victoriabowater-wrightsdiary

Kuala Lumpur visit

2012-01-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

When I stayed in Kuala Lumpur last time
there were so many new things which I had
not seen when I lived there..

.....one was to live out of town ..to go to small streetside
restaurants which were not so busy.....
unlike the ones in centre city which I was used to visiting...

I had the long commute out of the city...........
even London traffic did not feel to be so bad
after these journeys.............
however the destination a quiet secluded street..
peaceful evenings when I was at home..
seemed to compensate for the journeys..
this was such an evening
.............. with my hosts...........

Embassy of Indonesia

2012-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

My last meeting with Yuri, Ambassador to Indonesia before he returned
to Jakarta..we talked about my new book, which I will start working
on again soon..the next time it will be with his replacement...
the new Ambassador, soon to be in residence in London....I enjoyed the Indonesia

Evening at Harrods earlier.... meeting old friends is always pleasant... and the Store

used to sell my Drawings books ..so I have a special interest there too

Biarritz cafe drawings

2011-12-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

I started the drawings for my new
Victoria's International Art book
here at a small cafe in Biarritz

Embassy Indonesia

2011-12-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

I love this wall of photographs of all the previous Ambassadors..............
The history of Indonesia in one small space
quite enlightening.......and for a student of history like me
really fascinating.....Ambassador Yuri has his photograph on it too..
this was his last meeting with me before he returns to Jakarta...
it was so nice of him to invite me again..........

Indonesian Embassy London

2011-12-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

I am unable to resist an invitation from
Yuri Thamrin Indonesian Ambassador

in London...and as he was leaving days later for his
return to Jakarta it was an essential visit
We talked about my visit to Indonesia, and discussed
when I might return..I have some thoughts on the
request which I had some years ago from the
Head of the Indonesian Mission to New Zealand,
who asked me if I would produce the Official
book of his country, following my Malaysia one,
launched on television in Kuala Lumpur on Asian networks, then
shown internationally at The Pacific Asia Travel Association Conference

ASEAN SUMMIT

2011-12-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

The last ASEAN Summit was held in Vietnam and this year, most unusually,

two ASEAN Summits were held in Indonesia
one in Jakarta and one in Bali, the last one was attended by the Presidents USA
China, Russia Indonesia the host, and the ASEAN Countries Presidents and Prime Ministers
............and then also The Secretary General of the United Nations........
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
It was truly a world orbiting set of meetings
and a sign of the importance of this area of the world
where I have spent much time as a Governments Advisor
...........

Malaysia Dinner

2011-12-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Ng Yen Yen the Minister of Tourism Malaysia
held a London Dinner

I was pleased to meet there a friend Jimmy Choo
...who, like myself encourages people to visit his home country..
...................................................... I now have 3 home countries as New Zealand also gave me a passport
Malaysia invited me and gave me a special invitation card to that country..
and for a long time I commuted 3 ways
Kuala Lumpur ..London...Auckland...
now that I am almost recovered from the accident in New York I am not sure where is next..
I will have to wait to see which invitation arrives..as I always have..
I have missed 3 Conferences including 2 Summits in Indonesia
very sadly, as I was not allowed to fly..
.first I must launch my International Art book..at Le Cafe Grande..
then see what I might do afterwards

Indonesia Embassy

2011-12-05T05:04:00.000-08:00

My first meeting this year with the
Indonesia Embassy..Ambassador Yuri Thamrin has now returned to
Indonesia and I went to say au revoir to him..

......and hopefully we will meet again soon..............

The Charge D'Affairs Herri is with me on this photograph..

he will stay in The United Kingdom longer

Dudley market place

2011-12-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

An old map near to market stalls shows us where the Castle is......
as if we cannot see it..from every vantage point around Dudley..
the Castle dominates the view..I often wonder if my ancestors
were there on the battlements hurling things at the marauding hoards..
as Dudley saw many battles..and even though I only know that my ancestors
were here since 1726..I am sure that even long before then we were
part of the landscape, as grandfather and father soldiered in the wars,
it seems likely that their predecessors also did..
maybe one day I should search this
in the Archives..
I had the first knowledge of the history of my family... from the
Chairman of Bowaters ..He had a manuscript shown to me
in Bowater House Knightsbridge on one of my visits to him

.............................................Now as I open my front door I can look up and see the Castle..

I used to visit every week as a child
so know it well.......................................................................

Dudley market

2011-12-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

the old stalls do not seems to have changed since I was a child..I am sure that
they have... but at Christmas when each stall was lit... it seemed
like a wonderland of holly nuts berries oranges all the delightful things
which pleased my childlke eyes ..I never want to lose that clarity which I recall then..
it must be sad to be so world weary that these things no longer please

Dudley town

2011-12-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

2011-12-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dudley fountain

2011-12-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

The fountain which stands at the one end of the
open market has not been spouting for many years..
however now as part of plans to brighten the centre of the
the town..not too much I hope as the town centre with its open
market stalls contributes to the historical ambiance of the town..
making it special for me..so water soon..seems to be a big event ..
and as long as the town is enhanced by the modifications I
expect that they will be welcomed..but I know that if we lose
one iota of its charm I will have to comment dudley
and the surrroundings Wocestershire villages are so important
to me ..that I literally returned form the other side
of the world to be back here

the ASEAN SUMMIT 2011

2011-12-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

I was invited to the ASEAN Summit earlier this year
but the Hospital would not let me fly so I had to stay at home
then when the last Summit started I also decided that a
3 day set of Meetings in Bali would be quite an ordeal
as I am still recovering from the effects of the
second surgery on my right arm...which has not as yet healed

