[Photograph: A small shrine or altar setup featuring a lit red candle in a glass holder, a framed picture of the Hindu deity Shiva, a small colorful striped pouch, various crystals and stones, a wire bracelet, and a plastic water bottle, all arranged on a yellow cloth.]
DIARY 12 Sep 96
– 18 OCT 96.
_crossed out: S_ Indonesia & Malaysia
+ Misc KeepSakes @
back.
[Photograph: Notebook cover decorated with a collage of various international banknotes and coins.]
[Top right corner: Coke]
Date: 12th September 1996 L- S.bayak
Restaurant, Bukit Lawang, Sumatra,
Indonesia. LT- 8:55am.
As ‘Coke’ is written above we can assume a waiter didn’t understand. I recall not when the last book was finished. As it wasn’t sent from Malaysia I will assume it was in Berestagi.
Berestagi. Fifteen days Not good. I went there on the advice of my ?madamanite friend. There were various jungle walks but notices up saying about the people who had been robbed and that it wasn’t safe.
Well, I left to head on the tourist bus just so I could be away. Very nice trip actually. Well worth the extra.
Here is O.K. I haven’t actually done anything but I will see the orangutans, jungle walked. Starting tommarow as it’s the new moon in Virgo.
Actually, talking of the New Moon in Virgo, it will also conjunct my [Symbol: star] Natal Moon and the event will not go unmarked. I shall go back to my vow idea.
I remember now in the last book saw how I commenced an operation when [Symbol: Venus] ? [Symbol: Pluto] basically, I will do that but I will vow to do it for at least the lunar month with less than 4 exceptions. That’s commitment. I will vow to do it, as in pictures of clairvoyance, a seperate visualising and calling every talk and visualisation, pass, promise choice everyday? Everything will be perfect. I think results will occur in this country.
I shaved my head last in Pokhara. It’s so long and dirty now that people stare at it. I’ll continue on soon to get it shaved.
Actually the descent thing about this operation would be negativity is banned & as it is constant by now obviously it will have to be a vow or punishment for transgressions for one cannot guarantee not to have certain thoughts or moods. Is punishing successful in tests? I remember not. I think more convenient than a razor It’s for a month only though It could be renewed Yes, it’s good.
Tommorow I shall do a walk & take pictures to commemorate it.
On the question of actually what I am to obtain. The usual ten plus adventures for now I’ll concentrate on the future books and thesis about it. Yes, nothing else to say ah about Chinese though. Yes, I think I wish to learn the language, though I want adventures now
I shall try for language teachers when I settle for the novel. Yes, that’s perfect. I shall maybe learn Japense also. There’s no reason why I couldn’t have a chinese friend here to practice, have an adventure with them.
The people at the temple beside me just said how they wish to learn Japenese so that’s auspicious. Yeah. It looks good.
Also about the phone calls at the minute. All the places I go to don’t have telephones. I think I’m going to spend today drawing?
I did books.
13 Sep 96 – ?Siboljak
I’ve just finished reading Jane Eyre good, though not all the way.
I must talk about my forthcoming vow. Exactly what it is for
To do: (1) Clairvoyance
_crossed out: will start a novel. That is the vow_
(1) One vis trick/treat
(2) One clairvoyance
(3) Falling asleep talk
(4) Mood.
I shall vow to do exactly more to disbelieve her & also nothing! _crossed out: discussing time &_
Date: 14 September 1996 – Restaurant (?) in Bukit Lawang, Indonesia.
LT – 6:15 pm.
Started the new practice, A.O.K Clairvoyance good, mood happy I get down sometimes because so attached to even casual friends and people when they leave that seperation worrys me even before I get to know a person. It’s all the same as when I sat in Bangkok Sep 95 reading classical greek studies.
I’m not allowed to feel bad
I’ve been doing the same set of affirmations now, without fail for two years. I think it’s becoming time to admit they’re limiting have progressed to a degree but a different practice has come to mind I was thinking that with the new practice I should go round doing sets of affirmations However, with my new ‘constant ten’ magick they’re not ever particularly relevant. I thought of just having a central affirmation repeated constantly, or something greatly simplified.
Then I thought how the point of the whole thing, or of any technique is to stimulate belief. So maybe if you keep repeating something you eventually do it mechanically, whence basically your subconscious is repeating it. Then again I’ve done all these affirmations that way for near two
years. If you keep saying something mechanically and without conscious thought then you’re not believing it. Maybe your subconscious will later adopt the belief but I doubt it.
My new idea is to have ten general affirmations concerning the constant ten but they are written in a generally inspiring dialogue repeated ad lib I walk around doing this. Now I know that won’t seem to help in a forgetting process but I think the point of forgetting is negative worry or dwelling on the things you haven’t yet achieved.
As I walk along to various places each day I will give myself a pep-talk in the present tense as though I have achieved those things and I shall talk about each
of the ten until my belief in it’s reality has caused a pang of adrenalin. Then I shall try to keep up that pang with a greatly simplified affirmation linked to the particular one of ten I am presently (at that time) doing.
Now of course the process is essentially the same when I will be falling asleep except I’ll be seeing the visualisations with projected clairvoyance and I’ll fall asleep with the last affirmation and perceived hypnogogia as an attempt to project. As sleep/projection onsets the dialogue must stop and the last affirmation repeated because it’s too difficult to keep up a spontaneous dialogue while falling asleep.
Maybe the same in the morning, or at least visualisation unless I have something to get up for.
Yeah. Good.
_crossed out: x_
Date 17th August 1996 – L – Sibayak Restaurant, Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. Indonesia.
I went to Medan yesterday thus I have this new pen. I got a notebook too. It was a nice day out. I met a nice lady on the bus home also.
