Just look at this years list: Irma and Maria. Most people still remember Katrina from year 2005.
I would add also Tracy - most devastating tropical cyclone in Australian history (1974).
No wonder I heard a comment - what a perfidy, to name such a disaster Maria?
Perfidy indeed. How could it happen?
I found that hurricane names are allocated by World Meteorological Organisation 5 years in advance, alternately - male and female names. Full list HERE.
So at the time of allocating the names people haven't got a slightest idea what sort of hurricane it will be. Maybe none if number of hurricanes in certain year will not reach 21.
This is the Nature, some will say - God, who decides how strongly the wind will blow.
Polish version HERE.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Monday, August 21, 2017
The sense of duty
It was at the beginning of May...
Early morning, I just left home walking to the tram stop and passed by our neighbours house. Quite fresh neighbours, a Chinese couple with two small kids. The house also freshly built.
There was a strange scene. Kids, girl and boy in good schools uniforms were knocking at the door of the car. They also tried to pull out a garden hose stuck in the narrow gap in the car window.
My first thought was - they were watering some plant in the car and accidentally locked the door.
"Can I help you?" - I asked, but the kids did not take any notice.
Then their mother ran out of the house, still in her nightgown, she tried to force the car door, to pull out the garden hose. No effect. She ran back into the house.
A minute later she ran out again, with the car key, she opened the car door and switched off the engine. Only then I noticed a person inside the car and realized that the other end of the garden hose has been placed in the exhaust pipe. Finally I understood.
"I will call the ambulance" - I offered..
"I called it already" - answered the woman not turning her head towards me.
At the same time a neighbour came out from the house on the opposite side of the street. I explained to her what happened.
The woman, mother of the children, was talking to them in their language, an older woman, grandmother ran out from the house carrying the school bags.
"Can I help somehow?" - asked the neighbour.
"No, I will take him to the hospital" - answered the brave small woman and was pushing the man in the car onto passenger seat.
I decided, that I was not needed there and walked away.
Few days ago I met the neighbour, the lady who was with me at the accident site.
"Sorry, that I left you alone, but I felt of no use, only adding embarrassment. How it ended?".
"Well, I offered help with the children" - answered the neighbour - "they were quite upset and crying. I hugged them, but then their mother called them to the car, to get to school. In the evening she knocked to my door with thanks, even brought me a small gift".
"And do you know how the man recovered?"
"He was treated in the hospital and recovered quite quickly. Actually the same day in the evening he flew to Malaysia as the next day he was to start a new job there".
Polish version HERE.
Early morning, I just left home walking to the tram stop and passed by our neighbours house. Quite fresh neighbours, a Chinese couple with two small kids. The house also freshly built.
There was a strange scene. Kids, girl and boy in good schools uniforms were knocking at the door of the car. They also tried to pull out a garden hose stuck in the narrow gap in the car window.
My first thought was - they were watering some plant in the car and accidentally locked the door.
"Can I help you?" - I asked, but the kids did not take any notice.
Then their mother ran out of the house, still in her nightgown, she tried to force the car door, to pull out the garden hose. No effect. She ran back into the house.
A minute later she ran out again, with the car key, she opened the car door and switched off the engine. Only then I noticed a person inside the car and realized that the other end of the garden hose has been placed in the exhaust pipe. Finally I understood.
"I will call the ambulance" - I offered..
"I called it already" - answered the woman not turning her head towards me.
At the same time a neighbour came out from the house on the opposite side of the street. I explained to her what happened.
The woman, mother of the children, was talking to them in their language, an older woman, grandmother ran out from the house carrying the school bags.
"Can I help somehow?" - asked the neighbour.
"No, I will take him to the hospital" - answered the brave small woman and was pushing the man in the car onto passenger seat.
I decided, that I was not needed there and walked away.
Few days ago I met the neighbour, the lady who was with me at the accident site.
"Sorry, that I left you alone, but I felt of no use, only adding embarrassment. How it ended?".
"Well, I offered help with the children" - answered the neighbour - "they were quite upset and crying. I hugged them, but then their mother called them to the car, to get to school. In the evening she knocked to my door with thanks, even brought me a small gift".
"And do you know how the man recovered?"
"He was treated in the hospital and recovered quite quickly. Actually the same day in the evening he flew to Malaysia as the next day he was to start a new job there".
Polish version HERE.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Very short happy life
Few days ago I had a meeting of our library book club. One of participants became a grandmother a week earlier. After congratulations there was time for some details.
There were twins - two boys. Unfortunately, already few weeks before a birth doctors informed the mother that one of the boys has serious body defects and will not be able to live outside mothers body.
He was born first - a messenger - Gabriel Thomas. The mother kissed him, dressed, hugged, and his life ended.
Less then one hour later, the second one was born - John Thomas.
Polish version here - CLICK.
There were twins - two boys. Unfortunately, already few weeks before a birth doctors informed the mother that one of the boys has serious body defects and will not be able to live outside mothers body.
He was born first - a messenger - Gabriel Thomas. The mother kissed him, dressed, hugged, and his life ended.
Less then one hour later, the second one was born - John Thomas.