So..all I could do was..like many others, watch the speeches on tv
from Ban Ki Moon Sec Gen the United nations the Presidents of USA and China,
and other speakers..I am hoping soon that the situation will clear and
I will be able to travel freely as before

Rockefeller Centre New York

2011-08-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

Copenhagen British Week

2011-06-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

One of my many overseas visits
and my Exhibition stands visited this time by
The King of Denmark...
in the background our Agent Karl Olson with a Post Grad engineer
who, like all of the others in training..as part of his
management training at GKN spent about 6 months..sometimes longer
with my department ..learning about Marketing Advertising Books
and of course they all liked..
travelling with me to Overseas Exhibitions
such as this one.......The King was ..as an ex naval man interested in the new GKN
developments for shipbuilding

Exhibition in Dudley

2011-06-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Dudley Exhibition was based in the town
where I first studied art.. ..At a very early age.. I used to go to the
Dudley Art school on Saturday mornings
instead of other activities, and that
was where I, later, started my fulltime career as an Artist..
and now my work about the town and my
many travels is shown in most parts of the world,
like my first major book which was taken by
Lord Brookes to present to the Head of State of Russia

Exhibition in Dudley UK

2011-06-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Part of the Exhibition with drawings and pastels
from many countires
including some from the Dudley town
where the Exhibition was held

Dudley Exhibition

2011-06-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

This collage is from a series which I made some years ago,
it is based on a working harbour
and strangely when I went to Newcastle

I felt that I had found my bridge from this picture

John Key at The Penthouse New Zealand House breakfast

2011-05-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

It has been a long wait for the arrival of John Key in England

Firstly the earthquake which damaged Christchurch,

which everyone thought would be the last one........

then the mine disaster which escalated when it was

confirmed that gases prevented rescue............

Afterwards, this year, the second..

and much more destructive earthquake which brought much of the

centre of the City down to rubble............................................................

Where I used to work ..and where I lived.... no longer the green city with beautiful old buildings..

I still hear from some there and one has a family member who did not emerge from the

CTV building....and this lady and those others are in our thoughts..

......................

I have New Zealand passport and citizenship, and this, my other home,

has suffered, and has a long rebuilding process to develop

Should anyone reading this wish to support the development work

I am able to pass on anything suitable......and although New Zealand does not ask for help

I am pleased to support anything to alleviate in some way these situations

Malaysia High Commission Independence Day

2010-09-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

At the Independence Day Celebration at the High Commission
in Belgrave Square High Commissioner Zakaria and I met
discussing my work as
Bilateral Aid Advisor for New Zealand and Malaysia Governments
which started long ago ......
and which never appear to have stopped
as I am still in close contact with both Governments
and as shown here I am regularly guest at the
Government's engagements in London and overseas

........... .
The first English presentation of my new book
Victoria's International Art with my pastel of a butterfly
of Sabah on its cover was to Datuk Zakaria..
as the guests gradually departed after an excellent lunch

BIARRITZ

2010-07-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

Biarritz... Musee Asiatica has so many ..always interesting..and like this
exhibit totally charming displays of Asian Arts crafts and other cultural
artefacts ..as I have had, unfortunately, been forced to cancel my recent visit
following injuries incurred in New York..I am planning to return in the Autumn,
when I should be able to travel once again

DUDLEY market place

2010-07-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

At one end of the old outdoor market
stands the ornate Fountain...........
at the other
the view of the Castle ......
behind this decorative and very informative
engraving of the old Dudley, showing
a history of many centuries, with its background
of the feuds, the great fire which destroyed the
interior of the Castle, the walls, battlements and
the Keep still stand ..
a high point of the region
and a famous landmark, now surrounded by the
Dudley Zoo ..which has many of its inhabitents, where
possible in treed areas ..
similar to their natural habitat
DUDLEY.. famous also for its role in the Industrial Revolution
has so much to see...
and has always been a visitor attraction
From my home each day as I go out, my first view
is of the Castle which I have visited many many times..since I was a child

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 'my home' long ago

2010-07-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

When I lived in Kuala Lumpur, my home was
The KUALA LUMPUR HILTON.......the Hotel is now
the
Crowne Plaza..but it is still in the same place on Jalan Sultan Ismail..........
just in the centre of the City,
now it has a good view of
the famous Petronas Twin Towers .............
then the Chairman of Petronas..the Oil Company.....
was also the Chairman of my Clients,
the Board of Malaysia Airlines,
and he was the Economic Adviser
to the Prime Minister Dr Mahathir

He and I spent many days together discussing the
economy, the airline, and many other aspects of Malaysia
which concerned me, as Advisor to New Zealand and
Malaysia Governments..and the Board of the Malaysia Airline
and which also concerned him
He was Raja (Prince) Mohar Badiozaman................
a sincere gentleman
I wrote much of my book 'MALAYSIA TERIMA KASIH'..the OFFICIAL BOOK OF MALAYSIA here ........by the pool

Victoria's International Art book

2010-07-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

I will be launching my new book Victoria's International Art........
which, as yet, has only been seen
in New York with an Exhibition and Dinner at
LE CAFE GRANDE in DUDLEY

Martyn, the owner, here with me, has Dinner planned for the guests,
who will receive also a signed copy of my book as part of the evening..
this features France ..Malaysia ..Australia.. New Zealand... England ............
and other countries where I have been Advisor,

and to which I have been invited

........................................................................................
I have always returned to my home town,
and my English Drawings of my childhood places book
was launched at the nearby HIMLEY HALL, before being Exhibited at
The Frankfurt Book Fair & Copenhagen by The British Council
and being requested for the United Nations ..................
I will welcome my guests at his Cafe for the first time, to release my new book
Martyn and I look forward to hearing from anyone who would like to attend...
the date will be announced soon..........................................................................