I was thinking about writing a quick novel, though obviously not the main one. I think the story of a man who developes a truth drug which has no harmful side effects and causes honesty and happiness but so he starts like a religious order with it but then people start to resent the drug in it’s non stopping of their games and they revolt. But what happens when they revolt? Maybe they become reckless when they stop taking it. Maybe as it expands it promises world peace so the government destroys it?
Analgesia – Absence of pain. [inserted above: Inability to know or see things properly.]
aphelia – apologia aquilegia astigma
ataraxia aubretia aubrietia
[inserted below: calmness, emotional tranquility.]
Date – later
Yusman’s Restaurant Bukit Lawang
L – 5:35 pm.
I’m definitely going to recommence falling asleep saying the affirmations. It would keep me awake in a semi-conscious state for longer and thus I would always be visualising for longer. Also I need to plot out the book so I can also do about writing that and having the second draft finished by Christmas. It’s all very good I think. Though tonight I shall be trying mostly to formulate a plot.
As I now do this magick I realise how much of my time I spend living in the past. It’s very bad indeed. I’ve encountered it once before. It does make me mad now and I think I can be able to crack it. It’s very much a chicken and egg situation. I know a manifestation could break my past for me, but I must break my past before there can be a manifestation.
I am holding the required mood quite well. Yesterday I didn’t do the falling asleep part. I must start that before I get into bed. Good start. Yes. It’s going to work.
Damn. I’m just itching to start writing. Once I do it will be a drag, with travelling and trying to get it finished on time. I wish I knew what M. was doing because then I could go back to India, if I knew she definitely wasn’t going to Vietnam. The telephone situation is not good.
I’d prefer to do the other book 1st. Never mind. I must get the notes I’ve taken so far on tape.
In every situation I ever find myself in I always seem to be the only person alone. Do you think I’m paranoid?
Actually I’d better start thinking about how I’m going to work out the synopsis. All the time I’ll be taking sets of ten general pictures. I’ll number them, each
set will always have the same number, that way as long as set 1 or gen 2 ect is sent with each submission then nothing need be duplicated. So I’ll send clairvoyance one, clairvoyance two. Divination one divination two ect. So when I come to write these things the pictures are already there.
I’ve just eaten the most unreal pizza in the world.
Where did that nut come from?
I’m going for a drink.
18 Sep 96 – Sibayak.
I’m bored. I need to write but I don’t really have the time left.
20 Sep. Sibayak 10:25pm.
Today O.D. Already it shows. The waitress whom I’ve delt with silently for two weeks has just sat and talked to
me, also using my name. It’s sunny, though I don’t know if it will hold. I’m going to try and do a walk without getting lost, then at 3 pm I shall hopefully see the orangutans at their feeding station.
Actually now as I do the astrology and do something specific for each conjunction then (I mean exact (0°)) I’ll be able to work out how each of the planets works in my chart. I already know ♃ is a fairly positive influence. That’s good. I think the moon is fairly congenial.
I think it was aristotle who made the mistake of thinking the natural inclination of all things is to be at rest. He was wrong, unless he was referring to myself of course.
Magick is naughty. No, not a decree from the pope, an axiom. Hence that my performance could have been better. However, the mood holds. Manifestation depends upon the mood being continually high as if
Indonesians are hypnotised by this book. Maybe it’s psychological. I never to the cover
Evening I went to a new place for dinner and got hit 10% tax, then I went to the visitors center to watch a video about orangutans. It was a ‘Survival’ documentary. The kind of thing I used to watch on ITV Sunday mornings as a child. Well while I was waiting I read the visitors book. An entry amid various comments for 10/95 was JUNKO IMANISHI. I remember she wrote and told me she’d travelled with a German male, the next name was indeed German. I found it really upsetting. I guess it was mostly a shock. I ripped out the entry. Well, that in that. I’ve not really done much else. Magick is average, but I’m getting it together. Yeah. Not too bad. Bank tommorow, so it will be easier.
Date: 25. September 1996. C-
?A ?Potault ?on? (?) Bukit Lawang
Indonesia LT – 7:38.6 pm
Recently and I think I didn’t think I wrote about Recently when the moon conjunct the Sun. I thought everything was going so well, to stop that sense of breaking apart to no no
myself as they did it. I thought, as I’d not have enough money for film to see the orangutans. Well, I went to
[large scribbled text: Fucking IDIOT STUPID CUNT SHIT]
wanker
Well who Recently OR Nothing whatsoever happened. Other than in my mind I became annoyed about many things and fantasised I was travelling with them just so I could shout at them. If I had have been travelling with someone I probably would have shouted at them.
I’ve still not phoned anyone. It is so complicated. Also I didn’t buy slide film for the orangutans but I guess I will pretty soon.
They’ve got such a lovely backgammon set here. I wonder if Junko ever saw it. If so she would mention the mental association to her Game of Games. Just write about it in this ridiculous book just no NO NO NO so to hell with you
I
I’m really not in the mood for stupidity tonight I have food and alcohol so my mind shall fall asleep empty even if I don’t or do want it too. I like to dream. In dreams I’m not me in dreams. I have no worry in dreams. All is equal in dreams. To Hell with all of it. Alcohol is my answer. So RDS is an asshole I once knew a number of em, actually a number of assholes. I want to go to bed now. I’m tired, but here again I find myself alone (I see) in a restaurant so I have to write so I look occupied so people don’t want to come and speak to me because they think I’m alive
I have to think of things to say each time someone comes near because I’m paranoid concerning conversation, as in in a social [scribble] or [scribble]
I WAS SO HOPE [scribble]
Oh my God, the knees are so Good. Music Not good now. Service slow.
