Repacking For Greece by Sally Jane Smith : Book Review.

In June last year I reviewed a travel memoir written by Sally Jane Smith who was searching for her wanderlust which she lost after a near fatal accident some years beforehand. Armed with a travel diary from 1978 Sally sets off for Greece also hoping to retrace her (late) mother’s steps.

https://wordpress.com/post/brizzymaysbooksandbruschettasite.wordpress.com/8112

“Unpacking For Greece” covered the author’s travels to Athens and Meteora on the mainland; Monemvasia, Sparta and Methana on the Peloponnese Peninsula; and the islands of Santorini and Rhodes.

It is amazing how many luncheons I have attended where I have shared Sally’s story about the speciality broth from Sparta which was made from a mixture of pigs blood and vinegar and was said to be the reason “the Spartans weren’t afraid to die.” Unfortunately, the question about the dietary requirements of Spartans has yet to be raised at midweek trivia at the local bowling club-but at least I’m prepared.

In “Repacking For Greece” Sally shares her second trip to Greece where she travels to Athens and Delphi on the mainland; Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidavros and Methana on the Peloponnese Peninsula; and the islands of Hydra, Poros, Kefalonia and Corfu (with a side trip to Albania).

Once again, the tone is conversational and Sally shares the history of ancient  sites and mythology with humour. Sitting at a cafe for lunch one day she ” started with a mojito. With all that mint and lime, after all, it’s practically a salad.”

Something a little different in this travelogue, Sally as an avid reader refers to the writers who have captured snippets of the essence of Greece in their novels as she weaves her way around the country : Louis de Bernieres’ ” Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” set in Cephalonia, Australian writers Charmain Clift and George Johnston who retreated to Hydra in the 1950’s, Henry Miller’s ” The Colossus of Maroussa” and “Sextet” in Hydra, and Sulari Gentill’s retelling of  Homer’s “The Odyssey ” in “”Chasing The Odysseus” set in Corfu. Yes, there’s a lot to unpack, but boy it makes for interesting reading.

Sally writes that “when I first came to Greece I thought it was the excitement and freedom that were missing from my existence, and that it was travel itself that had the potential to make my life extraordinary. What I discovered though, was what I needed : to recognise my own privilege and find contentment in what I had. I fell back in love with my life.”

I fully get that. Don’t you?

* Thank you to Sally for providing an Advanced Reader Copy of “Repacking For Greece”. Available from retail outlets in paper and Kindle format.

Z is for Something Classy and Cultural

Z is for the children’s book “Zombie Bums And Uranus”, written by Andy Griffiths, one of Australia’s  most popular children’s authors.

Griffiths has written 33 books, including nonsense verse, short stories, comic novels and plays. His books have been New York Times bestsellers, won 80 children’s choice awards, been adapted as a television cartoon series, sold more than 12 million copies in Australia, and been adapted to the theatre. He is best known as the author of the “JUST!” series, “The Day My Bum Went Psycho” and the bestselling “Treehouse” series. ( I believe in America where the population is more refined and genteel ” bum” is replaced by “butt”.)

Andy is an ambassador for The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the Pyjama Foundation, and was awarded the Dromkeen Medal in 2015 to honour his outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature.

Yes, I know, you’re shaking your head – the title is somewhat off-putting. 

I am reminded of a time 25 years ago when I organised a book fair at the local primary school. You know the deal; the more books sold at the fair, the more books donated to the school library by the book wholesaler. This attempt to restock the school library had never been attempted before, and boy, was the concept embraced by the school community. One of the biggest sellers were the “Goosebumps” books. Remember them? We sold cartons of them! With two daughters who had never sampled a “Goosebumps” I was a bit flabbergasted by the popularity of this series, especially by little boys and particularly as there were so many other good novels, including classics, from which to choose. 

To this day I remember chatting with a frazzled mother of three young lads who shared with me that she was just thrilled that her sons had found books which interested them, which enticed them to read instead of jumping on beds, and that kept them interested. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Books that engage and encourage readers from an early age.