Indonesia month at Harrods

2010-07-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

This was a Special day.........
With Sapta Nirwandar Director of the Tourism Ministry
in London for the Opening of the Indonesia month at Harrods

He and I met and talked together last year when he brought
a brilliant cultural event
from Indonesia to The Horniman Museum in London
and to the Centre of the City
for an evening of Music =Fashion=Arts=
and an audience
which happily joined in as part of an Orchestra of traditional music
played on the historic instruments of the Country

Bonhams New York

2010-07-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

In Madison Avenue New York
a delightful building houses Bonhams famous collection

of arts and antiques which it displays and Auctions for its clients.......
BONHAMS AUCTIONS are a wellknown feature in many countries
including Asia, Europe, USA ........and I find that their service is exceptional
...this is why I am so pleased to be reccommended by the company.
for my Talks and Exhibitions
in The United Kingdom................
and now..I do hope to give Talks and Exhibit my paintings, drawings,
and photographs here in New York
.

drawing Rockefeller Centre

2010-06-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

on this sunny last day in NEW YORK
after I stopped at a favourite spot...to draw THE ROCKEFELLER CENTRE
and the summer flowers
in full bloom

NEW YORK FRIDAY morning

2010-05-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

I had just over a day to add more drawings
of NEW YORK to my portfolio
and just completed one.....
before the accident which left me so injured
I AM PLEASED TO HAVE THIS PICTURE
of that sunny morning

PHILIPPINES EMBASSY 5TH AVENUE

2010-05-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Last year I was invited to the EMBASSY TO THE UNITED NATIONS
OF THE PHILIPPINES to see an exhibition of
a local artist....this year once again I was invited......... and this time
it was for the work of an amateur artist
who works at The United Nations.....
we spoke about my invitations to THE PHILIPPINES
and other ASEAN Countries........

this is part of the permanent rooms open to those who wish
to visit on 5th Avenue...and also read newspapers and other
current material...........................

THE PLAZA NEW YORK

2010-05-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

What could be nicer
than morning coffee at THE PLAZA...
after a nice stroll down 5th AVENUE in the sunshine
from THE HARVARD CLUB.........
looking at... BARNES AND NOBLE en route

bonhams madison avenue...meetiing

2010-05-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

AFTER MEETING WITH MANAGING DIRECTOR
MALCOLM BARBER
we took a few photographs of the current arts and
sculptures

new york BONHAMS/ACCIDENT

2010-05-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

One of my last meetings with MANAGING DIRECTOR Malcolm Barber

before the awful accident just
near to THE HARVARD CLUB
as I waited for a taxi to take me to THE EMBASSY OF INDONESIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
..........................
So I never got there instead a long few hours of hospital checks and xrays
at THE ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL NEW YORK
fortunately these revealed that my head injury
had not caused permanent damage

the PARAMEDICS who collected me from the accident
THE NURSES DOCTORS SURGEONS AND
NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT were excellent
I cannot praise to highly how I was treated
and thanks to all of the people in W44TH STREET who
stopped to assist called for help ..and also comforted me ..wish that I knew who all
of them were...........
anyway my thanks to NEW YORKERS who were so caring
thank you..........
I DO HOPE THAT YOU WILL ONE DAY READ THIS..........

NEW YORK ...2010

2010-05-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

....There are so many delightful places in New York
some I really enjoy are The Plaza near to Central Park,
the Saint Regis, The Pierre...At The Lincoln Centre I listened to a favourite composer,
Stravinsky, conducted by Gergiev
At The Algonquin, near to The Harvard Club
in the evenings many well known theatre and
cabaret artists provide entertainment for the guests

In summer evenings the tourists swarm around The Rockefeller Centre

BONHAMS NEW YORK

2010-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

At BONHAMS IN MADISON AVENUE I had a meeting
with Managing Director Malcolm Barber
The picture shows a display of Bonhams very attractive
literature from the Auction room and sales held
internationally
BONHAMS are a world leader
in this field of valuations and sales
and I am delighted that the firm recommends
my Talks and Exhibitions in addition to the INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS
BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL

and by the London based PHOTOGRAPHERS GALLERY

NEW YORK ROCKEFELLER CENTRE

2010-05-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

My New York route always takes me along 5th Avenue to the Rockefeller landmark
at lunchtime for a meal at the Rockefeller Club
alas no longer there-----for the excellent Cipriani food
sunny everyday of my 2010 visit..
I had brought just a few copies completed of
VICTORIA'S INTERNATIONAL ART------
my latest book..showing it to a few very special people.....
it will be launched soon in England on my return..
at a DINNER IN DUDLEY..
most appropriately..in my home town ...............................................