DID YOU SEE HER
calm down
Spagheti peanut sauce will come soon.
forget greede
FOOD
Kebabs
ON MY MIND
Forget the human race
Problems are your own
Don’t ever be so selfish as to burden others with them.
The restaurant I’m in is called BACK TO NATURE
DID AN EAT
Spagheti peanut sauce
_crossed out: BEAUTIFUL_
[Symbol: Star]
splashed chillie sauce in my eye.
I’m BLIND [Symbol: arrow pointing left]
I’m at the only free table (blind in one eye) everybody else is playing board games
Date: 26th September 1996 – L – Sibayak G.H. Bukit Lawang, Indonesia – LT – 2pm.
I just thought how clairvoyance could be used in conjunction with random input to increase creativity.
[Symbol: Star] I’ll write it up another time.
God I’m clairvoyant absolutely
Later: 6:59 pm. A restaurant
Fuck. I’ve forgotten my nice thick black pen. Never mind, I wanted to explain about my clairvoyance idea. An every day or clairvoyant experience must have a meaning as in a point as to why you are doing it. So one night I lay on string internally (eyes closed) for the plot of a book. Either I see that plot literally or I use the images with a kind of random input. I claim every day visionary survival increase for sure.
Forgive my last page of silliness. That, my loves, is the perils of alcohol.
People are really into radio communication in Indonesia. In this restaurant the waiters is conversing over an FM radio. I remember Angus where used to receive telephone calls in Coca Cola, the warung owners also had one. Yyeeeeeaaaaa.
O.K. so, the point is clairvoyance must be done everyday one for a reason, so initially a base hypnogogic visualisation is done and clairvoyant scrying but the intention is what the trick is to. Creating an answer to a problem, prophesy ect. This is written down (the intent) before anything starts and then the result written up earlier. Even just base questions could be written up. It is great.
Also I’ve not done ego magick at all. I still believe in the falling asleep pep talk but I haven’t been doing it probably due to alcohol, also it gets boring. Before I get to bed each night I must commit to what I want _THAT PARTICULAR DAY_
of course the floods mentioned and so each day I may be in the mood for various. So some days, e.g. it would have a + in conjunction I’ll be daydreaming about being a famous published author, all day other things the point is not which (am being me) get into bed EXITED YES That is it.
I’ve not done it (magick) because I’ve become drunk and forgotten my system before sleep. But now there will always be a 5 minute… I hesitate to say meditate I mean sit and focus until I have an objective one at the t constant, that I’m excited about. It’s very good. Yes, a specified sitting period in bed which has the unique purpose of harnessing excited emotion in order to carry out the magick Right. So the practice is this: Whenever one gets to bed. _ALWAYS_. A period of _Sitting_ and one is not allowed to lay ones head on the pillow until one is actually at the point of being so excited about something that adrenalin one feels to my stomach the point of pain. Sit and understand that I’m about to fall sleep and this is my chance to create whatever reality I want so can think of whatever excites me as if I already have it and just be happy. Maybe I should go through the ten before I sleep.
_Actually_
maybe there needs to be a
_Nocturnal abyss leap_
Every night before getting ready for bed there has to be a complete emptying of mind. Usually when I sleep I think of other inconsequential things and neglect the important. Well, there would be a point, nothing as I do the affirmations? Whenever a point where, before I sleep I just sit and get rid of whatever meaningless drivel is in my mind before sleep, before I ever lay down.
late – 9:35 pm Rm 36. ?Sukauyak.
How about a cold shower/face wash down to empty my mind? Much better idea as I would have something to “shake me out of my thought train”.
Date: 27 September 1996 –
T- 7.30 pm Location –
Place next to the Jungle Inn, Bukit Lawang, Indonesia.
A Bat just flew in + out of the restaurant here. It’s continually flying around it. Maybe it’s attracted by the light…. but? don’t our blind bats use sonar? Anyway, I think last time I spoke long enough about the new procedures needed at the falling asleep period, the clearing exercise. Last night while I listened to music I also got the idea of maybe always a cold shower before sleeping, that would have the specific purpose of emptying the mind. Isn’t it absolutely perfect. I think that would work however, it’s a matter of doing it – In a dorm it might not be easy other than a simple splashing of water on face. I remember when I was in Medan, I met Mian, the Indonesian student (!). She talked about the U.K. Royal family & how she didn’t approve of the divorce or the heir, whoever the fuck that foreigner is. I realised that slowly the rest teaches the new must UP THE ROVERS.
I’m proud I gave up smoking. With all my moving about I didn’t actually stop to congratulate myself. It’s two months now, so really there’s no need for me to ever smoke again. I think this shows my lifestyle. It’s been two months and I just realise how well I’ve done now. I’ve mentioned I gave up in a letter to
Ann, but that’s not reached home since I spoke to her. So I went through all this but I only notice it now because since I gave up (and a long time [unreadable]) haven’t actually spoken to anyone long enough to tell them my adventures, and the point is that since I arrived S.E.A. from Delhi I don’t think I’ve spoken to a soul other that an telephone call to Ann, which I received in Penang. Yes, that’s true. Over two months and I’ve not spoken to anyone. When in West Asia did I last speak to someone? It (I’ve just been thinking) was the physics teacher in Kathmandu, in April! 5 MONTHS! Since I said more than ten words to another human being. It’s a long time. But sitting her whining about it isn’t going to do me any good. I’m sure when I have my sleeping Magick in order, all will be well. Goddess, I need to be in India. The third novel of the trilogy is coming along just fine. I’m a maestro.
