No war should be forgotten.....

British Forces have been in Afghanistan since 2001 - that's 11 years ago.  Once they withdraw in 2014 they will have been in theatre for 13 years.  Is it possible that 50 years from then the war will be virtually forgotten by the British people?  The war in Malaya has been.....

A great review for 'Merdeka' on Amazon

Many thanks to "DJB" for a 5 star review of 'Merdeka' just posted on Amazon.co.uk.  Extracts from this review, other customer reviews and professional reviews can be seen on the Review page of this blog. 

British Royals visit Malaysia

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, are now in Malaysia on the second leg of their Diamond Jubilee tour.  Yesterday Kate made her first public address on foreign soil with a two minute speech at Hospis Malaysia.  "Providing children and their families with a place of support, care and enhancement at a time of great need is simply life-changing," she said, in support of a new a new paediatric palliative care programme.  For some recent pictures visit the website of the British Monarchy.



William and Kate pay their respects to the fallen.....

Photo by by TravelPod Attractions

On the last leg of their Singapore visit, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery and Memorial at Kranji.  They are of a similar age to many of those who are buried there, most of whom died during the fight against the Japanese invaders during the second world war. 

Wills and Kate visit Singapore

by monobi

A royal visit highlights the enduring friendship between Singapore and the UK.  Singapore is the first stop for Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on a Diamond Jubilee visit to SE Asia.  See an article by the Straits Times for some excellent photos of the initial stages of the visit.  Kate looks absolutely stunning in the beautiful National Orchid Garden and Prince William is a wonderful ambassador for his country.

Off in a boat on a jungle river....

Back in 1988 I took a trip in a boat, up a Malaysian River from Kuala Tembeling to Kuala Tahan.  As far as I recall in those days it was the only way to get to Kuala Tahan, the gateway from which to explore Taman Negara National Park.  There was a feeling of 'getting away from it all' as one lowered onself tentatively into the fragile craft for the 3 hour trip up to the Park Accomodation.  The modern resort had not yet been built and the buildings there were just a collection of low wooden huts.  As the boat pulled away from the jetty I remember feeling a real sense of relief that, for a few precious days, I was leaving most of the modern world behind.