Here are some pictures of the Kyber Rifles Officer's Mess. It was awkward to take pictures because I was working and meeting with the various folks. I wanted so much to play "tourist" and wander around exploring and taking piles of pictures....so, I snapped pictures when I could and hopefully it gives you a sense of what I experienced.
The Kyber Rifles base is in a walled compound surrounded by very heavy security. Once inside the compound, you are immediately struck by the difference from the surrounding area. The grounds are well maintained and very lush. There are tropical birds roaming the grounds and flowers everywhere. You can see the British influence on the buildings and the way the grounds are layed out.
When we walked into the Officer's Mess, there was a group of performers playing traditional music welcoming us. We were then escorted into the main lounge, which unfortunately I only was able to get one quick picture of. The picture is of the area above the fireplace mantle with several portraits and a silver stag. I was literally being guided by the arm with two servants escorting me everywhere...
In the lounge we had a formal meeting, followed by the same routine of the servants grabbing me by the arms (they focused on me because I was in uniform and my rank) and escorting me to the dining room, which was simply splendid. Once again I wanted so much to take a picture of the table settings with silver everywhere, not too mention all the incredible food set out....but, the Pakistani officers were being so gracious I thought it would be rude to pull out a camera.
After the lunch we were escorted to the museum area of the mess. There were several hallways and rooms lined with photo's, plaques, awards and memrobilia from various visitors. Each country has been provided an area of wall space and the one picture shows Canada's wall. I had to chuckle because one of the pictures on the Canada wall is of RCMP Commissioner Simmmonds who must have visited at one time and left a signed picture of himself. Commissioner Simmonds was the one who presented me my badge during my graduation ceremony in 1982 at Regina.
I will do an additional blog on the Kyber Rifles as I have some great pictures of outside the Mess and the grounds.
What an interesting and beautiful place. I can sure see how not being able to keep the camera going would be frustrating. What history of the people who have passed through there.........Thanks Son for what you were able to take, gives a good perspective of what it is like.
ReplyDeleteNeat post Dad! I always get so excited to see something new up...it makes you being so far away alot easier! Love you xox
ReplyDeleteHi Dave
ReplyDeleteUnusual country that you are in at the moment. I thought your height and hair colour might create the extra interest in you, not the uniform.
We are back from 4 days in Cairns were we met Crystal and Claus. We went snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, which is very good for the boys to see and broaden their view of life. We were on a sailing ship and there were some Reef Sharks hanging around when we dropped anchor, which just added to the excitement. You can only watch Nemo so many times before you have to see the real thing! After 90 minutes it was back on board and over to Green Island. A VERY nice place and I think they tried to sell me a $15 Hot Dog. I soon discovered that I was not that hungry, especially after all that salt water that I had swallowed while snorkelling and trying to talk with the boys at the same time. After another hour with the reef and the fish it was time to set sail back to Cairns. You can take the motorised boats to the Outer Reef, but the majoritt thought the saling to the Inner Reef would have more Character. The Boys were ringings for the Crew and got to raise the sails on the boat, which was a buzz.
We also did the Skyrail, which is a 10 kilometre trip just over the rainforest to a market in the hills over Cairns. i call them hills, as they would be less then 1000 feet above sea level, so compared to the Rockies, I guess it would be a small bump.
We should have turned around and came back, but the girls just had to check out the markets. what a waste of 4 hours, but what a great trip just above the tree tops for 10 KMs. You can make up to 3 stops over the 10km trip for sight seeing and a walking track in amongs the rainforest. I think the Germans appreciated that part more then we did, as they claimed it was very unusual compared to that they are used to.
20 years ago the market had character, hippies, Aboriginals, strange contents, no walls, no airconditioning, no concrete, plenty of music and local art made in front of your eyes. Now there are walls, concrete, airconditioning and no aboriginals. It may have been sterialised for tourists consumption and like all shopping, must be avoided. I did manage to see a souviner that was made in Australia and not made in china. It was a Crocadile tooth on a necklace, Michelle did not want it, so the boys got 1 each, 2 for $8 was as close as I came to a bargain.
Cairns is where the tropical rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef and its a great spot to spend 1 week or so, which is what the Germans are doing. There are plenty of Crocs around, so care is required outside of the main town. There are Jellyfish at the beaches, and they are too risky for me. There are nets out in the ocean beaches but i figure, why take the risk, when there are so many pools around. The main foreshore and beach of Cairns has a public pool along the forshore, which is about 100 metres long and 60 metres wide. The water is cool, free, no salt, no sand and no Jellies.
The Jellies hang out along the shoreline, so out on the reef if fine. Matthew swam with a Stinray while Nickolas found a Turtle, I managed to find some sea sickness on the way back to shore thanks to too much salt water.
Thats all for now
Keep smiling
Just Dazza today
and Yes I should be working
Your a funny man Daz.You have a more liberal way of talking than I do.So for those followeres who might be wondering who the the "Germans" are,
ReplyDeleteCrystal and Claus are our german Cousins.
Glad you had a great time and i must admit very envious.I know Dave and I have been saying we would visit you all "Down under",but with that great description of the barrier I can promise our next big trip will be your way.
Say hi to all..and thanks again for the beautiful flowers you sent me.I did forward a picture to your Shells email address.
Chow
Debra