I now realise I got it all wrong as I tried to Market aphasia. Yes, I definitely got it wrong. Firstly I wrote too much information about the book in the Query letter and I gave too much opportunity for publishers to reject it without seeing it. Now I shall only write to say about myself and ask their submissions procedures.
Also, secondly the synopsis, as in the summing up of the remaining chapters was awful. I’m rewriting it now. I don’t have many publishers left, 12. Two mainstream and ten 10 small publishers. Not all of them are paying. However, we live & learn do we not? I’ll definitely know for next time.
Oh dear. I ordered Noodle & Rice but the rice didn’t come. Yesterday two waitresses brought my order twice so I had one hope for seconds. I can’t bear the sound of cooking so maybe I’m going to go hungry.
I champ I touched my toes last night. Isn’t it funny?
I was just about to remark on how long my fellow dinner had been here but she just left.
Maybe I should complain about the rice? It wasn’t even here. Goddam, I’m so English. Actually when I pay I’ll look at the menu for the price and _crossed out: mention the missing noodle_ _crossed out: go_ _crossed out: is really_ _crossed out: Son of a Bitch_
I’M TERRY.
Oh so sorry I got confused.
I think my name J. _crossed out: sitting begging_ for my rice, how can make such a stupid mistake.
The restaurants not competent.
Everytime I smell an english person they remind me of someone else. Maybe my Un-conscious Remembers chemical scents as marketed in England. Actually, (think it is just a mistake, I doubt they will charge me for it.
Before I leave for Music, drawing and bed
[THERE’S JUST BEEN A POWER CUT. I’M IN A LITTLE BAMBOO HUT].
then maybe I should talk about the clairvoyant random input.
Another cut.
MAYBE NOT.
Date: 28 September 1996
L- Restaurant / Woman, Bukit Lawang North Sumatra INDONESIA
T- 7.58 pm LTO
I’ve just realised that everybody in this whole town knows my name and that I don’t know most.
We must avoid all desision, as soon as you make a desision then you close down to all further exploration of a subject. When you think about it even Racism is a desision that certain Races are certain things without that desision Racism couldn’t exist.
We shall all take a Vow to two things, An avoidance of
• DISHONESTY IN ANY FORM
• THE MAKING OF ANY DECISION IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM OR WHAT SO EVER
[Diagram: A large hand-drawn triangle pointing downwards encloses the following paragraph]
So the above I truely and honestly the familliar for a perfect society a perfect friend and a perfect lover ect.
They’re singing great _crossed out: W_ _crossed out: I_ Indonesian songs here in this place tonight.
Last night I came up with a new breathing process.
As I got ready for bed I considered my thoughts and consciously breathed out, as I breathed out I let my thought go out in the breath and so I went to bed with my mind empty. I think I fell sleep blind as in not thinking of anything in particularly and certainly not magick, but when I breathed out my thoughts I could make my _crossed out: m_ mind blank. This is a system of magick which will work if I can then as my mind is blank stimulate different concering magick in the blank period before my mind fills with other, less important concerns.
My pen is finally running out. I’ve had it all the way from Goa when Mother gave it to me. It’s been a good one.
I wonder why Indonesians love guittar so much?
Well, if the pens going I’m not going to flog a dead horse, I shall leave it here I’m going to go back and finish my picture for Junkes, then go bed It’s only 7:15pm.
_Whistleing_
Water runs
Childs whistle
Who you have become
Everythings the same.
Small Town.
Everybody knows & everybody sees
Everybody talks and everybody feels.
“HEY MISTER, WHERE ARE YOU FROM”
Nice face.
I can’t answer
I can’t answer.
Eyes to the floor
Pondering quite you may be
And if you want to be
Come take my hand
It don’t really matter
Nothing really matters
Large Mass curves our Space time
But we shouldn’t really care.
Good Noodle
Good veg.
Now What ?
[Written diagonally across the bottom right: ?p-tight-o-e]
Date: Wednesday 2nd October 1996 L- Goa Restaurant, Bukit Lawang, Indonesia LT- 12:15pm.
I’ve only just noticed that tommorow is O or H so that will be interesting. I’ll try and manage something and note the effects.
A thing I was going to write about is wrapping up the affirmations. I’ve done them constantly every day (not not to the dealer constraints date!) for _crossed out: over_ nearly two years now. Ofcourse over that time my enthusiasm for them has somewhat waned and now they’re rushed and recited without emotion. However, I’ve got in very good habits concerning my earlier idea of linking them to various daily _crossed out: ideas_ habits, ie cleaning teeth ect. So tommorow as O or H I shall change to a new practice.
Also I wrote all this two years ago, the affirmations, and much of it isn’t relevant anymore. I don’t actually want them.
Remember I was living with Joanne when I wrote them and started writing them when I lived with Janka.
This morning I was pacing up and down and I realised just how negative my mind was. I was recalling all the creeps I’ve ever encountered, usually beurocrats, but also people who enjoy saying things to hurt other people, various people I’ve detailed elsewhere. I was fantasising I was their boss and was knocking them into shape. Well the point is it didn’t make me happy or in a good mood. I should go back to the sun conjured moon idea which I allowed to lapse where I make myself feel good.
Good old basic Magick.
So tommorow, or today I will stop the affirmations.
The new practice follows, it will be performed on all occasions when affirmations presently are.
Basically a pep talk with possible affirmations but repeated spontaneously and not in a set manner. The point being I have to carry on doing it until I feel excited, I’m not allowed to stop until I get the adrenaline spurt, let’s call it The point of infusion. That energy will inverse into your mind and the world.
So I start talking to myself concerning the Constant ten, which I’m still doing, and I detail each one and possibly speak sentences, and carry on until I feel excited.
Presently I don’t do these things in t shower or washing clothes, but I will now include them, so the practice will actually be more.