Polish version here - CLICK.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
The Boy who escaped Paradise
The Boy Who Escaped Paradise by Jung-Myung LeeMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
After first few chapters I hoped I will rate this book 5. Close to the end I considered - 2.
First chapters - life in North Korea. I read a good number of books about German concentration camps and Soviet Gulags, I met and listened to many survivors. In this context I valued the book very high.
Things go astray when the boy escapes and moves to the free world - China, Macau, South Korea, Switzerland. For some time it was not so bad - it occurred to me that everywhere there are powers able and willing to squash an individual into a pulp.
But the trouble is MONEY, too much of it.
Gil-mo has a rare talent to operate with numbers, also with big numbers. He seems to attract big sums of money. It always ends badly and starts again, and again.
Important part of the book are numbers. Gil-mo lives in the world of numbers.
Author employed numeric puzzles and considerations from many popular books. They work quite well in monet depraved North Korea, they go completely berserk in the world of money.
Fortunately the last chapter brought for the first time some humour into the book.
Switzerland - Gil-mo's girlfriend just cashed $8 million, she excuses him for a minute to check if money transfer is OK. After 12.814 seconds she returns, with a pile of shopping.
Finally in familiar world.
View all my reviews
Saturday, July 1, 2017
50 years (and 1 month) ago - 6 days war
Over a month ago I noticed it on newsagency shelf...
Discussion continues.
Polish (extended) version HERE.
6 days war.
Some facts: end of May 1967, United Arabic Republic - short-lived political union of Egypt, Syria and Jordan under leadership of Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser - blocked Israeli Tiran Strait and concentrated mighty military forces on the border with Israel. Israel responded with surprising preemptive air strike followed by land operation.
Within 5 days Israeli forces overwhelmed totally disoriented Arabic forces and captured previously Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, Syrian Golan Heights and Jordanian West Bank including entire Jerusalem.
Details HERE.
Within 5 days Israeli forces overwhelmed totally disoriented Arabic forces and captured previously Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, Syrian Golan Heights and Jordanian West Bank including entire Jerusalem.
Details HERE.
Before looking inside the paper I retrieved my memories.
Late spring 1967. It was memorable time. We moved into out first flat after almost 2 years of living in the corner of my in-laws flat. We moved to a block of flats where lived also a number of employees of the factory where I worked.
There were some interesting discoveries. A person who held some rank in a local branch of Communist Party showed us his flat. One, very small room was decorated as a Catholic chapel.
At the end of May one guy invited me to his flat and opened maps of the Middle East.
- Look here! What these Jews hope to achieve? They will be smashed.
The official press (there was no other) followed the position of Soviet Union, which strongly supported socialist oriented president Nasser. Worth to mention, that Soviet Union armed Egypt, Syria and Jordan.
Victory of Israel was a shock. I do not remember reaction of the press, but the general reception of the crowd was disbelief mixed with admiration and some satisfaction that Soviet Union ally was defeated.
Some people declared with pride that in the core of Israeli army were some 2,000 soldiers who left Polish Anders Army when, after evacuation from Sovier Union, it crossed British Palestine. Most notable of those who stayed in Palestime was Mieczysław Biegun who, as Menahem Begin, became Israeli President in 1977.
There was a joke: Arab intelligence could not break code used by Israeli Army. Explanation was simple - messages were written in plain Polish.
There was a joke: Arab intelligence could not break code used by Israeli Army. Explanation was simple - messages were written in plain Polish.
Few weeks later the papers raised a new issue: in Polish Government there are many people whose political orientation is in conflict with the general line of politics in Soviet bloc.
At the end of 1967 the witch hunt started.
I looked into The Australian Jewish News.
The photo on front page shows three soldiers who first reached the Western Wall. All of them are still alive. Their relation: "We were in narrow lanes with Arab houses, we didn't know where, and suddenly we came through the small iron gate and saw it - the Kotel. It wasn't open as it is now, it was surrounded by houses on each side (...) my friends had tears in their eyes when they realised what was happening, that we came to the place we've been waiting for for 2,000 years".
Moshe Dayan, Israeli Minister of Defence in 1967 said: "Yesterday I was not a religious man, and tomorrow I will nor be, but today I cannot but say that we have witnessed miracles".
The photo on front page shows three soldiers who first reached the Western Wall. All of them are still alive. Their relation: "We were in narrow lanes with Arab houses, we didn't know where, and suddenly we came through the small iron gate and saw it - the Kotel. It wasn't open as it is now, it was surrounded by houses on each side (...) my friends had tears in their eyes when they realised what was happening, that we came to the place we've been waiting for for 2,000 years".
Moshe Dayan, Israeli Minister of Defence in 1967 said: "Yesterday I was not a religious man, and tomorrow I will nor be, but today I cannot but say that we have witnessed miracles".
I look at the further pages...
Discussion continues.
Polish (extended) version HERE.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
The Ghetto Cabaret
Last Sunday we visited Kadimah - Jewish Cultural Centre in Melbourne - CLICK.
The reason is shown on a poster above. It was also some extension of emotions experienced at the movie The Zookeeper's Wife - see the previous entry. To see this world from the other side.