with FREDERICK B WHITTEMORE at his Union Club

2010-05-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

today we looked at my work for Indonesia

and as ever I value this insight into world affairs

from his perspective, and we enjoy this difference of viewpoint each time that

we meet

New York would never be the same for me without the presence of this

man whose breadth and scope in the affairs of many countries

is complementary to my own

and yet so different

New York sunshine

2010-05-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

And what better place to sit in the the sunshine than
in front of th Rockefeller Centre
with the daffodils in full bloom
anyone who visits New York finishes= sometime at this spot
here I am with my new book
VICTORIA'S INTERNATIONAL ART

HARRODS Indonesia dinner

2010-05-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

I was invited by The Cabinet Ministers

of Indonesia ..to attend a Dinner, Cultural and Fashion Show to mark the Indonesia month at Harrods
As I had my new book Victoria's International Art with me to take to New York
we decided to show it in Harrods..where my book Drawings of my childhood places was sold
photograph taken at the restaurant

Indonesia Batik

2010-04-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

I always take to my Talks some of the batiks from Asia and also songket............
the cloth made from 24 carat gold....
this is one of my batiks, which I like from Indonesia..I am dining with Two Cabinet Ministers at Harrods
on Thursday 29th as part of Indonesia month..we had an excellent lunch there previously
This was taken at my Talk at the Park Royal Hotel with the CAMEO ladies

Dudley Worcestershire

2010-04-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

In England we have such a wealth of delightful buildings
that we become so blase

In some countries where I have lived, even one would be the subject of learned discourse...........
pamphlets and pictures would be distributed
and visits would be made in Groups...............so what would I do with this fine building of 1700's
sited near to the Art Gallery ...........not sung about ..no plaque....and yet what a fine example
of a well proportioned house...just ideal for a Townhouse..and where I can pass on the way to
seeing people about my latest book.........today The Express & Star newspaper came to
brighten a lovely sunny afternoon even more...Patrick took photographs ..we talked ..he saw my books
and I invited him to return soon, to see more of my Paintings..when they also are framed ..to show
alongside my new book....................Victoria's International Art.....................

Victoria by Patrick Express & Star

2010-04-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Patrick came today from the Express & Star newspaper

to take photographs of me
with my new book
Victoria's International Art
he took some especially for me...........
to show my Sabah butterfly cover here..to my friends
it will be nice to see the article soon

Dudley Market Fountain

2010-04-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Even as a small girl I liked to look at this...for me ......
the famous fountain which seemed to stand guard over the beginning of the
open Market ...which had small lamps at night...
a wonderful atmosphere on Christmas Eve, garlands hanging from the stalls.
the striped awnings lit by the lamps...how I loved it...
holly, mistletoe, wreaths hanging in each stall ..
the cobbled areas between the Market Stalls
making the area even more exotic for me

I think that I never lost that enthusiasm

Dudley Castle

2010-04-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

It is such a lovely day
and as yesterday Saint Georges Day...had the patriotic sounds of music
at the Concert Hall
I could not resist this very English view
my Castle ...as I always thought it was
flying the Flag
this is what I saw every time I returned home
from living, working in Spain New Zealand Indonesia Hong Kong Malaysia New York
etc etc ..is it any wonder that now I like to spend a pleasant
afternoon strolling through the Market
talking to the traders..they know me..
and enjoying home
what a delightful word

Victoria with Director General Tourism Indonesia

2010-04-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last year I was the Guest of The Director General of Tourism of Indonesia and

The Ambassador, at a 3 day event at The Horniman Museum and in the City..........Sapta Nirwander and I had a long meeting where we talked about my invitations to Indonesia from The New Zealand Government............

and the invitation for me to produce the Official book of Indonesia from
the Head of the Indonesia Mission to New Zealand
Now a almost a year later I am delighted to see
what he has achieved at Harrods...where my English books were sold
For a month Indonesia shows its lifestyle and expertise to the discerning visitor
I am delighted to be the Guest of the Republic of Indonesia

once again ..here with Sapta Nirwander at Harrods

Victoria's International Art

2010-04-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

I always love this...collecting a new book from the Printer.......
this copy was due to be in New York on Thursday night
but here it is grounded like its Author in Worcestershire

We both hope to travel at the end of the month

Victoria at The Park Hall hotel

2010-04-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

I was invited by the CAMEO ladies of Wolverhampton to speak
I have been here for lunch many times
and it was an extremely pleasant evening
about 90 ladies attended
and I talked about my many overseas visits ..Advising Governments,
previously Corporations
and now still travelling... but I am now able to return to England
to live..which is so much more interesting for me

my Talk at The Park Hall hotel

2010-04-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

I take with me to these evenings some of the lovely

batiks made in Asia .......this a Thai silk shirt
with a delightful bird design
is so different from th traditional batiks of years ago
and a reason why batik survives as a daily item......perfect for the heat of ASEAN
CAMEO Organiser... Jane Emery who invited me to speak

Stourbridge

2010-04-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

Mother's home town

I lectured at Stourbridge College for some time
had a business there
and knew it well from visits to Uncles, Aunts, cousins, Grandparents since childhood..................
............................................................
Recently I visited Mark Hannam who, with Bonhams recommended first my Talks and
Exhibitions
He has now moved to Fieldings ...and here one of their displays for Clients
at The Auction rooms