The last habit including the evening brushing of teeth and this really is potent. It will set my attention on the magick because I sleep so I’m concentrating on it and don’t go off course, my mind is full of things I will always clear it with the blowing out exercise.
I don’t think I mentioned that. Basically while getting into bed I pretended I was blowing each of my thoughts out through my mouth and it worked so my mind was clear to do the magick.
I’ve just remembered something I was going to write, that is 15th October and that’s the clairvoyant vision I had, I think in Nepal, so I’ll have to wait and see if anything happens.
I shall still do a card each day.
Yes. This is a good system. Much better than before because it’s more relevant to the things I want, and it will generate it’s own enthusiasm.
Date: 6 Oct 96. Sebayaek, Room 36.
Dream
I had all my work on a table. I had some Indonesians to look over it but they wouldn’t do it.
Interpretation
Nowt.
Date: 8th October 1996. L- Yusman Restaurant, Bukit Lawang, Indonesia. T- 1.55pm.
Bank yesterday. A trying time. On the way home the driver tried to charge double, then the other driver is ! then 2 Belgiums who’d chartered a bemo took me for free + gave me ice-cream and corn! I payed the rent of 87,000 and without even asking they gave me a 12,000 discount as my long stay!
Well anyway. I wanted to write about Magick. Sunrise to say I’ve been doing it as written but I’ve got into the bad habit of dropping some of the habits, I shall rectifie this immediately.
Date: 18 Oct 96 L- food hall in Penang.
I’m finishing up yeah. I need to get the rand. I will update next book!
?Mr ?Lightage
[Taped insert: Airmail envelope. Typed text reads:
Mian Andriyani Allagan,
Jln: Jamin Ginting Km. 12,
No: 28, Medan Tuntungan,
20136 North Sumatra,
INDONESIA.
Handwritten text reads: INLAND. INLAND MAIL]
[Taped insert: Typed letter on white paper. Top left corner has a taped business card, partially obscured. Visible text:
WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER
(ASIAN BASED)
4 ST. MATHEWS PARADE
KINGSLEY, NORTHAMPTON
NN2 7HF, ENGLAND
TEL – 1604 716948
Top right corner typed text:
Contact Address:
4 St. Mathews Parade,
Kingsley, Northampton
NN2 7HF, England.
Tel – 1604 716948
29 August 1996.
Dear Mian,
_Re: Honored Promises._
Hello. It’s me. J…. What do you mean you don’t remember? Actually before I write anything please let me apologise that I don’t bother to correct mistakes when I write letters to friends as opposed to business. It would be too time consuming and good friends turn a blind eye to even the biggest mistakes.
What a shame I’ve not written until now. I’m coming back to medan on Monday 2nd September because I only have a credit card and so have to come back to the big bank to use it. I was going to suggest a drink or something but I don’t know how long an inland letter takes in Indonesia so possibly (probably?) you won’t receive this by Monday. If by some miracle you do then leave a message on the notice board at Sarah’s if you want to meet. I’ll be there around 3-4pm to check it. If this letter arrives too late or you’re busy, never mind. Next time.
After you told me how difficult it would be to get to Bali and how wonderful Berastagi is I came here to Berastagi. I caught the bus from Jalan Ginting. Maybe it was close to where you live? I took a motorbike to get to the bus but when I arrived the man asked for double the fare we’d agreed so I had this huge argument in the street.
I arrived and walked round for ages because all the places were full. I eventually ended up staying in this room in a nice wooden house with helpful staff for just 4000. They gave me a map showing me all the jungle walks but there are police notices everywhere saying that it isn’t safe because people (tourists) have been attacked and robbed on the routes. One German man was so savagely beaten he’s still in hospital in Medan. The hotel does organised sight-seeing trips so I might do that. Apart from that there’s not really much here. No nice places to eat. I live on peanuts and raisans. However, alcohol is easily found and very good indeed! Sometimes I would go into a shop and try and buy something with a price on it ie. one peanuts = 500r. but the’d ask for 5000. Eventually I realised (after using all the shops in the street) that Chinese people don’t do that. Since I started using Chinese business for my needs life has become much easier.
I’ve done a fair amount of work. When I have money from the bank I guess I’ll probably try somewhere else. Maybe that place you mentioned with the oranutans? I see quite a few posters about Bukit tinggi (?) so maybe there’s something nice there. I’ll have to try to borrow somebodys guide-book so I can find out what’s here.
Well. I shall end the letter by saying what an honor and pleasure it was to have met you and …. ‘the silent one’. I’m enclosing a sticker to put over the ripped one in your address book. I hope you are well and happy and hope we can converse once more. If I miss you this time I’ll let you know the next time I’m in Medan.
God be with you.
[Handwritten signature: ?J. Lipton.]]
[Taped insert: Airmail envelope. Handwritten text reads:
Geoff
ENGLAND.]
August 28th 1996
Berastagi
Indonesia.
Dear Gee,
Hello, how are you? Well I trust. I’m hard-pressed to remember the last time I wrote a letter specifically to you. It was probably about business when I did.
Well anyway, I just went through my “pack-a-pouch” and found this old paper from Sept 96 when I was in Delhi and I thought to myself “I must write to some bastard to use it all up. Save tree’s and all that”.
Well Gee. You’re the bastard that came to mind.
Well. (I must stop saying well). I’m in Berastagi. It’s a jungle region of North Sumatra. I came here for the jungle walks but now I get here there are notices everywhere from the police saying that large amounts of tourists were robbed and beaten on the isolated walks, and they advise not to go alone but in a big group, which means I can’t really do it, yet there still is a sight-seeing tour. I guess I can do that.