First impression confirmed out expectations.
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Yellow Stars of David, general commotion, expressive mimic and gesticulation.
The performance hasn't started yet, but the climate around the stage was an integral part of it. Stage manager was full of worries:
- Bronia did not come yet.What happened to her? - she looks helplessly at the actors and we realize, that terrible thing could happen to people in this place, at this time.
- The show must go on! - nobody has doubts about it.
Yankele, a clown - character based on Yankele Hershkowitz from Łódź Ghetto - is cruising between rows of chairs
- Give me ein Grosch, I will tell you a secret.
Not everyone knows what ein Grosch means.
Finally the show starts. It surprised me. I expected to hear some songs from suburban Warsaw, from Eastern parts of pre-war Poland. Like Małe miasteczko Bełz (Majn sztetele Bełz) - CLICK. But no, the show was based on tradition of Jewish cabarets in Berlin and Amsterdam.
MC of the show played a bit in the style of unforgettable Lisa Minelli (movie Cabaret).
All songs were sang in Yiddish which reminded me a book by Isaac Bashevis Singer - Love and Exile - memories from writer's life in Warsaw. Only then I realized, that Jewish diaspora in pre-war Poland led completely self sufficient life, without any need for contact with social and cultural life of Poles.
The show ended, actors mixed with the crowd and I felt a bit like in Warsaw, and in Melbourne.
I asked musicians and somebody from the crowd if they know Yiddish - only few words - was the answer. Same as me.
Webpage of the show HERE.
Polish version HERE.
The Zookeeper's Wife
When I was about 10 years old at least once a year I visited Warsaw. I stayed in my uncle's home, usually for one week, and every time it was an opportunity to visit Warsaw ZOO.
I did not enjoy these excursions. On the first time of course there was strong curiosity, but there was a disappointment from the first glance. These were not animals, which I remembered from adventure books. Behind bars, lethargic, in prison.
These memories returned few weeks ago while watching movie The Zookeeper's Wife. The movie is based on a book written by Diane Ackerman, which in turn is based on memories of Mrs Antonina Żabińska, wife of pre-Second World War director of Warsaw ZOO, dr Jan Żabiński.
Movie trailer here - CLICK.
The movie tells the story of Warsaw ZOO during the 2nd World War.
First ruined during barbaric bombing of Warsaw by Germans. Then all valuable animals were robbed by dr Lutz Heck, director of Berlin ZOO, personal friend of Goering, member of SS.
After the war he continued his work as Berlin ZOO director.
Director of Warsaw ZOO, dr J. Żabiński put a proposal to convert ruined Warsaw ZOO into a pig farm. The food for the pigs were to be scraps from Warsaw Ghetto. Practical Germans bought the idea. In this way dr Żabiński got access to the Ghetto and under the scraps of food smuggled out Jews, who were later hidden in the ZOO, in tunnels for animals, in the cellar of Żabińskis home. They stayed there until false ids were produced for them and when Polish families were found, who would keep them in hiding to the end of the war.
It might be worthwhile to mention, that Poland was the only country in German occupied Europe where for hiding a Jew a whole family of the host was sentenced to death.
Dr Hans Frank, a governor of German occupied Poland, stated: "In Prague, big red posters were put up on which one could read that seven Czechs had been shot today. I said to myself, 'If I had to put up a poster for every seven Poles shot, the forests of Poland would not be sufficient to manufacture the paper." Source Wikiquote - CLICK.
In this way Żabiński family smuggled 300 people. After the war they were awarded a title Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel - CLICK.
The movie concentrates on directors wife - Mrs Antonina Żabińska - which highlights a sharp contrast between the cruel world and charm of animals and gentleness of director's wife.
Great movie. It brought back memories from my childhood. Relations of the people around me, who witnessed the war. Sad relations, but so valuable.
I did not enjoy these excursions. On the first time of course there was strong curiosity, but there was a disappointment from the first glance. These were not animals, which I remembered from adventure books. Behind bars, lethargic, in prison.
These memories returned few weeks ago while watching movie The Zookeeper's Wife. The movie is based on a book written by Diane Ackerman, which in turn is based on memories of Mrs Antonina Żabińska, wife of pre-Second World War director of Warsaw ZOO, dr Jan Żabiński.
Movie trailer here - CLICK.
The movie tells the story of Warsaw ZOO during the 2nd World War.
First ruined during barbaric bombing of Warsaw by Germans. Then all valuable animals were robbed by dr Lutz Heck, director of Berlin ZOO, personal friend of Goering, member of SS.
After the war he continued his work as Berlin ZOO director.
Director of Warsaw ZOO, dr J. Żabiński put a proposal to convert ruined Warsaw ZOO into a pig farm. The food for the pigs were to be scraps from Warsaw Ghetto. Practical Germans bought the idea. In this way dr Żabiński got access to the Ghetto and under the scraps of food smuggled out Jews, who were later hidden in the ZOO, in tunnels for animals, in the cellar of Żabińskis home. They stayed there until false ids were produced for them and when Polish families were found, who would keep them in hiding to the end of the war.
