My school days were mixed. The good ones were very much like Tom Brown’s. That was when I attended St Edward’s College, Malta, a school for boys in the Old ‘Rugby’ British public school sense. The school saved me from the atrocious schooling that was the modern British experience at the time (in the 1970’s). They taught me discipline (which I resisted then and still do now) and empowered me with the value and joy of learning, which I shall cherish always.
Sometimes one should give credit where credit is due. I would not enjoy the life which I live now if it were not for their incredible teaching staff. The school itself has a great setting, with bastions (a fortified wall built by the Knights of St John) on one side, and what was once a great stone football field at their foot. That and the fish taught me that life could be punishing 
The old stone buildings, with their cool and quiet breezes (yes strictly quiet classes), peaceful study areas, and our focused little faces whether in class or the library, meant we were wide eyed and receptive to the immense world that was encapsulated within our books, and for me within the sciences.
They took a young lad who was both rebellious and cheeky, and under performing, and taught him ‘Virtus et Honor’. I left top of my class. I now wish my old teachers and their successors both good health and, for the latter, good students.
Categories: General · Travel
Tagged: Birgu, Citta Vittoriosa, Cottonera, Malta, public school, St Edward's College, tribute
Today we saw Slumdog Millionaire at the cinema. We’ve been back from India some months now but boy does this film return one into the thick of it. The film can give people a good feel for the modern India. No Bollywood dancing that would normally send most western viewers running for cover. OK, right at the end, but I think the director is maybe paying homage to the genre.
In Bangalore, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and the list goes on, we saw in each just a little bit more of ‘modern’ Indian life. From images in my minds eye, I recall the poorest of the poor (sometimes physically disabled), those beggars or performing children on the curb sides; to the glitterati of Indian film and TV as we were wined and dined at the hotels that can only be described as the best of the best.
As the film ended, I had again the strong feeling that India is indeed so much more than most Westerners would credit. Troubled, maybe. But with such huge potential that I do wonder whether I will be back. The headiness of India can be quite intoxicating, as can a large wardrobe when it falls on ones head (search for wardrobe on this site and you’ll know just what I mean ).
Categories: General · Travel
Tagged: India, slumdog millionaire
Over the Christmas break we took our guests from Japan to see Lone Pine in Brisbane. We’ve been with just about every international visitor we receive, and it never fails to entertain. And if you have kids, I need say no more. We actually decided to get some pictures of us (we being my wife) hugging a Koala. Yes we decided that I would hold the wee beastie. They are quite cute, but expect to smell like Koala butt for the rest of the day. Have a look at the photos, you’ll find my close ups (well they have to be, taken without zoom using my E61i smartphone) with an Emu to be entertaining if you keep my zero zoom situation in mind
Categories: Travel
Tagged: brisbane, koala, lone pine
My school days were mixed. The good ones were very much like Tom Brown’s. That was when I attended St Edward’s College, Malta, a school for boys in the Old ‘Rugby’ British public school sense. The school saved me from the atrocious schooling that was the modern British experience at the time (in the 1970’s). They taught me discipline (which I resisted then and still do now) and empowered me with the value and joy of learning, which I shall cherish always.
