Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Manhattan Transfer

Posted on March 12, 2014 by ianburnet

  This is a story that never ceases to fascinate. Whenever I give a ‘Spice Islands’ book talk, I am always asked “Is it true that the island of Run was exchanged for Manhattan?” Manhattan is often referred to as … Continue reading →

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Spice Islands Sailing Adventure 2014

Posted on February 28, 2014 by ianburnet

The Ombak Putih is sailing again to Ambon-Banda-Lease-Obliatu-Bacan-Makian-Tidore-Ternate from October 8-19, 2014. Nutmeg and clove plantations, historic forts, old VOC buildings, dive spots, remote villages, local markets, Sultan’s Palaces, and lazing on board, are all on the agenda. Follow our … Continue reading →

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Nederlandsch Indische

Posted on February 23, 2014 by ianburnet

The Nederlandsch Indische is no longer with us, but more than fifty years after the end of that era there are still some visible remnants. These I found on a recent trip across Java and I am sure there are … Continue reading →

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Oude Stad – ‘Old Town’ – Dutch Semarang

Posted on February 12, 2014 by ianburnet

The old Dutch part of Semarang is often referred to as the Oude Stad. Built close to the port and with access for small ships and barges up the Semarang River, the colonial buildings of the ‘Old Town’ stand sadly … Continue reading →

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e-books – love them or hate them?

Posted on February 6, 2014 by ianburnet

It doesn’t matter because their here to stay and everyone has their own preference according to the type of book. For book publishers it certainly overcomes all those intractable problems of trying to ship books to satisfy customers in many … Continue reading →

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A colourful Church in Semarang, Indonesia

Posted on February 6, 2014 by ianburnet

This church in Semarang had the creative inspiration to decorate its exterior with colourful umbrellas strung on wire —- beautiful!

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Birds of Paradise — Papuan school children perform tribal dance

Posted on January 31, 2014 by ianburnet

These Papuan school children are preparing for a dance performance in Jakarta. Look at their magnificent headdresses, each one a complete bird-of-paradise. Hopefully these birds are still not endangered and are a renewable resource There is time for one last … Continue reading →

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‘East Indies’ at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Posted on January 28, 2014 by ianburnet

Book launch: East Indies book talk by Ian Burnet Sunday 16 February 2014| 2 pm – 4 pm A fascinating talk about the spice trade and its little known associated collateral. It documents the 200 year struggle between the Portuguese … Continue reading →

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‘East Indies’ at the Kunstkring Paleis, Sunday February 9

Posted on January 19, 2014 by ianburnet

East Indies —- Book Review When you read East Indies by Ian Burnet, you can almost smell exotic spices over salt spray and wet wood of the ships that transported the goods back to Europe. Following on from his previous … Continue reading →

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‘East Indies’ — The first book reviews have started coming out

Posted on January 16, 2014 by ianburnet

The book reviews for ‘East Indies’ have started coming out and here is what they say: East Indies —- Book Review When you read East Indies by Ian Burnet, you can almost smell exotic spices over salt spray and wet … Continue reading →

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