It might be worthwhile to mention, that Poland was the only country in German occupied Europe where for hiding a Jew a whole family of the host was sentenced to death.
Dr Hans Frank, a governor of German occupied Poland, stated: "In Prague, big red posters were put up on which one could read that seven Czechs had been shot today. I said to myself, 'If I had to put up a poster for every seven Poles shot, the forests of Poland would not be sufficient to manufacture the paper." Source Wikiquote - CLICK.
In this way Żabiński family smuggled 300 people. After the war they were awarded a title Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel - CLICK.
The movie concentrates on directors wife - Mrs Antonina Żabińska - which highlights a sharp contrast between the cruel world and charm of animals and gentleness of director's wife.
Great movie. It brought back memories from my childhood. Relations of the people around me, who witnessed the war. Sad relations, but so valuable.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Brain gymnastics
Lately we have more contact with our oldest grandson - Felix - 13 years.
He attends an artistic school, which combines high school program with ballet training.
As a principle students do not have any homework, they should complete all tasks in normal school hours. No wonder, he returns from school at 5, very tired and hungry. He is in bed by 8 pm. Morning alarm at 6.
Old habits do not die easily. I ask him regularly what was at school, what homework he has.
Answer is always the same: nothing Dziadzia (Grandpa). Doesn't matter.
Still few days ago he was searching for a Maths homework.
- What was it about, Felix?
- Something about angles. Does't matter Dziadzia.
But I already put my foot in the gap in his defense.
- Do you know how many degrees is a sum of all angles of a triangle?
- 180 degrees Dziadzia.
- And of quadrangle?
- 360 degrees. We learned all this Dziadzia.
- And of pentagon?
- Also 360 degrees. Cannot be more as full circle has 360 degrees.
- Well, angles of a polygon is something different, look here:
- You see? 3 triangles. How many degrees?
- 3 times 180.
- Right, 540 degrees. And hexagon?
We both focused on drawing. My drawing looked like this:
Felix smiled and showed his sketch;
- What is this Felix?
- Simple. I stretched your hexagon into two straight lines. In fact they are not parallel like in this drawing, they overlap into one line. On both ends (A, D) there are angles of ZERO degrees. And remaining 4 are straight angles - 180 degrees. 4 of them Dziadzia.
The only thing I could do was to multiply (720 degrees). This I learned well in a primary school. But to stretch polygons into straight lines?
For this you need a ballet dancer flexibility. Of the brain.
Polish version here - CLICK.
He attends an artistic school, which combines high school program with ballet training.
As a principle students do not have any homework, they should complete all tasks in normal school hours. No wonder, he returns from school at 5, very tired and hungry. He is in bed by 8 pm. Morning alarm at 6.
Old habits do not die easily. I ask him regularly what was at school, what homework he has.
Answer is always the same: nothing Dziadzia (Grandpa). Doesn't matter.
Still few days ago he was searching for a Maths homework.
- What was it about, Felix?
- Something about angles. Does't matter Dziadzia.
But I already put my foot in the gap in his defense.
- Do you know how many degrees is a sum of all angles of a triangle?
- 180 degrees Dziadzia.
- And of quadrangle?
- 360 degrees. We learned all this Dziadzia.
- And of pentagon?
- Also 360 degrees. Cannot be more as full circle has 360 degrees.
- Well, angles of a polygon is something different, look here:
- You see? 3 triangles. How many degrees?
- 3 times 180.
- Right, 540 degrees. And hexagon?
We both focused on drawing. My drawing looked like this:
Felix smiled and showed his sketch;
- What is this Felix?
- Simple. I stretched your hexagon into two straight lines. In fact they are not parallel like in this drawing, they overlap into one line. On both ends (A, D) there are angles of ZERO degrees. And remaining 4 are straight angles - 180 degrees. 4 of them Dziadzia.
The only thing I could do was to multiply (720 degrees). This I learned well in a primary school. But to stretch polygons into straight lines?
For this you need a ballet dancer flexibility. Of the brain.
Polish version here - CLICK.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Seven years itch
If it was a first Sunday of June, and it was, then I participated in MS Walk.
For a seventh year - thus the title.
This time the weather was the best possible.
As for walk there is not much to say - just easy stroll in beautiful surrounding.
Instead of words I will use photos...
As usual large colourful crowd...
Approaching start
Some characters.
My companion from a ski club
End of fun.
To be continued next year.
PS. The only negative was a failure of my fundraising efforts. I set my target extremely low, just $450 and reached barely 70% of it. I understand that people are worn out by constant appeals for help from various sources. Apparently I am less and less attractive source.
For a seventh year - thus the title.
This time the weather was the best possible.
As for walk there is not much to say - just easy stroll in beautiful surrounding.
Instead of words I will use photos...
As usual large colourful crowd...
Approaching start
Eastward view of Albert Lake
Friendly volunteers.
Westward view of Albert Lake
Some characters.
My companion from a ski club
End of fun.
To be continued next year.
PS. The only negative was a failure of my fundraising efforts. I set my target extremely low, just $450 and reached barely 70% of it. I understand that people are worn out by constant appeals for help from various sources. Apparently I am less and less attractive source.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Passed by a finish line
Last Sunday a finish line was chasing me (see previous post), not for long.