Victoria & the Indonesia Government at Harrods

2010-04-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to join
Director of Tourism Indonesia Sapta Nirwander
and His Excellency Yuri O Thamrin Ambassador for the Republic of Indonesia
at Harrods for a tour of the displays
and a delightful Indonesian lunch
Here Ambassador Yuri and I start on the tour of the brilliant windows
and also the many Indonesian exhibits and products on sale
for the month

we were joined after lunch by the owner of Harrods,
Mohd Fayed who obviously was delighted by the
exhibition of beautiful items of Indonesia crafts

Dudley Castle

2010-04-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

As I go out of my door
the first delightful sight for me
is my Castle ......................
From each part of the town, and from far way
The Dudley Castle does what it was designed to do...
dominates the landscape
proclaiming Dudley Town's superior status
which for me it still has...and always will
=

David at the Market

2010-04-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

I see David most mornings when I collect my Times from the Newsagents
so when I was taking photographs in the town centre..
never missing the Market...
I thought that it would be so nice to wait until David
was at the head of the queue
with his fruit...Thank you David
for a nice picture

Dudley Worcestershire

2010-04-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

My home town Dudley has not altered very much since
I was born and at the girl's ~High school here
The old market
which I always thought was the best in the world...
is still busy, even on a sunny, but cool spring day....
in the background the tower of Saint Edmunds' Church
and before the open market
the
well known fountain

2010-04-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

My Castle..as a young girl, my father took me each Sunday after Sunday school

to feed the animals at Dudley Zoo...my favourite spot was on the cannons of Dudley Castle

I am now settling into my new home

Dudley town centre has not altered much since I was at school nearby

The Council House

Concert Chamber

Art Gallery

Museum

Library

are within a few steps of my door

Kuala Lumpur

2010-03-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

I just like this view in Kuala Lumpur...
my old home there was The Hilton
now Crowne Plaza

I am pleased to say that where I wrote many of the 200plus pages
of Malaysia Terima Kasih .....which was The Official book of Malaysia
by the pool.........................................
is still the same......even though the view has changed
and is not so green.. instead we have part of the Petronas Tower complex
The Chairman of Petronas was a very good friend...
Raja Mohar Badiozaman also Chairman of the Board of Malaysia Airlines
... my Client

Les Collonnes

2010-03-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Who would not want morning coffee here? ...........Jean Michel and his brother Alain
take each visitor into the delightful atmosphere
which they have created..the very best position along the road is taken by
the elegant restaurant which spills across the pavement...and captures everyone who passes
not only for the best coffee in town..but also for excellent lunches
and Dinners which would not fail to please
I especially like the way that I am now a local....
sharing newspapers, gossip, invitations, and the many other
delights for me of French resort life..in this a most elegant town
a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte..The Duke of Windsor.. Frank Sinatra and many '
other ..quite discerning.. regular visitors
I have now my drawings of the brothers' restaurant =ready for print
so that we will be able to share some of the atmosphere with others

Biarritz

2010-03-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

The White House hotel and sculpture faces Victoria Surf................

After the heat of Kuala Lumpur...
the Atlantic coast of ~Biarritz~ is so charming..

It is good to meet those people who I now know quite well
they were pleased that some of my papers are now in French...
a courtesy..as all my friends have quite good English..................
I walk from the apartment each morning along the esplanade to Les Collonnes for morning coffee..
I have some drawings now and many photographs
enough to commence that book...... which a number of people have suggested that I produce...
the local newspaper Sud Ouest provides my news from a slightly different viewpoint than
The Times.. I have talked with the Editor on a previous visit ..and I look forward to reading what he has to say

The Royal Commonwealth Society

2010-03-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

I never tire of London
I used to stay here when accomodation stretched along Northumberland Avenue,
now as this is no longer available, the Conference Centre restaurant and
meeting rooms are all accessed from this corner entrance
The imposing one on the Avenue front no longer is the entrance
to this central place for those of the Commonwealth to meet..casually..formally
..at meetings... conferences... debates...all the essential parts of a busy group of
over 50 Countries spanning the world
The Secretary-General and the Countries of the Commonwealth
supported my invitation to The United Nations
by The New Zealand Government some years ago

Saint James Church Piccadilly

2010-03-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Whenever I have a few moments in London
free of meetings ..talks..I go into
Saint James Church Piccadilly...I made drawings of it long ago
and I listen to the music of the many musicians who
play at lunchtime concerts recitals and sometimes
they simply rehearse ..as they were this day..
prior to the lunchtime concert...one of the many delights of London
the many talents clustered together....and ..as I share my drawings, books and paintings
they share their music............
it is a comfortable relationship

Piccadilly Caviar House

2010-03-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

I always think that only in London can be found such an
elegant home for that most expensive
dish CAVIAR..and of course
located near to The Ritz..................................
CAVIAR HOUSE LONDON

Dudley Worcs England

2010-03-08T00:14:00.000-08:00

Near to my new home..in the town DUDLEY in which I was born
grew up, studied and later lectured
the main subject of my book
DRAWINGS OF MY CHILDHOOD PLACES

The area around the Metropolitan Borough Council,
clock tower, town administration, Concert Hall, Library, Art Gallery and Museum
is a short walk, and the area is all a conservation area
with buildings from 1700s 1800s..as is the one in which I live
and like this.............................. a later addition.................
just a hundred yards /metres or so from the open air market
with its ancient fountain..newer sculpture shops and banks
All in sight of the ancient castle, which I know so very well from hundreds of
visits since my early childhood.................................

