It's lovely to spend the weekend in Singapore, even thought I have lots of work to do. This is such a civilised place in comparison to Indonesia. It is quite extraordinary how such a narrow strip of water, the Moluccan Straits, separates a developing country from one that is firmly entrenched a one of the world's most prosperous nations. I often think tha people in Singapore don't realise how lucky they are to live in such a successful economy, and many don't even realise what a differant world lies just accross the water.
My presidential suite is sumtously comfortable and I almost don't want to go out because it's so wonderful. But I won't stay couped up all day. I can't survive very long without talking to people. But right now, my task is to write my article for my Greenwatch column in The Jakarta Post, which is due tomorrow. The theme will be the mangroves of East Java.
Grandpa Jonatha
Singapore
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Friday, 1 October 2010
Helicopter view of East Java
I'm lucky enough to have flown by helicopter on many occasions, but I never fail to be excited.
Today was no exception as I took off from the helicopter pad on the roof of the corporate tower block headquarters of my hosts, Sampoerna, one of Indonesia's leading tobacco companies.
I saw the sprawling city of Surabaya, huge areas of waterlogged rice fields and the mangroves, which I had visited yesterday. But the most stunning site was the so-called Sidoarjo mud flow, which is an incredible mud volcano caused by a blowout of natural gas well in 2006. Although the company involved contend that it was actually caused by a distant earthquake, the Indonesian government is insisting that they pay reparations to the estimated 30,000 people made homeless as a result of this catastrophe.
The equivalent contents of a dozen Olympic-size swimming pools of mud gushes out every day from three sources which can be distinctly seen from the air. One of the holes was really gushing, another was smoking and a third just bubbling as we flew over the devastation. It is expected that the flow will continue for the next 30 years.
This incredible site was part of an incredible day, which culminated in my arriving in Singapore to a very special welcome by the staff at the Conrad Hotel. I stay often at this hotel, and it turned out that this was to be my 100th night. So they took me direclty to the President's suite, which is an amazing luxury space larger than my apartment in Prague, and presented me with a plethora of gifts. Most touching was a pillow case with my name embrodered on it. Each time I come to the hotel in future, the pillow case will always be on my bed. Isn't that lovely?
Grandpa Jonathan
Singapore
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Magical mangroves of Java
Grandpa has just returned from a day at the office.
Today, I visited Surabaya's mangrove on the coast of the Java Sea. It was hot and humid, but fascinating and educational. I've visited mangrove swamps in many parts of the world, and they never fail to amaze me.
Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in salt water habitats mainly in the tropics. They are literally forests that grow out of the ocean. When the tide is low their extraordinary, vertical root systems are exposed growing out of the mud. And when the tide is high a mass of marine species live among the roots.
Ever since becoming professionally involved with the environment when I joined Greenpeace International in the 1990s, I have found myself increasingly in awe of nature. I can honestly say that these mangrove forests are magical. Alas they are endangered, and disappearing at a rapid rate.
Today's most extraordinary sight, was a large snake swimming across the canal in front of our boat with its head help up high above the water. Sadly, it was all too fast for me take a photo.
My visit was to learn about a programme designed to educate the 30,000 people living in this area of the immense value of the mangroves, and to teach them to protect the trees and not to cut them down. Fishing in the major breadwinner for most of the local community. If the trees die, so does the sea life. That's the key message.
So I was fortunate to spend my day with people who are working hard to protect this magical 100,000 hectare forest, who are principally being funded by the largest cigarette company in Indonesia, a subsidiary of the giant Philip Morris. This company may be responsible for damaging people's lungs, but they are helping the lungs of the planet.
I am very privileged to have a job that doesn't involve going to an office every day, and to meet such interesting people from all over the world. I so much hope that you will find a fulfilling career. I am sure you will.
Grandpa Jonathan
Surabaya, Indonesia
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
On the other side of the Equator
Your grandfather has crossed the equator and is now in Surabaya, Indonesia. While flying due south across the vast island of Kalimantan, otherwise knows as Borneo, a short opinion piece in Hong Kong's South China Morning caught my eye.
Headlined "Commonwealth ready for dustbin of history", journalist Michael Chugani wrote that the upcoming Commonwealth Games due to start in New Delhi next week prompts him to call for future events to be scrapped.
