Hi, everyone, this today’s post was inspired by the holiday taken back in December after visiting the site of the Cowra POW Camp.
Cowra may be the best-known camp due to the 1944 Cowra Breakout, which was the largest prison breakout in Australian history and of the largest of World War 11.
Over 1,000 Japanese prisoners attempted a mass escape leading to the deaths of over 200 people. The escape took place on the 5 August 1944.
In total about 235 Japanese prisoners died along with 4 Australian soldiers, it is one of the deadliest prison escape attempts in modern military history.
The soldiers who died were Privates Hardy, Jones, Shepherd, and Lieutenant Doncaster.
There was no single person in charge of the breakout but was driven by a group of non-commissioned who planned and initiated the escape.
This was because the prisoners were bound by the Bushido code, which viewed surrender as shameful. This created a shared determination among many prisoners to die honourably rather than be transferred to another camp. As a result, the breakout emerged from group consensus rather than top‑down command.
The escape was triggered by an unauthorised bugle call, sounded by a Japanese prisoner whose identity is not definitively recorded in official sources.
The event is widely studied in military history and commemorated in Japan and Australia. The Japanese Garden and War Cemetery were established as symbols of peace and reconciliation, further cementing Cowra’s global recognition.
Cowra wasn’t the only POW camp in Australia; in fact, there was over 50 POW and internment camps across all states and territories. This includes major, purpose‑built POW camps as well as smaller labour detachments, hostels, and temporary internment facilities.
Other major camps could be found at Hay, Loveday, Tatura, and Marrinup.
There was one Over 12,000 people were interned or held as POWs in Australia at the peak of the war. When I read this, I wondered why so many well it seems that Australia became a major Allied holding country because of its location being so far from the front lines and we had available land for secure camps.
Ok this week I am looking at bit of the history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra, the gardens are a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.
They stand as a testament to the power of reconciliation, cross-cultural friendship, and the enduring legacy of history. Renowned as the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, it draws visitors from across Australia and the world who come to admire its serene landscapes and to learn about the unique historical events that inspired its creation.
Cowra’s relationship with Japan is rooted in the tumultuous events of World War II. In August 1944, Cowra became the site of the infamous Cowra Breakout, when over 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the local POW camp. The breakout resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese soldiers and four Australian soldiers. Despite the tragedy, this event laid the foundation for an unexpected post-war bond between Cowra and Japan.
After the war, the town of Cowra demonstrated remarkable compassion and respect for the fallen Japanese soldiers, ensuring that they were buried with dignity in a dedicated section of the Cowra War Cemetery. This act of humanity did not go unnoticed by the Japanese government and people, and it forged a spirit of reconciliation that would flourish in the decades to come.
As the friendship between Cowra and Japan deepened, the idea of establishing a Japanese garden took root in the 1970s. The vision was to create a living symbol of peace and understanding, celebrating the shared history and growing partnership between the two communities.
Construction commenced in 1977. The project was a collaborative effort, supported by local volunteers, the New South Wales government, and generous contributions from Japanese individuals and organisations. The first stage of the garden was officially opened in 1979, followed by further expansions over the next decade. The garden was completed in 1986 and has since remained a centrepiece for Cowra’s cultural and community life.
Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima was commissioned to design the garden. Drawing inspiration from the Edo period, Nakajima conceptualised a “kaiyū-shiki” (strolling garden) that would reflect the natural landscapes of Japan, including mountains, waterfalls, streams, and traditional plantings.
The Cowra Japanese Garden covers approximately five hectares and is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. Its features include a large lake, waterfalls, streams, ornamental bridges, and teahouses. The garden also hosts annual cultural events, such as the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), and provides educational programs that promote understanding of Japanese culture and horticulture.
Beyond its beauty, the garden is a living memorial to the past and a celebration of peace. It symbolises the enduring friendship between Cowra and Japan and continues to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and cultural exchange.
The history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra is a remarkable story of healing and hope. From the ashes of wartime tragedy grew a unique partnership, culminating in a garden that stands as a symbol of peace, respect, and international friendship.