I’ve just purchased a book about insects and reptiles for three and half year old Harry. He’s told his mother that he wants to relocate snakes back to the bush when he grows up. His mother is unimpressed about his career choice of snake catcher……

Note:

Thank you for hanging in there throughout April, particularly the Aussie contingent of bloggers who also participated in this Challenge. Your support has been a huge help especially on those days when I was away out west and/ or floundering. I do enjoy participating in the April Challenge and the opportunity to share information about where I live.

I’m taking a break and have lots of self indulgent plans for May, including a holiday. I do have heaps to share- theatre performances, museums, adventures, workshops, and projects – but we could all do with a break. See you then.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

X is for………..

So Cat Balou in India issued a Challenge. 

“Mo, bet you a bottle of Peter Rumble Sparkling Shiraz that you can’t come up with something for the letter X”.

Darling girl of little faith, submit your order to Dan Murphy’s now.

For Australian trivia purposes X is for XANTIPPE, a small rural locality in Western Australia’s wheat belt. It is located 220 kms north east of the city of Perth and according to the 2016 Census has a population of 20.

It is the only locality name in Australia that begins with X.

Never heard of it. 

Established in 1925 it once was a thriving farming community. A school opened in 1930 on Struggle Street to cater to the needs of children, though closed in 1940. ( Anyone else getting Tim Winton vibes?)

The locality’s big feature was the water tank built in 1927, designed to pump water to nearby Dalwallinu, but there were major issues pumping the water uphill. It doesn’t even have its own postcode.

It has been suggested that the name means “looking for water from a deeper well” which ties in with the proliferation of Gnamma holes in the area. 

What is a Gnamma hole? According to the Merriam -Webster Dictionary , “a hollow or hole eroded or indented in solid rock of Australian deserts that sometimes contains water.” Apparently these water holes are featured in the 2002 Australian movie, “Rabbit- Proof Fence”  which I will now source for the weekend’s *entertainment.

Western Australia extends across a massive area, at least one third of Australia. Honestly, I am familiar only with the Margaret River area and have no  enthusiasm to explore Xantippe and its environs. However, if anyone can shed any further light I’de be pleased to hear.

*Entertainment is a poor choice of word for this movie. Based on the book of the same name it is the true story of several young Indigenous girls taken away from their parents who escape the mission to return to their families. The Stolen Generation should not equate to entertainment.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

R is for Red Dog

Louis de Bernières is an English novelist, best known for his 1994 historical war novel, “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” I’ve mentioned previously that I would have enjoyed the movie of the same name about Italian soldiers who occupy the Greek Island of Cephalonia during World War 2 except for three things:

1. Nicholas Cage
2. Nicholas Cage
3. Nicholas Cage

The writer holidayed in Australia at one stage where he came upon a statue of a dog during a visit to the Pilbara region of Western Australia. What can I tell you about the Pilbara? It’s remote mining country, wickedly hot and with nothing but red dust for miles.

But I digress. Back to the statue …….

The dog’s name on the statue was “Red Dog” ( 1971 – 1979), a kelpie/cattle dog cross.

He had a series of owners and lengthy periods travelling on his own, essentially becoming a beloved friend and mascot of the greater Pilbara community. “Red Dog” was made a member of the Dampier Salts Sport and Social Club and the Transport Workers Union and was also given a bank account with the Bank of New South Wales which was said to have used him as a mascot, with the slogan. “If Red banks at the Wales, then you can too.“

When “Red Dog” died, presumed poisoned, a local vet had him buried in a secret unmarked grave. There is a plaque, fixed to a boulder, very close to this site, just outside of the town of Cossack WA. The plaque states: 

                                   ” Red Dog

                                     The Pilbara Wanderer

                                      Erected by the many friends

                                      Made during his travels.”

This story so inspired de Bernieres that he wrote the novella, “Red Dog”, published in 2001, which was adapted to a film of the same name in 2011.

