Tag Archives: ian burnet

East Indies — Book Reviews III

Posted on May 4, 2014 by ianburnet

Some more ‘East Indies’ book reviews have come in Ian Burnet journeys through the East Indies, from Calcutta and Goa to Timor and Malacca, as far as Nagasaki, Canton and Hong Kong. Europe’s desires for goods from the East —- … Continue reading →

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A Death in Paradise

Posted on April 24, 2014 by ianburnet

The whitewashed residence of the former Dutch Governor on the island of Banda has some classical architectural features. From the golden lions mounted on the entrance gates, to the now defunct fountain on the lawn in the forecourt, to the … Continue reading →

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Fort Revenge – A Mystery Solved

Posted on April 12, 2014 by ianburnet

Fort Revenge. Just the name conjures up boyhood images of the sound and fury of battle, with cannons booming, muskets firing, military flags waving, the clash of swords, and the sound of battle cries. Fort Revenge still stands on the … Continue reading →

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‘East Indies’ —- Book Reviews II

Posted on April 6, 2014 by ianburnet

Some more ‘East Indies’ book reviews have come in. Armed Enterprise – Competition and Monopoly in the East Burnet tells of the struggle between the Portuguese Crown, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the English East India Company for … Continue reading →

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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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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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