The gardens are still very popular attacking many tourist and is a good reminder of the strength of understanding and goodwill.
Today is thefirst of December and in December I like to do some Christmas related posts. I will kick this off with the country most often associated with Christmas.
This country is Germany, thanks to its iconic traditions like Christmas markets, the Advent calendar, and the decorated Christmas tree.
Christmas is celebrated by 81% of Germans, including many who aren’t religious.
Are you asking why Germany?
Germany celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions that blend festive cheer, family gatherings, and unique customs like Advent calendars, Christmas markets, and St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the country, marked by rituals that have influenced celebrations worldwide.
The modern decorated Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, before spreading worldwide.
Also, there are the Christmas markets, Germany is famous for its enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte, with stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and festive foods. These markets are thought to have started in Germany and are now replicated globally.
We can also thank them for The Advent calendar and Advent wreath as both began in Germany, shaping how many cultures countdown to Christmas. Most will have heard of the calendar but maybe not the Advent wreaths these involvefour candles being lit on successive Sundays leading up to Christmas.
St. Nicholas Day is on December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside. By morning, they’re filled with nuts, candy, or small gifts from St. Nicholas.
In Bavaria, there is Krampus Night men dress as Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children, accompanying St. Nicholas.
On Christmas Eve families decorate the tree, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Potato salad with sausages is a surprisingly common traditional dish.
Both of their Christmas Days the 25 & 26 are public holidays. Families gather for larger meals, often featuring roast goose, carp, or duck.
Popular gifts include vouchers or money (44%), sweets (37%), toys (34%), clothing (32%), and books (30%).
Other countries strongly linked to Christmas include the United States (for popular culture and Santa Claus imagery) and the United Kingdom (for customs like Christmas crackers and carols). Which I will cover in another post.
Well today in Australia it is the 31 October, in my family that means it is my baby brother’s birthday, however for some it means it is Halloween.
In the past, Halloween was not a major event in Australia, for many it was something we saw in American movies and TV shows.
Early European settlers, including the Irish, brought some customs with them, but these traditions were largely overshadowed by other local and British influences.
However, in recent years, things have been changing due to the influence of American media, globalisation, and the internet now in some parts of the country there has been a significant rise in Halloween festivities. There has been a gradually growth in popularity, particularly in the past two decades, bringing with it a mix of imported customs and unique local touches.
Participation varies by suburb, with some areas embracing the tradition and others remaining less involved.
While many Halloween customs come from overseas, Aussies have added their own flavour. Costumes sometimes feature native animals like kangaroos or kookaburras dressed in spooky attire. Given that Halloween falls in spring in Australia, costumes and decorations may be lighter and more suited to warmer weather compared to the autumn chill of the northern hemisphere.
Some Australians combine Halloween with other local traditions, such as backyard BBQs or gatherings in local parks. The lollies handed out often reflect local brands and tastes, with Freddo Frogs, Caramello Koalas, and Minties being common treats.
Halloween’s rise in popularity hasn’t come without debate. Some Australians see it as an unwelcome American import, while others enjoy the sense of fun and community. In some areas, neighbours signal their participation by decorating their homes or placing balloons on their letterboxes, letting trick-or-treaters know where they are welcome.
Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to travel in groups and only visit homes displaying Halloween decorations.
Costumes should be safe and visible, especially as the sun sets later during the Australian spring.
Respect for those who choose not to participate is important—no eggs or flour should be thrown at houses that don’t join in.
Halloween in Australia is a lively and evolving celebration. While it may have started as a minor event, its popularity continues to grow, fuelled by media, community enthusiasm, and a desire for light-hearted fun. Australians have made the festival their own, blending traditional customs with local culture to create a unique and enjoyable occasion for all ages.
Hi, everyone well Friday is here again and today so here is some information about the national anthem of Indonesia. The anthem is called Indonesia Raya it has been the national anthem since the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945.
The first stanza of “Indonesia Raya” was chosen as the national anthem when Indonesia proclaimed its independence on 17 August 1945.