Portugal

2010-03-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

two years ago I returned to Portugal after many years

in New Zealand Australia USA and Asia

the photograph here was taken when I used to visit
Lisbon with my company GKN
and is an Exhibition stand which I designed and shipped...........
arriving before any other GKN Executiveto ensure that

everything worked properly for the International Exhibition being held there
.......................................

Later I met the President when he came to open the Exhibition
we had a very interesting conversation...
it was good recently to return to see how Portugal has changed
................................................................

One of my Talks

2010-03-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Joan Oakley
invited me to give a Talk
in Stourbridge...
one of two at which I spoke at her invitation.............

This one ............ the Townswomen's Guild
was held in Wollaston where I had visited
from my early years as my grandparents lived
in Wollaston................Stourbridge Worcestershire

It was really nice to have such an interested audience
here she is holding a very beautiful Thai batik
shirt.......
one which I do wear.......which is a modern batik
of birds and flowers of Thailand

I am wearing recent design for the Malaysia

Government....a silk in yellows and green.........

Bangkok

2010-03-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

I have stayed in Bangkok quite a few times......
asked to stay for a major project..
and much later==
to return to be based there for international work....

Like many places which I have visited..and even worked in...
I find Bangkok to be quite fascinating, and always there
are invitations to stay....
however my
work of various kinds has taken me overseas for many years
and now..my interests are to be based in my home England....
so that I can enjoy a different life..from that previously..
which includes travel overseas of course,
but there is always, for me, the joy in returning home
......photographed at dinner.........................

Victoria at Himley Hall book launch

2010-03-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

The picture of one of my favourite walks near to my home....

at Himley Hall was taken long ago
when I launched my book........
'Drawings of my childhood places' .... there
The Hall features on the cover..a drawing which I had made,
like many in the book, over a period of time..
not for a book particularly, simply because I love
drawing ..sometimes portrait ..landscape..
or as here........ an elegant building in a special place.....

Worcestershire

Return home to England

2010-03-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

On the day that I returned from Kuala Lumpur
an old friend Emeka An Yaoku was Chairing a meeting
at The Royal Commonwealth Society
with David Milliband Cabinet Minister...
it was quite simple to stay in town to meet

Emeka before the meeeting telling him that I had just returned
from the Islamic Banking Forum where I had been
invited by The Commonwealth Business Council......
As former Secretary-General of The Commonwealth
Emeka is always interested in news of its activities
while now he is President of The World Wildlife Fund

Kuala Lumpur Najib

2010-03-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Prime Minister Najib had just completed his 100 days in power when I arrived
for the British Malaysia Islamic Banking Forum with The Lord Mayor of London
The Commonwealth Business Council and UKTI I had been invited by The CBC
following a discussion with Lord Malloch Brown at The Royal Commonwealth Society

I was invited to his lunch ...
and before that he spoke of his plans, and
his thoughts for the development of Malaysia
I had been guest of Dr Mahathir quite a few times, knew Abdullah Badawi,
I had seen Najib at Chatham House when he was Deputy

So it was good to meet and talk with him this day prior to his lunch

with New Straits Times at Crowne Plaza

2010-01-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

Victoria with Teresa of New Straits Times in the Lobby of Crowne Plaza Hotel K L

NEW STRAITS TIMES interview

2010-01-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

I was ..as many times previously..interviewed by the newspaper
NEW STRAITS TIMES
..Teresa came from Jalan Riong to photograph and interview
me at the hotel..where I had lived..
from the hotel someone took our photographs

in the Lobby restaurant where we talked

Kuala Lumpur home

2010-01-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

I could not return to K L without visiting many time what used
to be my home
my 28th floor view of the city featured in my
book which was the Official book of Malaysia
This was the Kuala Lumpur Hilton
now Crowne Plaza
still a place where Cabinet Ministers speak at meetings
and where the view from the pool
is now not so green, as many more high rise buildings
feature in
the City
However I enjoyed
meetings, lunches and simply resting after them in The
Crowne Plaza..it still has a special place in my thoughts......
and some of the Staff are ones who knew
me from the time when I lived there
overlooking ..as I then said..the growing City...
I was right ....of course
it is now much developed
bringing more prosperity to Malaysia

Meeting Datuk David Chua

2010-01-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

KL first day
David made me most welcome on my
arrival back in Kuala Lumpur
I went to meet him at the Chamber of Commerce
where he specifically then was Directing the Expo 2009
which I helped to promote in the UK
I presented David with a copy of my last book
LABUAN
which he arranged to go into the
Chamber Library
so that all of the Members could read about
my visits to the island when it first became
Federal Territory
where I met H M King Iskander Prime Minister Mahathir
and was Guest of them both
and also the Chief Minister Sabah, and Cabinet Ministers

Motor racing

2010-01-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

Mohd Fauzi , Chairman of MOFAZ and I met at Donington two years ago
when his son was racing in the Renault World Series
I had been invited by Fairuz when we met at the Merdeka Celebration
in Hertfordshire

He was delighted to find that I had an interest in racing

I am pleased now that Malaysia is involved with the world famous British name of Chapman,
the racing firm Lotus .........
and that Fairuz is a team driver in Formula 1

I drove a Lotus Elan many years ago and still recall its excellent handling on some bumpy
country roads in Worcestershire

In a short time his expertise has moved into the top ranks of the racing world........
and I hope to see him again soon..as I was away last year when I was told of his
meeting at Silverstone......................................................