Various problems associated with these Games, which involves a third of the world, have been in the news recently. Clearly the Indian's have not been as efficient as required in getting their act together, which has attracted much criticism. But I witnessed Delhi being transformed in preparation for the Games during the many visits I made to the city in 2008 and 2009, and I know just how important this event is for India.
But Mr Chugani argues that the Commonwealth should be scrapped. "The Commonwealth is a product of British Imperialism. It's existence today is like a joke", he provocatively writes. Interesting to read these comments from Hong Kong which, as I wrote in my previous blog, was the last bastion of the British Empire.
The Commonwealth of Nations, as is formally called, was previously known as the British Commonwealth. It's an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states. All but two of these countries were formerly part of the British Empire.
The member states co-operate within a framework of common values and goals which includes the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, individual liberty, egalitarianism, free trade, multilateralism and world peace. Queen Elizabeth II heads the organization. She is also monarch to 17 member states.
Now it may not be the most powerful bloc, but its purpose is positive. I am personally in favour of any organisation that encourages interstate collaboration. Certainly, the Commonwealth Games is a force for good, like all great sporting competitions. When I was at school, we used to be taken to the Commonwealth Institute in London to learn about the cultures of former colonial nations. But the significance of the Commonwealth has been eroded by the growth of such politcial groupings as the European Union and the Asean bloc.
It's quite likely that this organization will be retired to the hisotry books by the time you are a grown up. But I would hope it will go gracefully, and not be seen as something for the "dustbin".
Grandpa Jonathan
Surabaya, Indonesia
Headlined "Commonwealth ready for dustbin of history", journalist Michael Chugani wrote that the upcoming Commonwealth Games due to start in New Delhi next week prompts him to call for future events to be scrapped.
Various problems associated with these Games, which involves a third of the world, have been in the news recently. Clearly the Indian's have not been as efficient as required in getting their act together, which has attracted much criticism. But I witnessed Delhi being transformed in preparation for the Games during the many visits I made to the city in 2008 and 2009, and I know just how important this event is for India.
But Mr Chugani argues that the Commonwealth should be scrapped. "The Commonwealth is a product of British Imperialism. It's existence today is like a joke", he provocatively writes. Interesting to read these comments from Hong Kong which, as I wrote in my previous blog, was the last bastion of the British Empire.
The Commonwealth of Nations, as is formally called, was previously known as the British Commonwealth. It's an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states. All but two of these countries were formerly part of the British Empire.
The member states co-operate within a framework of common values and goals which includes the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, individual liberty, egalitarianism, free trade, multilateralism and world peace. Queen Elizabeth II heads the organization. She is also monarch to 17 member states.
Now it may not be the most powerful bloc, but its purpose is positive. I am personally in favour of any organisation that encourages interstate collaboration. Certainly, the Commonwealth Games is a force for good, like all great sporting competitions. When I was at school, we used to be taken to the Commonwealth Institute in London to learn about the cultures of former colonial nations. But the significance of the Commonwealth has been eroded by the growth of such politcial groupings as the European Union and the Asean bloc.
It's quite likely that this organization will be retired to the hisotry books by the time you are a grown up. But I would hope it will go gracefully, and not be seen as something for the "dustbin".
Grandpa Jonathan
Surabaya, Indonesia
Not long in Hong Kong
I've arrived in Hong Kong for a short layover before catchng my flight to Surabaya in Indonesia. This is a very comfortable airport at which to connect, having only been open for twelve years. And as a first class passenger with Cathay Pacific, I am able to spend time in a private cabana with large bathtub, power shower and deckchair aside a small, pebbled pond. So I have no complaints.
Coming to Hong Kong always highlights for me the speed with which time travels. I have vivid memories of my first visit to this vibrant place in 1980, with your grandmother Veronica, only weeks before we were married. That's nearly 30 years ago now. And I recall then how much discussion there was about the looming end of British rule, which was then due to occur 17 years on, in 1997. Hong Kong had been a British Crown colony since the mid-eighteen hundreds. It was pretty much the last bastion of the British Empire.