As of 17 November 2011, the film made more than A$21 million at the Australian box office since opening in August 2011.  Red Dog is ranked eighth in the list of (Cinema of Australia) highest-grossing Australian films of all time. Eleven days after opening, Red Dog became the highest-grossing Australian film of 2011. Much of this success is because Nicholas Cage was not involved.

*For bonus trivia, the soundtrack to the movie features some truly great Aussie  pop music.  Grab a glass of plonk and prepare to flit across the lounge room floor.

*I remember seeing this movie with Cat Balou. There was laughter, tears, and bopping to the music in our seats. It was my last time being in a cinema where everyone clapped at the end of the movie.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

O is for Oodgeroo Noonuccal

     Who? Poet, Educator, Activist, Creative AKA KATH WALKER

Kathleen Jean Mary Ruska was born in November 1920. She was a descendant of the Noonuccal people of Minjerribah. [North Stradbroke Island]. Her totem was Kabool the carpet snake, who could not be eaten by his people.

Kath was strongly influenced by her parents. Mother Lucy was one of the ‘stolen generation’, who was not taught to read or write at the mission, gaining domestic skills instead. Her father, Ted Ruska, was the foreman of a gang of Aboriginal labourers employed by the Queensland Government. Their measley income was supplemented by using the traditional hunter/gatherer skills of the Noonuccal people. 

Lucy was determined her children would read and write. Her father said to her ‘Just ‘cos you’re Aboriginal doesn’t mean you have to be as good as most white children – you have to be better.’

Kath attended Dunwich State School which she left at 13 to become a poorly paid live-in domestic servant. In 1941 she joined the Australian Women’s Army Service. [AWAS]. She was promoted to corporal, worked in switchboard operations and later as a pay clerk.

In 1942 Kath married Bruce Walker – a descendant of the Logan and Albert River Aboriginal people – though a dependence on alcohol led to domestic violence and the complete breakdown of that marriage.

To support herself and young child Kath became a domestic servant for the family of Sir Ralph and Lady Cilento who encouraged Kath to write and taught her to draw and paint.

In 1964 her poetry anthology, “We Are Going”, was the first book to be published by an Aboriginal woman. The title poem ends: 

“The scrubs are gone, the hunting and the laughter.

  The eagle is gone, the emu and the kangaroo are gone from this place. 

   The bora ring is gone The corroboree is gone And we are going.”

“The Dawn is at Hand ” was published in 1966 and the third collection “My People: A Kath Walker Collection,” was published in 1970.

In the 1960’s Oodgeroo fought for Aboriginal rights. In 1963 she met Sir Robert Menzies, the Australian Prime Minister. When he offered her a drink of wine she told him that if he had done that in Queensland he could have been put in gaol. It was not until 1967 that Aboriginal people had the right to vote.

In 1972 Oodgeroo returned to the birthplace of her people – the Noonuccal. She established an education and cultural centre at Moongalba [sitting down place] on Stradbroke Island. By 1987, 26,500 children had experienced sitting down and learning at Moongalba.

In 1988 she adopted a traditional name: Oodgeroo – paperbark tree – and Noonuccal – the name of her people.

Oodgeroo Noonuccal earned many awards:

• 1970 Mary Gilmore Medal

• 1975 Jessie Litchfield Award

• International Acting Award

• Fellowship of Australian Writers’ Award

• Doctor of the University from Griffith University.

In 1970, as Kath Walker, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the community. In 1987 she returned it as a protest against the forthcoming bicentenary celebrations of Australia. She stated, “Next year, 1988, to me marks 200 years of rape and carnage, all these terrible things that the Aboriginal tribes of Australia have suffered without any recognition even of admitted guilt from the parliaments of England…. From the Aboriginal point of view, what is there to celebrate? … I can no longer with a clear conscience accept the English honour of the MBE and will be returning to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England.“

Oodgeroo Noonuccal died in 1993 at the age of 72.

Note:

This is very much an abridged version of a life and I recommend reading:

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

N is for Australia’s National Symbols.

Australia’s national symbols that have been officially chosen , either by vote, legislation or proclamation, to represent Australia and its states and territories include: 

• the Australian National Flag. 
• the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. 
• our floral emblem, the golden wattle.

