the information with you.

Bob

Paterika Hengreaves said...

Hello Bob

I'm glad that you are back from your trip and have gotten the much rest needed.

You know, I like it when you go on your travels (business or pleasure). You never fail to let me know what's up and I get to see places I have never seen except in virtual time. Your are a powerful tour guide as you provide great informative reading drenched with profound poetic thought that complements your blog reports. The poem on Geneva speaks volume, great poem both informative and pleasurable reading. I love the poem, great imagery, smooth flowing cadence.

I never visited those places mentioned in your blog but my daughter who is not yet 35 years has. Part of the duties that comes working for the Government.

As soon as my son is much better, I hope to visit China and other places as well very soon.

Thank you very much for your recent comments at poetrynest.

Ka kite ano
Paterika

Anonymous said...

Hello.
How Is the weather forecast today?
introduces readers to various types of weather that occur during each season.
The text discusses typical activities and clothing for each type of weather.
Supportive illustrations accompany the text. You can find out here.
Bye now

http://www.ile-maurice.com/forum/members/weather-today.html

Anonymous said...

Hi. Super site weather in miami today

http://www.medicalschoolforum.com/forums/members/weather-today.html

Anonymous said...

der artikel hat mich nachdenklich gemacht. wobei ich allerdings schon finde, dass gruende wie armut und stress auch im alter (mehr und mehr) einen gewissen ausschlag geben koennen zur flasche zu greifen. in jedem fall ist die aussage “man kan noch so viel vom leben haben” natuerlich nur zu unterstreichen!!! zudem verkraftet ein junger koerper wahrscheinlich eher ein glas mehr als ein aelterer mensch. ein gewisser warnschuss darf hier also ruhig erfolgen…

escorts valencia said...

It will not truly have success, I feel like this.

monalisa said...

canvas rolls manufacturers
Hi,
i gone through your website about canvas rolls manufacturers its wonderful.if you want additional information about canvas rolls manufacturers visit http://www.monalisaarts.com