I miss India so much. Everything and everyone seems so boring now I’ve been there. I’m itching to get back and write more fiction.
Talking about fiction, unfortunately (?) the publishers weren’t falling over themselves to pick me up. Still…. I still believe in me. I’m taking so many significant notes now the work to come will be mind-blowing.
[Taped insert: Small piece of paper partially visible on the right edge. Handwritten text reads:
However
not O.K.
not
pea]
—————————————————————————
– 2 –
However. I’ve still not given up on Aphasia. O.K. This first one may not be a booker / Nobel peace prize but I’m not giving up yet. I have 20 stamps and my faith intact, so I’m still on the field.
You may wonder why I’m not typing this. That’s an excellent question. How perceptive of you. Well, I’m living in a house made entirely of wood and I can even hear when my neighbour’s crabs have wind so I guess typing into the wee hours would be none too popular.
Do you remember we once had a cat called Cindy / Sindy. Who named it? Why?
It’s been so long since I knew where I would be going. At last I have an address in Penang, so I know I will be there.
Can you believe it? I essentially came here to write up an idea for a non-fiction book I had. Well, I had a book to research from and when I finally settle down it’s not in my bag! I must have left it in Penang I can’t believe it.
While I was in Penang I used to drink tea at this Indian tea stall. A Chinese woman sat with me and talked. After 30 seconds I realised she was schitzophrenic (?) as in in sane. Sometimes she was coherent, other times she talked to thin air or asked me nonsense questions. I noticed how clean she was. I assumed in a country devoid of a welfare state that mad people would be like animals.
She slept on the corner on the way to the hotel – 3 – where I slept. After realising she was mad I avoided conversation with her, but each evening when I went home I smiled and _crossed out: sat_ said “Hello”. She replied “谢谢”. (xie xie). In chinese = Thank you, which is a strange reply to “Hello” but I realised she was thanking me for an acknowledgement that she was a human being. Maybe I was the first person who said more than two words to her in years for some people the world is very sad. Why do we all find mental illness so disturbing? I admit it makes me uncomfortable, but whom defines normality? The well known occultist Aliester Crowley once noted that the Christian prophets may just have been in epileptic fits when they saw visions, but subsequently Christianity taught vast areas of the world civilisation & compassion and if it was caused by epilepsi then we should cultivate epilepsi!
This is more than enough of my rambling.
I trust that all is well 10,000 km away in Blighty, A+T+L+M+B AOK Good.
Did you take the pictures as promised? Hopefully I can pick up some mail in Penang.
O.K. Hope you are well and all is fine. Best wishes to all esp Godson.
Stay well + happy.
Until soon,
Younger brother –
小弟弟
_crossed out: p. tiptoe_
作家
[Taped insert: Business card for NOE NEW ORIENT EXPRESS Yangon <-> Mandalay. Text reads:
NOE NEW ORIENT EXPRESS
Yangon <-> Mandalay
1. NEW ORIENT CO., LTD.
A-2, 2/Fl., 216-222, Mahabandoola Street,
Pazundaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 95-1-97432 / 97433 Fax : 95-1-98086
2. KAYAR THAZIN GATE
Room-D, Ward (8/3), Sawbyargi gone Highway Gate,
Insein Township, Yangon, Tel : 01-41093
3. No. 404, 83rd Street, (Between 32nd Street and 33rd Street),
East Aungnan Block, Chan Aye Thar Zan Township,
Mandalay. Tel : 02-31553]
[Taped insert: Business card for NOE New Orient Express]
[Insert text:
NOE NEW ORIENT EXPRESS
Yangon <-> Mandalay
1. NEW ORIENT CO., LTD.
A-2, 2/Fl., 216-222, Mahabandoola Street,
Pazundaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel : 95-1-97432 / 97433 Fax : 95-1-98086
2. KAYAR THAZIN GATE
Room-D, Ward (8/3), Sawbyargi gone Highway Gate,
Insein Township, Yangon, Tel : 01-41093
3. No. 404, 83rd Street, (Between 32nd Street and 33rd Street),
East Aungnan Block, Chan Aye Thar Zan Township,
Mandalay. Tel : 02-31553]
[Taped insert: Folded flyer for Pian Guest House and Traditional Thai Massage]
[Insert text:
[Illustration of a figure with massage points]
THAI MASSAGE
[Illustration of a foot with reflexology points]
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY
OPEN DAILY
08.00-24.00
PIAN GUEST HOUSE AND TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE FROM WAT PO MASTER GROUP.
MASSAGE RATE :
1/2 HOUR = 70 B
1 HOUR = 100 B
1 1/2 HOUR = 150 B
2 HOUR = 200 B
TOUCH YOUR HAPPYNESS WITH MASSAGE
VERY GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH AND RELAXATION
UPSTAIRS AIR-CON ROOM SAME PRICE
ORIENTAL AROMA THERAPY SWEDISH MASSAGE
[Map diagram showing Khaosan Rd, Chakapong Rd, Pian Guest House]
We have a thirty-hour massage course by the master from The Wat Po Traditional Medical School. The school fee is 3,000 baht. (Have certificate)]
[Taped insert: Folded yellow map of Berastagi]
[Insert text:
[Map showing various locations: Mt. Sinabung, Lake Kawar, Gundaling Hill, Wisma Sibayak Guest House, Losmen Sibayak Guest House, etc.]