The weather was not bad, very, very light drizzle, temperature 10C.
Then I heard the final call to the real start area. It was on the Monash Freeway. Almost 3,000 runners were already there. Soon there was a start signal and after few minutes I reached the start line.
Few steps further on and all the runners were far away.
There were very few people around me. And quite a noise of cars driving on the opposite side of the freeway - unpleasant.
After some time I reached a 3 km mark and I realized, that the end is coming. Here it is...
Oooops, it looks like I missed my target by quite a lot.
After few minutes I was offered a comfortable place in the bus.
Here are all people, who were caught before me. Not many.
Official results - HERE.
My results - not very impressive. My official target was 7 km, realistic target - 5 km, result 3.24 km. It means 65%.
Financial result: target $100, result $55. I do not have to calculate a percentage.
But if you dig, you will always find something. I found, that I got a first place in my age group.
Well, I was the only participant in this age group, so statement that I got the last place is also right.
The weather was not bad, very, very light drizzle, temperature 10C.
I came to the starting area some half an hour before start time, very few people there. First thing to have a photo taken...
Few steps further on and all the runners were far away.
There were very few people around me. And quite a noise of cars driving on the opposite side of the freeway - unpleasant.
After some time I reached a 3 km mark and I realized, that the end is coming. Here it is...
Oooops, it looks like I missed my target by quite a lot.
After few minutes I was offered a comfortable place in the bus.
Here are all people, who were caught before me. Not many.
Official results - HERE.
My results - not very impressive. My official target was 7 km, realistic target - 5 km, result 3.24 km. It means 65%.
Financial result: target $100, result $55. I do not have to calculate a percentage.
But if you dig, you will always find something. I found, that I got a first place in my age group.
Well, I was the only participant in this age group, so statement that I got the last place is also right.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Finish line on Wings
On some street crossings in Melbourne one can notice following announcements:
Finish line catches competitors?
Beautiful, I am in it. Catch me if you can!
Well, the devil is in the details.
Wings for Life is a fundraising run, an initiative of Red Bull company. All proceeds are used for funding spinal cord injury treatment research.
The first beauty of the run is that it starts at the same astronomical time in 25 locations around the world. In Santa Clarita,California at 4 am, in Sunrise, Florida at 7 am, in Cambridge, UK at noon, in most of European locations including Poznan in Poland at 1 pm, in Izmir, Turkey at 2 pm, in Dubai at 3 pm, in Tinan, Taiwan at 7 pm, and last, but still at he same astronomical time - Melbourne at 9 pm.
Date of the event - 7 May - next Sunday.
9 pm, in the middle of Autumn. It will be cold and dark. To fight the second element each participant will be given a head torch. Wow! It will be an amazing view!
The second beauty is, what the photo shows - The Finish Line comes to participants. Not exactly a line, a Catcher Truck - it sounds threatening.
Actually, each participant will carry a chip and the Catcher Car, when passing the runner, will recognize the starting number - the runner is out.
What chance the people have against the car?
A fair chance. The car starts half an hour after participants and initially drives with speed 15km/h. Most of marathon runners run a bit faster than that, so they should be able lto ast for a significant time. To prevent someone to run around the world, the catcher can accelarates after some time intervals and finally reaches speed 40 km/h. Even best sprinters cannot match such a speed.
Still, last year, the best result for a runner was some 87 km. Incredible!
And what about me? What about ME?
Well, in first place, due to heart condition, I cannot run at all. So I will walk.
How fast, how far?
Registering the the run I declared my target as 7 km. Today I had a test. Well, I was not able to walk faster than 1km in 10 minutes. It means I will be caught after 50 minutes walk, at the distance of 5 km. Booooo :(
The final point - fundraising. Well, with such limited abilities I do not expect much, still anyone interested can support this good cause donating here - CLICK.
Finish line catches competitors?
Beautiful, I am in it. Catch me if you can!
Well, the devil is in the details.
Wings for Life is a fundraising run, an initiative of Red Bull company. All proceeds are used for funding spinal cord injury treatment research.
The first beauty of the run is that it starts at the same astronomical time in 25 locations around the world. In Santa Clarita,California at 4 am, in Sunrise, Florida at 7 am, in Cambridge, UK at noon, in most of European locations including Poznan in Poland at 1 pm, in Izmir, Turkey at 2 pm, in Dubai at 3 pm, in Tinan, Taiwan at 7 pm, and last, but still at he same astronomical time - Melbourne at 9 pm.
Date of the event - 7 May - next Sunday.
9 pm, in the middle of Autumn. It will be cold and dark. To fight the second element each participant will be given a head torch. Wow! It will be an amazing view!
The second beauty is, what the photo shows - The Finish Line comes to participants. Not exactly a line, a Catcher Truck - it sounds threatening.
Actually, each participant will carry a chip and the Catcher Car, when passing the runner, will recognize the starting number - the runner is out.
What chance the people have against the car?
A fair chance. The car starts half an hour after participants and initially drives with speed 15km/h. Most of marathon runners run a bit faster than that, so they should be able lto ast for a significant time. To prevent someone to run around the world, the catcher can accelarates after some time intervals and finally reaches speed 40 km/h. Even best sprinters cannot match such a speed.
