Hello Again!

Sydney has been visited by quite a number of large and luxurious ocean liners in the past couple of weeks.  And as a passage to Hong Kong in the super liner luxury of a Grand Duplex cabin with private balcony and butler included is a little out of reach, I did the next best thing and took myself off to see the mother of them all, the Queen Mary II – and I am glad I did. Having always preferred to travel overseas by the fastest means possible and to spend the least amount of time sitting around soaking up the sun (I can do that here) I always thought a cruise ship was not for me – unless I could travel by night and wake up somewhere new (on terra firma) every day.  However, this ship is a mega metropolis and rather than spend endless hours sitting in a deck chair gazing at the horizon I think there might be plenty on board to keep me occupied. And with 15 restaurants I certainly won’t starve. I reckon I am about 12 new books away from an inside cabin just below the plimsoll line!

What a far cry from the simple, homely comforts of an inexpensive convent or monastery guesthouse.

‘Til next time…

Hello Again!   

                                                                                                                     I think Australia is still in shock after a tragic month of bushfires and flood and a devastating loss of life and livelihood in rural Victoria. It is hard to believe that many of the bushfires were thought to have been deliberately lit. Tragedy has a way of bringing out the best in people and even though fires still burn, the mammoth task of rebuilding has already begun and the whole country has reached out to offer help through donations of cash, food and clothing, giving blood, helping to fight existing fires and offering prayers. Everyone seems to want to assist where they can.  The Australian Society of Authors, the Australian Bookseller’s Association and the Australian Publisher’s Association are promoting a campaign through which authors can contribute books to re-stock school, church and public libraries in the affected areas. The RSPCA, vets and wildlife centres are providing free care and treatment to animals caught in the fires, and most people by now would be familiar with Sam the (lucky) koala and his fire-fighter rescuer. Many of those caught in the 2003 bushfires have rallied to provide assistance and farmers, repaying a debt of gratitude are trucking in hay and fodder where needed. Every little bit helps. With only another week of sizzling hot summer left, lets hope that the weather is a little kinder come March.

 ‘Til next time…