MAP OF BERASTAGI
1 Januari 1996
Property of :
SIBAYAK GUEST HOUSE LOSMEN
Jl. Veteran No. 119
Phone/Fax (0628) 91122, Phone (0628) 91025
Berastagi – Tanah Karo]
[Handwritten text visible on a piece of paper underneath the map:]
…how ha…
…in letter…
…business…
…I just…
…pack…
…This…
…sept Delhi…
…in to myse…
[Taped insert: Pink flyer for Sarah’s Guest House]
[Insert text:
TO GET TO SARAH’S GUEST HOUSE
Terminal Coming From Parapat
Take yellow mini bus to central Market Sambu, before you get on, ask the Driver to stop at Toyota sign on Jalan SM. Raja. All mini bus 300 Rp each.
Terminal Coming From Bukit Lawang / Berastagi
Take the mini bus to Amplas Terminal, before you get on, ask the Driver to stop at Toyota sign on Jalan SM. Raja.
All mini bus 500 Rp. each.
COMING FROM
– PENANG FERRY OFFICE
– AIRPORT
Take a meter Taxi this is the cheapest, no problem with Bargaining, most efficient, trouble for tree way, for 4 people.
GOING TO MEDAN ?
( The Smiling City )
SARAH’S GUEST HOUSE
Special Offer !!
Free Transport to Airport or Ferry Office To Penang. Good Information Service, Very Quiet Clean + Comfortable and Safe. Good Food and Reasonable Price.
Note :
For your convenience
We can arrange to Book
Your : FERRY
BUS > TICKETS
AIR LINE
NO EXTRA COST
Jl. Pertama No 10 / 4
(Belakang Astra Toyota Jl. SM. Raja)
Phone (061) _crossed out: ?717152_ 743783
Medan – 20217]
[Taped insert: Pink map for Sarah’s Guest House with handwritten notes]
[Insert text:
[Map showing streets in Medan: Jl. SM. Raja, Jl. Katamso, etc. with Sarah’s Guest House marked]
Note :
From Ferry Offices To SARAH’S G. H.
Becak (Bike Taxi) Average Price 1500 rp
OR if you walk it takes 10 mins
[Handwritten notes in red ink:]
MINI BUS 64
DEST: PADANG BULAN
STOP: SIMPANG KUA
64
BUS TO BRASTAGI
(WISMA IKUT)]
[Taped insert: Red and white cardboard luggage tag with a string attached. Text reads:
HAND BAGGAGE
АЭРОФЛОТ
Russian International Airlines
Name
Flight
Date
Destination]
[Taped insert: Reverse side of the luggage tag. Text reads:
सुरक्षा जांच
SECURITY CHECK
इ.गा.अ.ह.अ. नई दिल्ली
I.G.A. Port T-II N. Delhi
पारी
A Shif-
3]
[Taped insert: Pink folded paper map and information sheet. Text reads:
DE MEREL
Guest House
Jln: Gundaling no 05
TEL: 0628 – 91506
BERAS TAGI
(22156)
SIBAYAK VOLCANO
Karo Dancing
WELCOME
– Good food, good music, good service
– 8.000 breakfast included
– Nice & quiet place with a garden
– Good place for those on a low budget is double, single or triple room.
– Young, gay & fun staffs who will much you feel at home & help you in every way possible.
– We give the following up to date & free information about country in North Sumatra.
– We are always happy to give you help, free information.
Karo traditional house
SINABUNG VOLCANO
HONELY ATMOSPHERE TO YOU IN BERAS-TAGI COME AND ENJOY WITH US
KABANJAHE
BERASTAGI
Also here you can get…
– TICKET BOOKING TO MEDAN, LAKE-TOBA, BUKIT LAWANG, AND SIGHT SEEING IN KARO HIGH LAND.
– ORGANISED ALL KIND OF TREKKING
– Climb Volcano Sibayak.
– LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR
– IT IS THE MOST RELAXING EXPERIENCE
– MANY MORE THERE IS
– IT IS FANTASTIC]
[Taped insert: Pink paper map and information sheet, continued. Text reads:
SIBAYAK VOLCANO WALK
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO WALK WHERE THEY CAN CLIMB!
DE MEREL GUEST HOUSE BERASTAGI
DE MEREL
DURATION : 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 HOURS TO TOP. 1 1/2 HOURS TO VILLAGE. 1/4 BUS RIDE BACK TO TOWN.
PATH : ROAD THEN TRACK THEN NARROW PATH THEN STEPS. TAKE GOOD BOOTS AND A WATERBOTTLE FOR YOUR THIRST!