The song is played in flag raising ceremonies in schools across Indonesia every Monday. The flag is raised in a solemn and timed motion so that it reaches the top of the flagpole as the anthem ends. The main flag raising ceremony is held annually on 17 August to commemorate Independence Day. The ceremony is led by the President and is usually held in Merdeka Palace.
In 1951, ownership of the copyright to “Indonesia Raya” came into question. President Sukarno ordered a search for the rightful heir to Soepratman. By law, Supratman was the copyright holder of “Indonesia Raya” as its composer. After Soepratman’s death in 1938, ownership of the rights to his works fell upon the designated heirs, his four surviving sisters. However, because “Indonesia Raya” was officially adopted as the national anthem of Indonesia on 17 August 1945, the work became the property of the state. In addition, the name of “Wage Rudolf Supratman” must be listed as its creator.
As a national anthem, copies of “Indonesia Raya” cannot be circulated as merchandise to be sold. Consequently, the government had the obligation to obtain all the rights to distribute the song, including the original recording, from Yo Kim Tjan. In 1958, the government obtained the sole right to “Indonesia Raya” from Soepratman’s family. The following year, Yo handed the original record of the song to the Indonesian government. With the recommendation of the Department of Education, the government also rewarded Soepratman’s sisters with 250,000 Indonesian rupiah each on 31 May 1960.
Ok well since I wrote about Afghanistan on Monday I will post about their national anthem.
The country has had a number of different national anthems throughout its history as the country has changed governments numerous times mostly resulting from political instability.
In 2004, the new Afghan constitution stated that a new national anthem for the country, requested by the post-Taliban government to signal a new era for Afghanistan, must be written in Pashto and contain the phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great), and mention the names of the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. The winning composition was created by two Afghans living outside the country due to the war.
There has been some criticism of the anthem due to the above stated conditions of composition, that the Pashto requirement places less importance on the other languages spoken in the country; that the phrase “Allahu Akbar” should not be used in the anthem, as it is a sacred phrase in Islam and should not be set to music; and the ethnic groups mentioned in the anthem still do not represent the entire spectrum of nationalities in the country.
On August 15, 2021, the Afghan government fell to the extremist Islamic forces of the Taliban, who effectively controlled the country following that date. The government and its supporters continue to use this anthem in exile.
Here is the English translation
1. This land is Afghanistan It is pride of every Afghan The land of peace, the land of sword Its sons are all braves
2. This is the country of every tribe Land of Baloochs, and Uzbeks Pashtoons, and Hazaras Turkman and Tajiks
3. With them, Arabs and Gojars Pamirian, Nooristanian Barahawi, and Qizilbash Also Aimaq, and Pashaye
4. This Land will shine for ever Like the sun in the blue sky In the chest of Asia It will remain as heart for ever
5. We will follow the one God We all say, Allah is great, we all say, Allah is great, we all say, Allah is great
This week we are looking at the country of Afghanistan, this is a country that for some reason I didn’t think of as being part of Asia, but it is.
It is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia. It has a rich and complex history as a hub of diverse cultures and civilizations, but its recent history has been defined by decades of conflict and instability.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country has faced a severe humanitarian and economic crisis. The de facto Taliban government has not been formally recognised by most of the international community.
The situation remains volatile and dangerous. The Taliban government is led by Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is also active and continues to conduct violent attacks. The country is considered extremely dangerous for travel due to the high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.
The country is experiencing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Factors contributing to this include economic mismanagement, a significant reduction in international aid, and the departure of many skilled professionals. The country’s GDP has seen a decline since 2021, and poverty and food insecurity are pressing challenges.
The Taliban has reimposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law, leading to severe human rights abuses. These are particularly acute for women and girls, who have been banned from secondary and university education, are largely excluded from public and economic life, and face restrictions on their movement and dress.
The current government is the “interim government” declared by the Taliban. It is a highly centralized system, and many of the human rights gains made over the previous two decades have been reversed.
The Afghan economy has been pushed into a crisis but has shown some signs of a slow recovery driven primarily by agriculture, mining, construction, and commerce. However, challenges remain due to a fragile banking sector, persistent unemployment, and limitations on women’s economic participation. Afghanistan’s economy relies heavily on foreign aid, although this has been significantly reduced since the Taliban’s takeover.
