We’d just finished our journey on the narrow winding road approximately one hour drive from Pune city in India, and entered the area of the dam delivering our water supply. We were being shown around the district by expatriate friends Weldon and Clara and they thought it would be nice to show us the beautiful park areas surrounding this dam and spend time picnicking there. … Continue reading Night the Dam Burst

Ever ready Fred In the month of August monsoon rains over Southern Asia steadily deposit their liquid gold into the great river systems, and much of the resulting flood passes through the country of Bangladesh on its way to the Bay of Bengal. During dry season the country is crisscrossed by hundreds of channels in this delta region, but by August the swelling channels spill … Continue reading Riding the River in Bangladesh

Unfortunately I’ve reached an age where I’m inclined to forget things. They tell me age isn’t the only contributor to forgetfulness, and I’m glad to know that. Take for example those who’ve been subjected to stress, they find it hard to recall things that need to be remembered. Forgetfulness can be quite irritating, but it’s of greater concern to those of us who realize it’s … Continue reading I Forgot to Sing the Song

Hajji Ali entered India as one of thousands of escapees during his countries revolution. He paid lip service to the new order in his country in order to hedge his bets, writing slogans for the revolution on compound walls around the city of Pune, and joining in an occasional march whenever some international event was to the dislike of the political leadership of his country. … Continue reading Masked Intentions

They say satan finds work for idle Fathers and I can confirm that’s true. Now and then children have the uncomfortable habit of reminding parents of “sins” they’ve committed against them during growing up years. They’ve a convenient memory when it comes to their own lapses, but sins of parents are indelibly imprinted in young minds and used at various future times to neutralize moves … Continue reading Ghosts, Pirates and Revenge

I was on one of my routine trips around Southern Asia and had arrived in Bombay, India late at night. The name has now changed to Mumbai. These were simpler times before airport security became an international concern and there was a much more relaxed atmosphere. Mumbai was one of those transit stops that last long enough to be thoroughly tiring, but not long enough … Continue reading Airport Evacuation

My first trip to Myanmar was a real eye popper. It was early 70’s and I’d been assigned responsibility for looking over project books to ensure money sent was flowing in the right direction. I’d the choice of taking the long slow train to Calcutta (as it was then called) and hop across the bay to Yangon on their national airways, or fly in on … Continue reading Family Stall

“Take us to Chatuhshringi!” It was that time of the year again and both our girls were jumping up and down in pleading excitement. It had been a tradition since moving to Pune, India for us to attend the College Cultural Emphasis Day on October 1 as each of the cultures of India were displayed in float and dance. This was followed up by a … Continue reading Chatuhshringi