We’ve previously covered the Flag. Boy, was that a dry topic……

Let’s tackle the Commonwealth Coat of Arms next.

The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is a formal symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia. It depicts a shield, containing symbols of Australia’s six states, and is held up by native Australian animals, the kangaroo and the emu. The seven-pointed Commonwealth Stars surrounding the crest also represents the states and territories, while golden wattle appears below the shield.

Although the kangaroo and emu have never been designated as official animal emblems of Australia, they were chosen to symbolise a nation moving forward based on the fact that neither animal can move backwards i.e. symbolising progress.

I just adore the Golden Wattle, deemed our floral emblem. Growing up in a little bush suburb in the outer suburbs of Sydney, now considered suburban sprawl, the wattle was ever present. Celebrating Wattle Day whilst in Primary School holds special memories.

Writer May Gibbs (1877- 1969) in her children’s books about nature ( Snugglepot and Cuddlepie) featured the cheerful Wattle Babies, “the most good-natured of all the Bush Babies. Their bright yellow clothes brighten the bush on a Winter’s day. In Spring they love to go boating and swimming with their frog friends and have fun playing hide and seek with the baby birds.”

As one species of a large genus of flora growing across Australia, the golden wattle is a symbol of unity. Wattle is ideally suited to withstand Australia’s droughts, winds and bushfires. The resilience of wattle represents the spirit of the Australian people.

The green and gold of the wattle is the basis of our national uniform in sporting competitions.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

I is for Ibis

For some reason the Aussie psyche means that we have a tendency to support the “under dog”, a “person or group in a competition who is expected to lose.” Bushranger Ned Kelly was an “under dog”. Speed skater Steven Bradbury who won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics when everyone skating in front of him fell over was an “under dog”. British singer Susan Boyle was another.

The native Ibis, affectionately known as the Bin Chicken or Tip Turkey because it scavenges for food in rubbish bins, is another “under dog.”

Oddly, the Ibis has become a cultural icon, often seen as the subject of children’s story books, tattoos and on tee shirts. There is even talk of this bird being the mascot for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Not one of our iconic birds like the Kookaburra, the Galah, or the flightless (and my favourite) the Emu – but the Ibis.

Did you know that the Australian white Ibis has an average life span of 28 years? 

“It migrated from interior wetlands to urban areas when its habitat began to diminish in the 1970s. Since then, its populations have continued to grow in city areas where there’s enough food. In some cities, their numbers have grown to the point of culls being ordered, like when authorities ordered a cull of 100 ibis they said posed a bird strike risk to flights at Perth Airport in 2018.” – wiki.

There was also a recent cull in my area when Ibis eggs were removed from nests at the Black Swamp, although thats secret Council Business and the ratepayer is not supposed to know. Sssssshhhhh.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

This Months Movie and Book – March 2024.

Went to the cinema mid-week to see “The Great Escaper“, based on the true story of navy veteran, Bernard Jordan. Ninety year old Jordan ( Michael Caine) absconds from the age care facility he resides in with his wife Rene ( Glenda Jackson), to participate in the 70th anniversary commemorations of the landing at Normandy.

I rarely bother with a trip to the flicks as there are 500 assorted DVDs stashed in my hobby room.  It’s much more comfortable I find watching a movie in your pyjamas with a glass of wine and a cheese platter. On the rare occasions that I do  make the effort audience numbers are usually less than ten. Really, would pyjamas be that offensive?

In spite of it not being “half priced Tuesday” the cinema was a good three quarters full. I have since read that the latest genre of movie is “Pension-spiration” or those targeting a more “senior” demographic.

Damn that! This is a good story worth telling for all ages with subtle reminders that we are all young, ten foot tall and bullet proof at some stage, and those of us who are lucky enough, age, either gracefully or disgracefully. The flashbacks to Bernard’s and Rene’s courting days during WW2 reinforce this.