It's hard to imagine that at the time of my birth, Britain still controlled around a third of the world. But the Second World War took its toll on the nation's resources and times were changing. The concept of empire had become anachronistic, and it was certainly right for countries to be given the right to self rule.
Today, thirty years after your grandfather first visited this place, Hong Kong is a part of the People's Republic of China. By the time you, my darling Yael, are my age, this country's economy will surely have significantly exceeded that of the USA. Not only have we seen the end of Britain's dominance of the world, but I am sure we are seeing the start of America's decline as a superpower as well.
Grandpa Jonathan
Hong Kong, China
Coming to Hong Kong always highlights for me the speed with which time travels. I have vivid memories of my first visit to this vibrant place in 1980, with your grandmother Veronica, only weeks before we were married. That's nearly 30 years ago now. And I recall then how much discussion there was about the looming end of British rule, which was then due to occur 17 years on, in 1997. Hong Kong had been a British Crown colony since the mid-eighteen hundreds. It was pretty much the last bastion of the British Empire.
It's hard to imagine that at the time of my birth, Britain still controlled around a third of the world. But the Second World War took its toll on the nation's resources and times were changing. The concept of empire had become anachronistic, and it was certainly right for countries to be given the right to self rule.
Today, thirty years after your grandfather first visited this place, Hong Kong is a part of the People's Republic of China. By the time you, my darling Yael, are my age, this country's economy will surely have significantly exceeded that of the USA. Not only have we seen the end of Britain's dominance of the world, but I am sure we are seeing the start of America's decline as a superpower as well.
Grandpa Jonathan
Hong Kong, China
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Off to Asia
It's your father's 24th birthday today. I remember his arrival as though it was yesterday. This is Raoul's first birthday as a father. He probably won't be getting the same attention now that you are around. But he could not have wished for a better present than you, my darling Yael.
I am on board a Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 (my favourite plane) ready to depart from London's Heathrow airport for Hong Kong. It's an 11 hour flight, and I will then connect to a five hour flight to my final destination, Surubaya in Indonesia.
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to my arrival, when I can sleep in the comfort of a real bed after so many hours in the air. But I am very used to these kind of journeys. And I am fortunate to travel in comfort. First class on this particular trip.
So, it's goodbye from London. Next blog from Hong Kong. See you on the other side of the North Pole.
Grandpa Jonathan
London Heathrow, UK
Monday, 27 September 2010
Rain, rain go away
As uninteresting as it may be to discuss the weather, it's difficult to avoid commenting on the fact that it has now rained non-stop for three full days and nights here in Prague. That's certainly no fun for the Jews with sukkas. I am reminded of that famous English childhood chant, "Rain, rain go away and come again another day".
Of more interest was the speech which the losing brother in the leadership battle, David Milliband, gave to the Labour Party conference in Machester today.
In his speech which he delivered without notes, he quoted one of his party's former leaders, John Robert Clynes, who said that the Labour party was established, "not to practise class war, but to end it". My view entirely.
I must confess not to have heard of Clynes before. But when I looked him up, I found him to be the first Englishman to lead the party, as all of his six predecessors had been Scottish, albeit only briefly from February 1931 to November 1932. He led the party to an election victory in 1922, when the number of Labour seats jumped from 52 to 142 seats. An astonishing landslide.
Oh, how quickly do important people in history get forgotten. Will anyone remember Ed Milliband in 90 years from now?
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Of more interest was the speech which the losing brother in the leadership battle, David Milliband, gave to the Labour Party conference in Machester today.
In his speech which he delivered without notes, he quoted one of his party's former leaders, John Robert Clynes, who said that the Labour party was established, "not to practise class war, but to end it". My view entirely.
I must confess not to have heard of Clynes before. But when I looked him up, I found him to be the first Englishman to lead the party, as all of his six predecessors had been Scottish, albeit only briefly from February 1931 to November 1932. He led the party to an election victory in 1922, when the number of Labour seats jumped from 52 to 142 seats. An astonishing landslide.
Oh, how quickly do important people in history get forgotten. Will anyone remember Ed Milliband in 90 years from now?
