The Rift It was at Sahib Humphrey’s funeral a final rift took place between the Gopal Das family and Felicity Rani Reed Smith. Felicity Rani was granddaughter to the Gopal Das family and they came to the funeral expecting to manage funeral arrangements as they’d done for their daughter Geeta. They came with good intentions. But Felicity Rani had other ideas. While she’d deferred … Continue reading Transitions – Chapter 4
Changing Times It was the turn of the century and times were changing. When the Reed ancestor had left London he had entered a country in which seeds of independence were beginning to germinate. The 1857 Indian rebellion had resulted in British Government takeover of administration from the East India Company. A managed but gradual parliamentary system was formed which supported landed gentry and the … Continue reading Transitions – Chapter 3
Shadi Gopal Das suddenly found himself elevated in the eyes of surrounding communities, at least at his level in the rigid caste system. People he didn’t know joined in with the known crowds flocking to his house to bring their congratulations and gifts. Gopal Das accepted each gift carefully and thoughtfully. The acceptance of gifts brought with it obligations at some chosen point of time … Continue reading Transitions – Chapter 2
East West Merger Felicity Rani cast languid eyes over the street below. An assortment of people materialized and disappeared as she watched. The phool wallah paused to look in her direction, then made a vain attempt to enter the compound to be turned away with sharp rebuke by the Chokidar Ghurkha at the gate. He turned in … Continue reading Transitions – Chapter 1
Enter through the twin lock door Followed by each listless stare Wonder what inside’s in store Helpless people everywhere Old folk guided by a nurse Tramp the sterile corridor Good old times they still rehearse While they shuffle ‘round the floor Sadie sits in her wheel chair Reaches out as we pass by Old Joe looks … Continue reading Nursing Home
Traffic was thick as we made our way inch by inch toward our destination. We’d wisely decided to leave our car at home and take a taxi, as this gave us freedom to walk the last few blocks and avoid traffic jams. Crowds were converging on Singapore River for their annual dragon boat festival. This festival is not as threatening as the name may indicate … Continue reading Dragon Boat Festival
“My husband would like to take you golfing.” I was examining requisition requests with Suzanne our Chinese Purchasing Officer at the Singapore office when she dropped that one on me. I smiled, and her face clouded over with uncertainty. “Did I say something wrong?” “No, I was just remembering the last time I attempted to play golf fifteen years ago. It was at Kodaikanal in … Continue reading Golfing in Asia
When I was young, of tender year, I was sent to the butcher shop, And left the house with a heart of cheer, With instructions not to stop For the butcher shop was quite some way And the road was uphill straight, I paused as I heard our neighbour say “Nice day for yer shoppin mate!” In roadside dust you could see a glint Of … Continue reading Lobb’s Butcher Shop
People who work for charitable organizations in Asia never have the experience of being overpaid. They’re usually entrusted with vast territories, multitudes of people to serve, and a limited pool of funds to apply to the task. Tales could be told of poverty and hunger among older generations of charitable organization employees in the early days of their employment. It takes courage and dedication to … Continue reading Rescued from an Ant Heap
Pan Am had been in financial difficulties for several years before finally facing up to the fact the once proud leader of an airline industry was no longer financially viable. The bones of the once proud giant were still being picked over by industry vultures and I noted there were signs of former Pan Am markings on the United Airlines aircraft I was about … Continue reading High 5 for Airline Crews
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