I remember the trip well . I was not quite 5. We left India in August 1971 and flew to Singapore. Stayed a couple of weeks with my Mum's uncle Dr Fred Pais. Then we boarded the ship. it was a luxury cruise - lots of fun things to do - lots of games, a pool and (not being able to swim) the first time I tried floaties! we met our first Aussie friends on board, Stan and Pauline Hardisty and their kids, Brian and Meredith. My first encounter with Australian currency was when I swallowed a 1c piece. I can't remember why I did it. A trip to the ship's doctor who prescribed lemon juice and orange juice and a day later - there it was on the floor of the toilet after flushing - as shiny as new. My parents went to a ball one day. Dad in a suit, Mum in a nice dress. We kids went to the play centre where we were looked after. I remember one bright day sitting on the front deck when someone shouted "Land!" and there was Fremantle. The first thing that struck me was that it quickly became overcast and cold (September) and I saw moss in the cracks of the pavement for the first time in my life. Waiting for me was a birthday card from my Grandpa in India.

Mon 24 Jul 2023