Still, last year, the best result for a runner was some 87 km. Incredible!
And what about me? What about ME?
Well, in first place, due to heart condition, I cannot run at all. So I will walk.
How fast, how far?
Registering the the run I declared my target as 7 km. Today I had a test. Well, I was not able to walk faster than 1km in 10 minutes. It means I will be caught after 50 minutes walk, at the distance of 5 km. Booooo :(
The final point - fundraising. Well, with such limited abilities I do not expect much, still anyone interested can support this good cause donating here - CLICK.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Our man in Vietnam - 6 - the heart of the darkness
My last day in Vietnam. In the morning our guide, Hoc, introduces us to Urban Adventures, a branch of Intrepid. Our new guide is Tan.
- On 18th birthday everyone receives a Communist Party membership declaration, but very few fill it. This a guarantee of a career in the army or public administration. I did not join, I preferred a job of my choice - says Tan.
This is quite different from what Hoc told us, but the essence is the same. There is some ruling Party elite, which has 2 armies - the real, military one and the army of obedient bureaucrats.
- I avoided the army service as well - continues Tan - we have mandatory conscription, but I got a medical certificate. In Vietnam there is no age pension, so I have to work to support my parents.
Hoc told us identical story.
Our first stop is in the village. Idyllic, rural atmosphere. Female host is occupied with production of rice paper. Thick rice pulp boils in a cauldron. A woman pours a bowl of thick liquid on frying pan and after few seconds lifts with a stick a thin sheet of rice paper,
She lays it on a wicker stand. In a day she will produce a thousand of such sheets, which she will sell for US$40. At the same time she looks after other farm activities. Most obvious are very friendly pigs.
Tan watches us with a slightly ironic smile.
- Beautiful, isn't it?
We wholeheartedly agree.
- So why Americans came here, over 12,000 km away from their country, to destroy it all with bombs and napalm?
In silence we board the bus and depart towards Ben Duoc, a location of Cu Chi tunnels.
- Do you know, that initially, at the end of II World War, CIA supported Ho Chi Minh? - asks Tan.
We did not know. Back at home I checked. Apparently he meant support given to Ho Chi Minh in 1945 by the Office of Strategic Services, predecessor of CIA. Probably they did not mean to support communists, rather to keep French in check. Just another strategic game.
Cu Chi, a network of some 120 km of tunnels used by Communist army and sometimes sheltering the local population. Most of tunnels were dug 3 m under the ground. When Americans started regular bombing some extra tunnels were dug 6 m underground.When they introduced B52 bombers, tunnels were dug 9 m underground.
Tunnels were 1.3 m high and 40 cm wide. It practically eliminated American soldiers from penetrating the tunnels. Bombs and gases were the usual weapon.
People living in the tunnels could leave them only at night. Hot meals could be prepared only at early morning when earth was covered by thick fog. The most common food were tapioca and green tea. Tunnels inhabitants were plagued by malaria and parasites. Very often they were attacked by poisonous snakes as their nests reached the tunnels.
Serious issue was ventilation. Outlets of ventilating channels had to be well hidden. Pepper was sprinkled around to confuse American dogs.
We were listening to this story standing next to the tree. The ground covered by a thick layer of leaves.
Suddenly the leaves move and a Viet-Cong soldier appears.
Shouts of surprise, photos.
- Anybody wants to try?
Of course.
I walk down on two very uneven steps and I feel very uneasy, I do not know where to put my foot.
- Straighten up your arms or you will get stuck - shouts the guide.
I straighten them and cannot make a step. Too low, too narrow, too tight.
I crawled somehow underground, placed the lid over the hole and even did not think how I will get out. Hard not to think as after few seconds I choke with the lack of fresh air.
Fact that I write this story means that I got out somehow, but honestly, I do not know how.
So what, the guide tempts: you can walk along these tunnels, it is only 40 m distance, and for tourists the tunnels were widened to 70 cm.
Well, if they are widened I will try.
After 4 metres I regret my decision. The back aches from the deeply bent position, but the worst is a terrible lack of fresh air.
The silhouette on the photo is someone ahead of me.
- And now you can visit a birthing room, it is 6 m underground.
No, no, no!
Close to tunnels is a shooting range. Tourists can try various types of guns. Most popular is AK47, still in use. There are many people willing. Not me, I tried it in Polish (communist) army, 57 years ago.
I agree, an excellent gun.
At the end of the tour a typical tunnel meal: tapioca and green tea.
To survive on such a diet - a day, a week, months?
Apparently quite a number of people, who spent years in the tunnels, after the war could not accommodate to normal life. Too much fresh air and clean water. Their ruined organisms could not cope with it.
Detailed information about Cu Chi tunnels HERE.
Our group returns to Ho Chi Minh City, but for me it is the end of the tour. I leave the bus when it is not too far from the airport.
My farewell lunch is a wonton soup.
Last steps in the airport and, similarly as at the beginning,,,
At the end was a book.
I noticed a small book stand. Graham Green - The Quiet American - of course. But also...