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Sunday, 26 September 2010
New Labour is old hat
It's rained non-stop now for almost 48 hours here in Prague. I am beginning to wonder whether it will ever stop. I hope so, because there was a famous flood here in 2002 when the river burst its banks and flooded much of the historic centre of this great city. Weather has an intriguing power to dent one's imagination, don't you find? When the sun shines, I find it almost impossible to imagine it raining. And now that it is raining so heavily, I can't envisage it being sunny again.
Over in the UK, today was the first official day of the British Labour Party conference. It's shiny new leader, Ed Miliband who won by a hair breadth against his brother, David, for the coveted position, entered the hall to grand applause. He looked proud but humbled.
I've been a lifelong supporter of the Labour Party and can remember previous new leaders being greeted by delates with equal enthusaism. As I get older, it seems to me that politics slowly erodes the intial attraction that one has in our statesmen. I can so vividly recall celebrating Michael Foot's leadership victory, now more than 20 years ago. He sadly turned out to be one of the pary's least effective leaders.
My vote would have gone to Ed Miliband, I like his type of politics. I would describe it as slighly left of centre. And I would strongly fend off the ridiculous suggestion that he will be too left wing because his victory was predominantly due to gaining significant support from the trade unions.
It was during the John Major Conservative government back in the 1990s that Labour worked out that if it was going to win an election it would have to be more attractive to the middle class. That meant losening its ties with the trade unions and being more supportive of the free markets. This did not mean turning away from the basic socialist values of providing care for all, and striving to reduce the gap between rich and poor. But the focus changed from bashing the rich, to enriching the less well off. This was called New Labour.
Many commentators would credit the name change to New Labour as central to the party's election success, when Tony Blair came to power in a landslide victory in 1997.
Amusingly for me, I am now hearing Ed Miliband saying that this is the end of New Labour. Funny how positions change when success hits the bumpers. Just because the party lost the election, the new leader immediately discards Old Labour.
So I now wonder what Labour is, Is it New New Labour, or Old New Labour, or new Old Labour or maybe its just plain Labour? It will be for the media to decide in the end, but it sounds like New Labour is has become old hat. Interesting times in British politics as it truly enters a new era for me. An era when political leaders are younger than me. And they are going to get younger still.
Hard to imagine that by the time you, my darling Yael, are politically conscious, Ed Miliband will be in the twilight years of his political career. That's far more certain than the eradication of poverty and inequality in Britain.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Over in the UK, today was the first official day of the British Labour Party conference. It's shiny new leader, Ed Miliband who won by a hair breadth against his brother, David, for the coveted position, entered the hall to grand applause. He looked proud but humbled.
I've been a lifelong supporter of the Labour Party and can remember previous new leaders being greeted by delates with equal enthusaism. As I get older, it seems to me that politics slowly erodes the intial attraction that one has in our statesmen. I can so vividly recall celebrating Michael Foot's leadership victory, now more than 20 years ago. He sadly turned out to be one of the pary's least effective leaders.
My vote would have gone to Ed Miliband, I like his type of politics. I would describe it as slighly left of centre. And I would strongly fend off the ridiculous suggestion that he will be too left wing because his victory was predominantly due to gaining significant support from the trade unions.
It was during the John Major Conservative government back in the 1990s that Labour worked out that if it was going to win an election it would have to be more attractive to the middle class. That meant losening its ties with the trade unions and being more supportive of the free markets. This did not mean turning away from the basic socialist values of providing care for all, and striving to reduce the gap between rich and poor. But the focus changed from bashing the rich, to enriching the less well off. This was called New Labour.
Many commentators would credit the name change to New Labour as central to the party's election success, when Tony Blair came to power in a landslide victory in 1997.
Amusingly for me, I am now hearing Ed Miliband saying that this is the end of New Labour. Funny how positions change when success hits the bumpers. Just because the party lost the election, the new leader immediately discards Old Labour.
So I now wonder what Labour is, Is it New New Labour, or Old New Labour, or new Old Labour or maybe its just plain Labour? It will be for the media to decide in the end, but it sounds like New Labour is has become old hat. Interesting times in British politics as it truly enters a new era for me. An era when political leaders are younger than me. And they are going to get younger still.
Hard to imagine that by the time you, my darling Yael, are politically conscious, Ed Miliband will be in the twilight years of his political career. That's far more certain than the eradication of poverty and inequality in Britain.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
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