In 1989, my father wrote a letter to the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, a man I had previously met over spicy jellyfish during a banquet he hosted in my father’s honour. Dear Sir,Having recently witnessed the heartbroken tears of my sixteen-year-old daughter I am compelled to write to you to condemn, in the strongest terms, … Continue reading Tiananmen Square
Category: Travel
Lunch in Noumea
The Tourism Expo at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre was full of Noumena people hungry to purchase deals to New Caledonia’s attractions, but with a week and a goal for my trip of umbrella drinks and rest, I purchased a discount voucher for a treatment at the spa at my hotel, and made my way through … Continue reading Lunch in Noumea
Hotel Eclat, Beijing
Many superlatives have been used in other reviews of Hotel Eclat, Beijing, and still none do justice to the experience of staying there. I doubt I will have more to contribute to the conversation, but I am so grateful for my stay that I must add my voice. Words. From the moment I was welcomed … Continue reading Hotel Eclat, Beijing
Gnarly cat at the park
Gnarly old cat, once white, goes about his business Leaving traces for other gnarly cats to know he's about. Head low he moves with deliberate steps, listening behind him. The police man doesn't whistle as the cat treads on the grass.
Tianzifang
To the cunning vendor at Tianzifang: I ate both of those marshmallow-filled, synthetic durian flavoured sticky rice skin balls, whether I wanted to or not. On principle. If you're going to charge foreigners the same price for one sweet as you charge your countrymen for two, you'd better be sure laowai doesn't have enough stealth Chinese … Continue reading Tianzifang
Sensory contrast
My hotel in Shanghai is a beautifully restored art deco building, with lavish appointments including marble windowsills and bench tops, decorative crown mouldings and tasteful decorations. Entering the hotel, with bell boys making eye contact as they greet you, a subtle floral scent welcomes you as you make your way down to the reception. There … Continue reading Sensory contrast
Flower bud
Flower bloomed too soon Showing the promise of pink Inside browned petals.
In the People’s Park
A white woman practices tai chi earnestly. Her movements are precise. She bends deeply, flexible and strong. Her face contorts in concentration. She studies with an honoured master. A calligrapher sets up his materials A brush, a pot of water, the path His movements flow like his water As he dances his ephemeral poetry. The … Continue reading In the People’s Park
Wandering
I was looking for the historical district along the canal when I took a wrong turn down a street full of bridal dress shops, and in between the bridal dress shops, bridal accessory shops. And in between bridal dress and bridal accessory shops, alleys with racks of bridal dresses and tables of accessories. I soon … Continue reading Wandering
Tiger Hill
East Side "Every corner is suitable for making poetry", and Here I sit, a freshly minted poet In a pagoda on top of a hill Surrounded by bamboo and birdsong Overlooking Sunzu's parade ground. Artist, scholar, and warrior are all one. North side Clouds melted in tea fragrance Now surrounded by tea bushes and the sound … Continue reading Tiger Hill
Sarah Bonnar 