A Prison Diary - a collection of poems written by Ho Chi Minh (in Chinese).
Ho Chi Minh was arrested in China in 1942 by nationalist (Kuomintang) government and spent over a year in various prisons. One of results were poems. Here are two of them.
And now everything moves quickly. Again I am on the board of Malaysian Airlines, under Allah's care. Several hours later the screen reads - Distance to Mecca: 12,718 km .
That means I am in Melbourne.
Vietnam links to all parts - Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4, Part5, Part6.
The aim of today's tour is Cu Chi, a network of underground tunnels used by Viet-Cong (Communist army) to fight Americans.
Tan knows something about this subject. His father joined the army at the age of 16 and spent 10 years in the tunnels. Tan declared himself as a communist so I tried to verify my knowledge about functioning of Communist Party in Vietnam.- On 18th birthday everyone receives a Communist Party membership declaration, but very few fill it. This a guarantee of a career in the army or public administration. I did not join, I preferred a job of my choice - says Tan.
This is quite different from what Hoc told us, but the essence is the same. There is some ruling Party elite, which has 2 armies - the real, military one and the army of obedient bureaucrats.
- I avoided the army service as well - continues Tan - we have mandatory conscription, but I got a medical certificate. In Vietnam there is no age pension, so I have to work to support my parents.
Hoc told us identical story.
Our first stop is in the village. Idyllic, rural atmosphere. Female host is occupied with production of rice paper. Thick rice pulp boils in a cauldron. A woman pours a bowl of thick liquid on frying pan and after few seconds lifts with a stick a thin sheet of rice paper,
She lays it on a wicker stand. In a day she will produce a thousand of such sheets, which she will sell for US$40. At the same time she looks after other farm activities. Most obvious are very friendly pigs.
Tan watches us with a slightly ironic smile.
- Beautiful, isn't it?
We wholeheartedly agree.
- So why Americans came here, over 12,000 km away from their country, to destroy it all with bombs and napalm?
In silence we board the bus and depart towards Ben Duoc, a location of Cu Chi tunnels.
- Do you know, that initially, at the end of II World War, CIA supported Ho Chi Minh? - asks Tan.
We did not know. Back at home I checked. Apparently he meant support given to Ho Chi Minh in 1945 by the Office of Strategic Services, predecessor of CIA. Probably they did not mean to support communists, rather to keep French in check. Just another strategic game.
Cu Chi, a network of some 120 km of tunnels used by Communist army and sometimes sheltering the local population. Most of tunnels were dug 3 m under the ground. When Americans started regular bombing some extra tunnels were dug 6 m underground.When they introduced B52 bombers, tunnels were dug 9 m underground.
Tunnels were 1.3 m high and 40 cm wide. It practically eliminated American soldiers from penetrating the tunnels. Bombs and gases were the usual weapon.
People living in the tunnels could leave them only at night. Hot meals could be prepared only at early morning when earth was covered by thick fog. The most common food were tapioca and green tea. Tunnels inhabitants were plagued by malaria and parasites. Very often they were attacked by poisonous snakes as their nests reached the tunnels.
Serious issue was ventilation. Outlets of ventilating channels had to be well hidden. Pepper was sprinkled around to confuse American dogs.
We were listening to this story standing next to the tree. The ground covered by a thick layer of leaves.
Suddenly the leaves move and a Viet-Cong soldier appears.
Shouts of surprise, photos.
- Anybody wants to try?
Of course.
- Straighten up your arms or you will get stuck - shouts the guide.
I straighten them and cannot make a step. Too low, too narrow, too tight.
I crawled somehow underground, placed the lid over the hole and even did not think how I will get out. Hard not to think as after few seconds I choke with the lack of fresh air.
Fact that I write this story means that I got out somehow, but honestly, I do not know how.
So what, the guide tempts: you can walk along these tunnels, it is only 40 m distance, and for tourists the tunnels were widened to 70 cm.
Well, if they are widened I will try.
After 4 metres I regret my decision. The back aches from the deeply bent position, but the worst is a terrible lack of fresh air.
The silhouette on the photo is someone ahead of me.
- And now you can visit a birthing room, it is 6 m underground.
No, no, no!
Close to tunnels is a shooting range. Tourists can try various types of guns. Most popular is AK47, still in use. There are many people willing. Not me, I tried it in Polish (communist) army, 57 years ago.
I agree, an excellent gun.
At the end of the tour a typical tunnel meal: tapioca and green tea.
To survive on such a diet - a day, a week, months?
Apparently quite a number of people, who spent years in the tunnels, after the war could not accommodate to normal life. Too much fresh air and clean water. Their ruined organisms could not cope with it.
Detailed information about Cu Chi tunnels HERE.
Our group returns to Ho Chi Minh City, but for me it is the end of the tour. I leave the bus when it is not too far from the airport.
My farewell lunch is a wonton soup.
Last steps in the airport and, similarly as at the beginning,,,
At the end was a book.
I noticed a small book stand. Graham Green - The Quiet American - of course. But also...
A Prison Diary - a collection of poems written by Ho Chi Minh (in Chinese).