There is gentle humour with Jordan describing himself as a “coffin dodger”, despite some sad scenes overlooking the beaches and cemeteries of Normandy. Both Caine and Jackson, the latter passing away before the movie was released in 2023, were absolutely courageous putting themselves out there at this stage of their lives to film this movie. As actress Bette Davis famously said, ” Getting old is not for sissies”.

A friend warned me that the movie was “slow”. I guess if you’re featuring people in zimmer frames and wheelchairs you shouldn’t be expecting Mission Impossible type car chases.

Two things resonated with me in this movie. Bernard, 70 years after the war, confronts his inner demons from D Day and finally talks to Rene about something that has been haunting him for all those years, an incident which forced his focus to attend the commemorative services in France.  It wasn’t until my Dad was dying in hospital at 79 years of age that he broke down after downloading about the bombing of Dresden for the first and only time.

Wow, what some of these old boys must have ” hung onto” throughout their lives, hey……..

And two, I don’t want to think about getting that old. It was all a tad confrontational for me. 😫

This month’s favourite book was posted from India by my youngest, Cat Balou. 

“For Your Tomorrow, ANZACS Laid To Rest In India” is a labour of love about our fallen, including the nurses. Beautifully done.

Gatton, Queensland

Enjoyed a stop at Gatton over the weekend. 

Who stops at Gatton you ask? The administrative centre of the Lockyer Valley it is best known for its University specialising in Agriculture and Veterinary Science, as well as its location in South East Queensland’s “food bowl” and proximity to the climb up the range to leafy Toowoomba. If tourists do stop at Gatton it’s generally to purchase pumpkins and brassica.

Personally, I quite enjoy admiring farmland and fertile soil. There is just something about a John Deere tractor and a vibrant irrigation system that appeals.

The Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre overlooks Lake Apex Park and is a multifaceted venue that houses an Art Gallery, Transport Museum, Council Library, Tourist Information Centre and a spacious Cafe overlooking the lake. It is also strong on promoting the areas history with photographic portraits of local war heroes as well as residents who have become “legends” within the region.

The Council Library includes a Free Book Exchange for those travelling as well as a Seed Library which I thought a beaut idea.

With all the recent rain in SE Qld a walk around the parkland is well worth a stretch of the legs. In drought conditions it is decidedly unappealing.

Having previously spent several hours enjoying my fill of country music up on the range I was interested to discover during this walk the “Lights On The Hill” Memorial, which commemorates truck and coach drivers.

The (country) song of the same name won a Golden Guitar Award at the first Tamworth Country Music Festival in 1973 for Slim Dusty and describes a truckie driving at night with a heavy load being blinded by lights on the hill, hitting a pole, falling off the edge of a road and realising his impending death. Ahhhhh, country music……

Anyway, Gatton is well worth a pitt stop.

What Have I Been Reading Whilst In The ‘Berra?

Mostly the labels on jars so as not to induce allergic reactions in the three year old and picture books, lots of picture books featuring dinosaurs.

Question : How is it that a child can correctly pronounce the title of 14-lettered dinosaur that twists the adult tongue in all kinds of directions, yet they battle with “please” ?

It was a painstaking effort, though pleased to report I did manage to read two novels throughout February. Both well worth the effort (and the movie of the former is a better than average depiction of the book.)

My movie viewing pleasure was restricted to ” White Fang” and  that was the cartoon version. Unable to confirm who cried the most:  Harry or my good self.

We have been watching the much promoted ” Masters Of The Air” on pay TV. Dammit; it’s taken six episodes to become invested and I’m now heading home to no pay TV. The way the story is progressing every one will die anyway……

The Paradox Babies have joined us at long last : little Audrey ( after Hepburn whose photos adorn the walls) and Lawson.

I wish I could tell you that I was returning home and planned to sleep for a week. The old bod is feeling a tad fragile, what with the responsibility of Harry and the grand furbaby. But my old Da always said that ” you’re along time dead” so heading off to another Festival : music, mayhem, and touch wood, bubbles. Might need to pack the boot scootin’ clobber.