~ Growing Without Roots ~

My childhood was amazing and unique. In fact, it ruined my life in many ways. I remember when I was seven, listening to the radio in my parents' room in Australia, eyes closed, lying on the rug with my head on a pillow, the sound of the branches and leaves blowing in the wind outside. I often wonder, is this a dream and am I still in Australia? Will I wake up and be able to do it all differently? Or is this my life and my memories will always be an albatross around my neck?

1954 Curry in Calcutta

In 1954, we moved to Australia. We left New York and flew to London, where my dad had to meet with the London office of his company, Foster-Wheeler. Then we flew to Sydney. The trip lasted four days.

We flew TWA in a Super Constellation (Super Connie), a 4-engine prop plane with a triple tail. We even had sleeping compartments. It was more like a train than a plane.

Calcutta Dum Dum Airport

We landed in Calcutta and I remember eating at the
airport restaurant.

My mother ordered curry, and when it arrived, it looked like dirty dishwater. My father said "Are you really going to eat that?". My mother said "Yes, I am", and she did.

She always said it was the best curry she had ever had.