Ho Chi Minh was arrested in China in 1942 by nationalist (Kuomintang) government and spent over a year in various prisons. One of results were poems. Here are two of them.
Scabies
Covered in red and blue as though dressed in brocate
Scratching all day long, we seem to be playing the guitar.
Honoured guests, of our rich garbs we make a parade.
Strange virtuosos, sharing an itch for music we surely are!
Evening scenery
A rose blossoms, and then fades.
It blooms and withers-listless.
But its scent the cell invades.
And arouses the prisoners' bitterness.
***
English translation by Dang The Binh.
That means I am in Melbourne.
Vietnam links to all parts - Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4, Part5, Part6.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Our man in Vietnam - 5 - Mekong Delta
I was woken up by a rooster cock. Strange, during our trip so far, in every hotel I could hear rooster cock in the morning. Hotels were surrounded by city blocks. No parks nor gardens. So where these rooster lived? On balconies?
I turn to the other side and then I hear a church bell ringing. Right, it is Sunday. I get up, go to the window and I can see a church tower nearby. I run down to the reception.
- How to get to that church nearby? - I ask the receptionist.
- Church? What does it mean? - he answers
Apparently he does not know this word. No wonder. Wikipedia says that 73% of Vietnamese population do not belong to any religion. 12% are Buddhists, 8% Christians. Interesting, that in recent years number of people declaring belonging to some religion, grew. Buddhists gained most.
Wikipedia mentions also some local religions. Such as Cao Dao...
"Caodaism, the invention of Cochin civil servant, was a synthesis of the three religions. The Holy See was at Tanyin. A Pope and female cardinals. Prophecy by planchette. Saint Victor Hugo. Christ and Buddha looking down from the roof of the Cathedral on a Walt Disney fantasia of the East, dragons and snakes in technicolor."
Interesting, but time is running out. Walk to the church is short. It is named Huyen Sy.
I cannot stay long, today we are taking a tour of Mekong Delta.
Mekong, river-food provider. It starts somewhere in Tibet. Winds down over 4,000 km bringing lots of minerals. This, combined with a tropical weather creates ideal agricultural conditions. At least three crops a year.
We board a boat. On our way 4 islands: Unicorn, Phoenix, Dragon and Turtle.
On Unicorn Island we visit an apiary, where we taste delicious honey. Some sweetness must have remained on me as I got a sympathy of the local mascot.
Again, like on the motorbike, all the excitement of travelling on a narrow path.
Our destination is a coconut factory. Here every element of a coconut is utilized. Most visible outcome is coconut candy.
Hop on a boat again. Late afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the central district. Notre Dame Cathedral.
The evening is coming, it is time for a farewell dinner. Intrepid invited us to KOTO restaurant.
KOTO: Know One (unemployed) Teach One (some trade) - details HERE.
Time to part with our guide - Hoc. He won respect and sympathy of all of us. The senior of the group, Jac , delivers a quite touching farewell speech.
Time to have a last look at our complete group.
Vietnam links to all parts - Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4, Part5, Part6.
I turn to the other side and then I hear a church bell ringing. Right, it is Sunday. I get up, go to the window and I can see a church tower nearby. I run down to the reception.
- How to get to that church nearby? - I ask the receptionist.
- Church? What does it mean? - he answers
Apparently he does not know this word. No wonder. Wikipedia says that 73% of Vietnamese population do not belong to any religion. 12% are Buddhists, 8% Christians. Interesting, that in recent years number of people declaring belonging to some religion, grew. Buddhists gained most.
Wikipedia mentions also some local religions. Such as Cao Dao...
"Caodaism, the invention of Cochin civil servant, was a synthesis of the three religions. The Holy See was at Tanyin. A Pope and female cardinals. Prophecy by planchette. Saint Victor Hugo. Christ and Buddha looking down from the roof of the Cathedral on a Walt Disney fantasia of the East, dragons and snakes in technicolor."
Graham Greene - The Quiet American.
Interesting, but time is running out. Walk to the church is short. It is named Huyen Sy.
Despite early hour, 6:20 a.m. there are many people inside.
Mekong, river-food provider. It starts somewhere in Tibet. Winds down over 4,000 km bringing lots of minerals. This, combined with a tropical weather creates ideal agricultural conditions. At least three crops a year.
We board a boat. On our way 4 islands: Unicorn, Phoenix, Dragon and Turtle.
On Unicorn Island we visit an apiary, where we taste delicious honey. Some sweetness must have remained on me as I got a sympathy of the local mascot.
Now, on a smaller boat, we sail to Dragon Island.
This island is quite large, so we climb tuk-tuks to explore.
Our destination is a coconut factory. Here every element of a coconut is utilized. Most visible outcome is coconut candy.
Hop on a boat again. Late afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the central district. Notre Dame Cathedral.
The evening is coming, it is time for a farewell dinner. Intrepid invited us to KOTO restaurant.
KOTO: Know One (unemployed) Teach One (some trade) - details HERE.
Time to part with our guide - Hoc. He won respect and sympathy of all of us. The senior of the group, Jac , delivers a quite touching farewell speech.
Time to have a last look at our complete group.
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