Certificate from Malaysia Ministry of Tourism

2010-01-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed a good working and social relationship with
Malaysia's Government Ministries, including of course
the Ministry of Tourism
so imagine my delight when Razip, Director at Malaysia House Trafalgar Square
returned to Kuala Lumpur just around two years ago.....................

I opened my mail to find that he had sent this to me
his Certificate of Appreciation for my work..my Books Talks and Exhibitions on Malaysia
I was invited to be Advisor to New Zealand and Malaysia Governments in the early
'80's and it has always been a pleasure to be involved with Malaysia.............................
in its many facets

With Conference Organisers

2010-01-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Later in the week .......................................................................................................................................................
I lunched in what used to be my 'home' restaurant when I lived in a suite at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton
with Sonia and Faizul

After our discussions we agreed to meet again before I left Kuala Lumpur .....................................
after my Lunch at the invitation of The Prime Minister Najib at his 100 days Celebration

Conference Organisers

2010-01-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

I was invited to meet the Organisers of some of Malaysia's
Conferences
to discuss possibilities of mutual interest
in Conferences=
Dicussion centred upon my Governments Advisory work
and the Board of the major Airline of Malaysia
Malaysia Airlines which was also my Client

we still keep in contact

we agreed to keep in touch when I returned to England
and I told them that I looked forward to meeting Sonia and Faizul again
if they visited UK

Islamic Banking Conference

2010-01-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

Shangri La hotel Kuala Lumpur
hosted the Forum
The Hotel was being built when I was first
Advisor
to New Zealand and Malaysia Governments
I lived opposite at the Hilton
which is now Crowne Plaza

Datuk David Chua

2010-01-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

David enjoyed looking through my book
Malaysia Terima Kasih
it is sad now that there are no copies available as everyone who sees
it asks about a copy for them selves
I like people to enjoy my look at Malaysia which has had such a wide appeal and
audience
being Exhibited and on televison also

My meeting with David Chua

2010-01-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

I presented David with my Labuan book for the
Chambers of Commerce Library in
Kuala Lumpur
we had a good meeting to discuss his work and the EXPO in December

Victoria at Shangri La

2010-01-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

The entrance is cooled by a
terraced fountain
it was nice, as always, after the air conditioned
Forum in the Conference room to enjoy the warm afternoon of Kuala Lumpur
in the dappled shade of the trees

Meeting an old friend

2010-01-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

Victoria with
Kok Wing who introduced me to some of the people from his University
for creative work
which he has developed over the years since we last met

Islamic Banking Forum

2010-01-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Meeting Delegates from the banking sector
many of them now based in Kuala Lumpur as I was
for a few years as Advisor

Islamic Banking Shangri La Hotel KL

2010-01-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

I recall my last visit here
and an excellent dinner when I was Consultant advising the
Dean of Wolverhampton
University
The Head of Business Studies and I met
to discuss the progress with mature students from Malaysia
at the University

Islamic Banking Forum Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

Meeting with the Deputy Governor Bank Negara who had been
with LOFSA so we had
much to dicsuss aabout the island of Labuan
off the coast of Sabah

I presented him with my latest book...'LABUAN'
which he said gave him haappy memories of his time there

Islamic Banking forum

2010-01-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

A very nice aspect of this Forum was that parts were quite informal, so that old friends, like
Lim Kok Wing and I, could try to cover the many years which had elapsed since our last meetings
His Company had been the sole Malaysian one to write a case study for my Bilateral Aid programme
to match the one which I had commissioned in New Zealand
I wrote all of the others myself
So.... we had worked together, and found many things in common.
I was Directing Management Training Programmes...and he now has Universities in his name...a natural evolution one might think,
I do know that it was a pleasure to see and talk with him once again

meeting and dinner with Dr Ho

2010-01-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

It is always nice to make a new friend
which I now have in Dr Ho

Ho Nee Yong and I discussed our books....

he told me of his thoughts for a new book to be published later in the year....

and we gave each other recent copies
Since then I am happy to say that news
has flown in each direction
we were having dinner at a favourite
small out door restaurant, typical of many in Kuala Lumpur
where the atmosphere is homely and the food

is ... excellent
for my evening in Kuala Lumpur

The Islamc banking Forum

2010-01-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

I have met before Governors of Bank Negara..this year Zeti was the keynote speaker
she was interested in my comments about my work as Bilateral Aid Advisor and Malaysia Airlines
I told her of my involvement and interest in Labuan my visits..
as Guest of Prime Minister Mahathir
and The King Iskander...and of my latest book
I presented a copy to her as she is the Authority on this Offshore Financial Centre now

Islamic Bamking Forum

2010-01-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

Someone was introduced to me long ago in Kuala Lumpur many years ago
who was one of the first people to greet me here
Lim Kok Wing and I share many memories of my life in Kuala Lumpur
and he enjoyed being able to see my book of
those events during my work as
Bilateral Aid Advisor New Zealand and
Malaysia Governments..
Consultant to the Board of Malaysia Airlines and writing
the
Official book of Malaysia

