Meet the author 20 April 2023

India. As my taxi stops at a traffic light, a woman spots me seated in its rear seat. She and her young daughter are sitting on the footpath in the shade of a tree amongst a pile of rubbish. Eyes light up; an elbow is dug into the child’s ribs. The young girl leaps to her feet and throws herself into a well-practiced dance and gymnastic routine: bending, twisting and somersaulting. Then comes the universal sign for ‘give me money’: hand extended and thumb rubbing across the finger tips. Fortunately, I have a universal sign of my own, also involving fingers.
Portugal. A 1922 flight in a number of government-supplied Fairy 1111D seaplanes from Lisbon to Rio was the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic. Still in Portugal, you can also read of an elaborate Easter service in a small town in the north of the country.
More aviation history was found in Petropolis the ancient capital of Brazil. The first man to get off the ground in a heavier than air machine was not one of the Wright brothers but a Brazilian aviator.
In America ride the Empire Builder on a run between Chicago and Seattle. This trip across the top of America’s western states has much to offer. Read about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the wonderful story of a young Shoshone girl called Sacajawea. Aged about 16, she volunteered to guide the party across the Rocky Mountains. Even more remarkable is the fact she took her a new born baby with her.
People reckon there is not much to see in North Dakota, but we were given an eyeful when a bunch of farmers loading hay onto a trailer decided to brighten their day - as well as ours.
Another story covers a journey to Tibet, and how we were involved in a conspiracy to outsmart Chinese bureaucracy.
In Africa, read of the Pride of Africa running from Namibia (or Nambia as DT calls it) to Pretoria. There are stories of the Zulu wars against the British in the 1800s.
Read about the Wild Train of Borneo, Switzerland’s wonderful Glacier Express, and much more.
Back home there are tales of the Indian Pacific, the Westlander, the Gulflander, the Last Great Train Ride to Forsayth, the Savannahlander, and the Tilt Train to Cairns.

Jim Nicholls author talk and book signings

Thursday April 20
Local author Jim Nicholls will visit Lockyer Valley Libraries to talk about his latest titles Speaking of Trains and Tales of Travels and Trains: a selection of stories centred on train travel.
Laidley 1pm / Gatton 3pm
None of your typical, glowing, touristy descriptions here, these  books tell it like it is and should entertain anyone interested in travelling to distant places.
Some of the stories will even have you rethinking what you thought you knew of history.
Attendees can purchase copies of Jim’s books for him to sign on the day.
Bookings essential.  Phone 5466 3434

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