Category Archives: Travel

February 10, 1991 Biak – Indonesia – Journal

Larry Smith the famed diver, is not on Biak. I went down to his ship. It seems out of commission with only a Javanese mate on board. Andi explained that the engine had crapped out and Larry and his wife had flown to Surabaya for some parts. “When are they back.” And I shrugged and […]

SEA LEGS by Peter Nolan Smith

The oriental lore of processing roots, seeds, and bark into spice inspired ancient western travelers to seek various detours around the Arab middlemen profiting from the lucrative East-West trade route. Adventurous voyagers stood to reap fortunes from their success. Failures were many. Adventurous voyagers stood to reap fortunes from their success. Failures were many. In […]

February 7, 1990 – Biak – Indonesia -Journal

I woke up this morning to the muzzein calling out the morning prayer. He has a good voice. Strange for Islam to have conquered the world. The animists resisted until falling for Jesus. They must have like the nailed god. I sat on the teakwood veranda offering a fantastic view of Cenderawasih Bay, reading standard […]

February 6, 1990 – Biak – Journal

Biak Yesterday I left Cousin Johnny in Honolulu. No more drinking at the Hotel Street bars. No more Femme Nuna Go Go. So far New York to Los Angeles Hawaii. I had picked up my Garuda tickets at Pan Express’ LA downtown office. LA-Honolulu-Biak-overland to Jakarta and then Sumatra-Singapore-train to Bangkok, where I’m meant to […]

On the Ternate Star 1991

1991 Early evening time Standing on the stern Of the Ternate Star Out of harbor Leaving behind the Spices Islands Nothing like it at all___ The silhouettes of Mount Gamalama and Kie Matubu volcanoes Smaller and smaller The scent of island’s famed cinnamon, durian, nutmeg, and cloves Fainter and fainter With every twist of the […]