ROUTE :
1. TAKE THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT BEFORE THE HOTEL SIBAYAK. WALK UP THIS ROAD FOR ABOUT 1/2 HOUR. AFTER A SIGNPOST THE ROAD BENDS TO THE RIGHT AND THE ROUTE GOES ON A DIRT ROAD TO THE LEFT. AFTER 100M YOU PASS THE BARRIER. FEE 500 RP. (SEE PICTURE 1)
2. WALK UP THE DIRT ROAD FOR ABOUT 1 – 1 1/2 HOURS. YOU GRADUALLY HEAR A LOUD WINDNOISE, WHICH THIS IS NOT THE VOLCANO ERUPTING BUT A STEAM OUTLET DOWN TO YOUR RIGHT. THE VOLCANO IS VISIBLE UP TO THE RIGHT. CONTINUE ON THE ROAD EVEN WHEN IT STARTS TO GO DOWNHILL. AFTER A BIT IT GOES UP AND DOWN THROUGH A SERIES OF HAIR-PIN BENDS. THE ROAD ENDS JUST BELOW THE CRATER LAKE. (SEE PICTURE 2)
3. THE ROAD NARROW IN A DUSTY WHITE VOLCANIC ASH PATH. FOLLOW THIS UP SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT OF A SMALL CRATER, UNTIL YOU ARE ACROSS THE SUMMIT PLATEAU WITH A ROCKY RIDGE ON YOUR RIGHT AND LOTS OF STEAM EMERGING ABOVE YOU TO THE LEFT. THE PATH IS LESS OBVIOUS HERE BUT AIM TOWARDS THE CRATER LAKE (IF CLEAR WEATHER) UNTIL YOU GET TO CRATER LAKE (SEE PICTURE 2) THIS AN EERIE PLACE WITH SULPHUR GAS, GREEN ROCKS AND A FEELING OF IMPENDING DOOM. STAY TO EDGE OF LAKE AND WALK UP TO THE RIDGE OF TWO PEAKS WITH RADIO MAST ON ONE AND THE PEAK YOU MAY GO TO ON TOP. SO THE WAY TO GET OUT IS IN THE BEND PLAY YOU WILL MEET BIG ROCKS, AND LOOK DOWN AND YOU CAN SEE GOAT PATH JUST GO DOWN TO THE RIGHT AFTER 5 100M YOU MAY FIND SERIES OF OBVIOUS STEPS (1.000 OF THEM) THAT GOES DOWN ALL THE WAY DOWN TO VILLAGE. EVEN THE STEPS DISAPPEARS SOMETIME JUST FOLLOW THE OBVIOUS PATH. (SEE PICTURE 3)
4. THE STEPS ARE CONCRETE AND FALLING TO BITS. THE WHOLE DESCENT IS STREWN WITH LITTER, BROKEN GLASS, BOTTLES ETC. TRY NOT TO ADD TO THIS. YOU MAY SEE MONKEYS.
5. IN THE VILLAGE THERE ARE HOT POOLS SUPPLIED BY A LONG PIPE TO RELAX THOSE ACHING MUSCLES! THEN CATCH A MINIBUS (EVERY 10 MINS) TO TOWN. COST 400.
C FOR FUTHER INFORMATION PLEASE, ASK MORE.
PROPERTY OF De MEREL GUEST HOUSE
[Yellow paper strip on left margin reads:
NO STREET NOISE – FAIR PRICES
GOOD FOOD – FREE INFORMATION
A TRAVELLERS MEETING POINT]
[Taped insert: Yellow folded paper map. Text reads:
WELCOME TO Accommodation
Welcome in BRASTAGI LOSMEN MERPATI
Address: Jln. Trimurti No. 48 Brastagi Phone (0628) 91157 Sumatera – Indonesia
FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION
COME and ENJOY MERPATI
We are happy to give you free information and advice about travelling in Sumatra jungle trek in ACEH
BRASTAGI to BUKIT LAWANG
river rafting in ALAS RIVER
ASINABUNG VOLCANO +- 2451
SIBAYAK VOLCANO +- 2005
MERPATI
Lake Toba
TO Prapat]
[Taped insert: light blue business card for Welcome Travel. Insert text: WELCOME TRAVEL เวลคัม ทราเวล SAVITRI USWALANOND สาวิตรี อัศวลานนท์ 68 ถนนข้าวสาร เขตพระนคร กรุงเทพ ฯ 10200 68 KHAOSARN ROAD, PHRANAKORN BKK. 10200 THAILAND. TEL : 6290140-3 FAX : (662) 6290137]
[Taped insert: Indonesian 500 Rupiah banknote. Insert text: 500 BANK INDONESIA CT0218568 CT0218568 LIMA RATUS RUPIAH 500]
[Taped insert: hand-drawn map on yellow lined paper. Insert text: Colva ?Margao Benaulim Beach Varca Margo Varca church [drawing of a church] Cavelossim Goa Ressort]
directions to Mums Place.
[Taped insert: printed green flyer for Rasta Club. Insert text: RASTA CLUB RASTA CLUB IN KATHMANDU ! “DON’T MISS IT” It’s a Unique and Friendly Environment. • POOL TABLE • STAR TV • EXCELLENT MUSIC SYSTEM • EXCITING ENVIRONMENT • FREE MOVIE SHOW DAILY • ROOF TOP BEER GARDEN Rs. 10/- off on all cocktails & beer with free Popcorn. Happy Hr. 5 Pm-8 Pm Next to Hotel Mandap, Thamel, Kathmandu. For Detail See Reverse.]
[Taped insert: partially visible pink paper. Insert text: Take a … with Bargaining, most … … 4 people. Phone (061… Medan]
[Taped insert: fragment of paper with geometric lines and astrological symbols drawn in pink and green ink]
↑ interesting. I drew this up 1992 to work out the best time to leave the country. When I met mum Goa 96. She brought my astrology book and this was inside.
[Diagram: A hand-drawn astrological natal chart on folded paper. A large circle is divided into twelve sections with zodiac symbols around the outer edge in red ink (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces). A red cross with arrows at the ends divides the circle into quadrants. Inside the sections are numerous small astrological symbols, triangles, squares, and numbers in various colors (green, pink, blue, black). Prominent words written along the inner edge of the left side include “VENUS”, “MERCURY”, “MOON”.]
[left margin: 20 Feb 93 -> other planets
22 Feb 93]
[bottom left margin: -> Do 2nd Square]
[Drawing of a key with the word “SUN” and “oppose”]
[bottom margin: New ->]
[top right margin: J. L. F.
14/5/92
92/93]
[bottom right margin: Grid A
Dec 93
Do SEXTILE *]
[Photograph: A hand holding a folded paper or envelope covered in a collage of international banknotes and coins. Visible text on the banknotes includes “10000”, “1000 MIL CRUZEIROS”, “5000 Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa PIĘĆ TYSIĘCY ZŁOTYCH”, “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, and “100 BANCO”. A pink paper is visible underneath with partial text on the right edge reading: “US”, “ce to”, “my Qu”, “get real”.]