Commonwealth Business Council

2010-01-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

The first person to greet me was the member of
The Commonwealth Business Council
who I had spoken to in London
and who invited me to the Forum
John Pemberton- Pigott

Shangri La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

The Islamic Banking Forum was held here
and I arived early
to visit this city centre hotel once again
havng photographed it when it was built
I feel that I know it well

meeting Datuk David Chua

2010-01-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

David was in charge of the arrangements for EXPO in December 2009
so it was with hime that I had my first meeting
in Kuala Lumpur
After the formailities of my welcome to
The Kuala Lumnpur
Chambers of Commerce of which he is Director
we talked out way through my book Malaysia Terima Kasih
the Official book of Malaysia
I no longer have this book available for presentation
I presented him with the latest book which I have had published
LABUAN
about my special island

Hotel Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

The first new hotel which I visited
encouraged me to stay to enjoy the elegance of its interior and

I found another delightful Kuala Lumpur ........working place

Kuala Lumpur lunch with Samuel S H Cheah

2010-01-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

The first lunch which I had in Kuala Lumpur included a meeting with Samuel
during which we discussed the work of the Malaysia Hotel Association to

which I have in the past given Talks .....

and the work of the

Chambers of Commerce
I had previously been telling people in UK of the EXPO to be held in Kuala Lumpur
in December 2009

Malaysia Kuala Lumpur

2010-01-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

MALAYSIA..........
I returned this time at the invitation of The Commonwealth Business Council
with The Lord Mayor of London and
United Kingdom Trade and Investment
When I left last time my friends at Petronas had not yet
completed their towers
which became the highest building in the world
I recall many enjoyable meetings and dicussions
with the then Chairman Raja Mohar Badiozaman
whom I mentioned in my book
Malaysia Terima Kasih
It was interesting to see this -now famous-
building in closeup
and to recall those who I knew whose idea it had been
and I confess that I am pleased that my conversation
at the RCS with Lord Malloch Brown
resulted in this invitation

The President of Indonesia

2010-01-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

The President of Indonesia spoke at
the LSE at the time of his G20 meetings
and this was recorded on
the LSE website

Indonesia

2010-01-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

This dramatic country captured my imagination when I first went there
and in recent months we have had a number of meetings==
arranged by His Excellency Yuri O Thamrin, The Ambassador
here when I was his guest at the Dinner held in London
with a Cultural show
at the Embassy also we have discussed how my knowledge
of
South East Asia
and its various opportunities for development
can be the subject of further involvement

I have had a number of meetings with visitors from Jakarta
and the London based Embassy Officials

London Royal Commonwealth Society

2010-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

I have stayed at and visited for meetings
The Royal Commonwealth Society
in Northumberland Avenue
close to Trafalgar Square, for many years
In 2009 at one visit I saw Dr Mahathir former Prime Minister
of Malaysia whose guest I had been a few times
and this time I went to see Lord Malloch Brown fomerly head of the UNDP
now based in England as and Advisor
He and I spoke after his talk
and discussed possibilities for my work in England
..........................................................................................................
After his recommendations I spoke with
The
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
and The Commonwealth Business Council

At my second conversation I was invited back to Kuala Lumpur
to attend the Islamic Banking Forum
with the CBC, The Lord Mayor of London and UKTI

Bonhams... Knowle Solihull UK and The Greswolde

2010-01-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

Bonhams Knowle Solihull

Some years or ago I met Mark Hannam.... Senior Valuer
of Bonhams Fine Art Valuers and Auctioneers
we have kept in close contact ever since
as Bonhams recommend my Talks and Exhibitions...
introducing my work to many people including
The Conservative Party... Bantock House... The National Widows Federation
and discussions led to my breakfast meeting with Bonham's Director in

Madison Avenue
New York...................................
and maybe to a development of our Asian experiences
sometime in the future

this is a very pleasant relationship and one which I am delighted
to encourage...and so each time
Mark and I ..or his colleagues, discuss our various
activities

We find perhaps more common interests
in the Arts

with Wendy Lloyd who interviewed and filmed me for The Express and Star newspaper

we lunched at the

Greswolde Hotel in Knowle near to Bonhams old and beautiful building in this attractive village

Biarritz Musee Asiatica

2009-12-25T03:15:00.000-08:00

Each time I visit Biarritz I meet the people who manage this splendid
Musee Asiatica for M Michel Postel
the founder owner and Director
each time there is another treasure from his travels to look at
this is part of one Gallery
near to the entrance

lunch at The White House

2009-12-25T02:58:00.000-08:00

I like this sculptured head which sits on the
paved courtyard in front of The White House
where we had an excellent lunch in the sunshine
This is on the opposite side of the road to
The Victoria Surf apartments where I stay ...which face onto The Grande Plage
the beautiful beach of Biarritz
which is often home to many surfers reminding me of
Fistral and Watergate Bay beaches of Cornwall
where I have also stayed

Biarritz Bay..a favourite view

2009-12-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

From the pathway into town one sees many aspects of this
picturesque resort............. famous for centuries..............
as a place of Emperor Napoleon
and Empress Eugenie