Previously on “An unexpected trip”: my mother Renée has joined the French Air Force at the end of WWII. A captain orders her on a mysterious mission. They are to board a military plane, taking off from Paris, destination unknown. “And you took off?” I asked. “Just like that?” “Just like that.” My mother said.…
The photograph came in the post. In a manila envelope, with a note from my brother: “Here’s a picture of the family star. You’ve probably seen it before. I had it enlarged. Ask her the story behind it. I hope it lifts her spirits. Hugs. Richard.” My brother’s handwriting was as bad as usual. But…
This coming Sunday, a hundred or so heads of states will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the end of WWI. The meeting will be in France. The war started in August 1914, and ended on November 11, 1918. An approximate 16-20 million died in the conflict. 1.4 Million French, 1.1 million “British Empire”… und so…
Previously on “Liberation”: the gallant crew of TSS Equinox has gone back in time to Paris, August 1944, in search of the Captain’s uncle Gérard Leclerc who participated in the fighting to liberate Paris. Above: two high-ranking German officers are taken prisoners. The private driving the Jeep seems to be asking: “Where to now, General?”.…
“Mr Spock, Mr Sulu, good morning. Bridge to Engineering room: Scotty? Ready to hop at full warp?” “Yes, Sir. Destination?” “August 19, 1944, Paris.” “The Liberation of Paris, Sir? I’ll put the shields up. May I ask whether we have a special assignment?” “You may, Scotty. We’re looking for my uncle, Gérard Leclerc, who was…
A year ago yesterday, we lost our son-in-law Andrés. Yesterday, our daughter organized a celebration in our other daughter’s house and garden. A shrine was set up with flowers, and photos and photos and photos, and garlands of Mexican cut-paper. And strings and strings of origami. Dozens and dozens and dozens of friends, family, children,…
Daphne Sheldrick, DBE, just left us at the age of 83. She was the “mother of elephants” (Tembo mama in Swahili). She founded the “Orphanage” near Nairobi where orphaned elephants (due to poaching) are raised, cared for and many later returned to the bush. In 1967, (I know, fifty years ago and change. Don’t remind…