The country has substantial untapped mineral deposits, including lithium, iron, and copper. Traditional exports include dried fruits, nuts, and carpets.
Afghanistan is often referred to as the “graveyard of empires” due to its history of resisting foreign occupation. It has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years, with influences from Persian, Greek, Buddhist, and Islamic empires. The modern state was founded in the 18th century. Since the late 1970s, the country has been mired in continuous warfare, including the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the US-led coalition’s presence from 2001 to 2021.
Afghan culture is a rich tapestry of tribal and ethnic traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, honour, and hospitality. Islam is the official religion and a dominant force in daily life and social customs. The main languages are Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto, with many people being fluent in both. Poetry is a highly valued cultural tradition.
The country has numerous historical and archaeological sites, though many have been damaged or destroyed by decades of conflict. The Buddhas of Bamiyan, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, are one of the most iconic examples of this loss. Efforts are underway by various organizations to preserve Afghanistan’s remaining cultural heritage.
Recently I read this book My Story No Way Back by Valerie Wilding it is about the early life of Mary Wade and I found it very interesting.
She was born on the 17 December 1775 and passed away on the 17 December 1859, she was a British teenager and convict who was transported to Australia when she was 12 years old. She was the youngest convict aboard Lady Juliana, which was part of the Second Fleet. Her family grew to include five generations and over 300 descendants in her own lifetime.
It is believed that Mary had at least three siblings all younger than her they were Elizabeth Ann Wade born 5 February 1778, Henrietta born 17 November 1780 and Henry born 1 August 1786, died April 1793.
She spent her days sweeping the streets of London, as a means of begging. On 5 January 1789, Mary, with another child, Jane Whiting, 14 years old, stole clothes (one cotton frock, one linen tippet which is like a shawl and a linen cap) from Mary Phillips, an 8-year-old, who at the time was collecting water in a bottle at a privy. They then sold the frock to a pawnbroker.
Mary was reported to a Police Constable by another child the officer later found the tippet in Mary’s room, whereupon she was arrested and placed in Bridewell Prison. Her trial was held on 14 January 1789 at the Old Bailey, where she was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. However, in April her sentence was commuted to transportation she would spend 93 days in Newgate Prison while waiting for the transportation to take place.
After arriving in New South Wales she was sent to Norfolk Island while there she had three children Sarah in 1793, Edward (born c1795 died c1796) and William (born 1795).
When they arrived back in Sydney, Mary lived with Teague Harrigan, with whom she had another two children: Edward (born c1800 died 1803) and Edward (born 1803), in their tent on the banks of the Tank Stream in Sydney. Teague left to go on a whaling expedition in 1806 and, by 1817, he was living in Tasmania where he was granted land in 1825 and, presumably, never returned to the mainland.
From 1809, Wade lived with a man named Jonathan Brooker who was given a certificate of freedom in February 1811 and was granted 60 acres (24 ha) of land by Governot Macquarie. Mary received her certificate of freedom on 1 September 1812.
Mary married Jonathan Brooker on 10 February 1817 at St Lukes, in Liverpool in NSW. Even though they lost everything and became destitute they pleaded to Governor Brisbane for aid. They recovered, with them owning 62 acres (25 ha) of land in Illawarra by 1828. They lived there until Brookers’ death on 14 March 1833.
Mary died in Wollongong, NSW on 17 December 1859 (her birthday), at the age of 84. Her funeral service was the very first to be held in St Paul’s Church of England, in Fairy Meadow, NSW it was her son who donated the land on which the church was built.
At the time of her death, Mary had over 300 living descendants and is considered one of the founding mothers of the early European settlement of Australia. Her descendants now number in the tens of thousands, including Kevin Rudd a former Prime Minister.
In 2017, the NSW Government named the Mary Wade Correction Centre, a remand centre for women, in her honour.
Now days China is ruled as a unitary one-party state by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP holds a monopoly on political power and its authority is embedded in all aspects of government and society.
The constitution of the People’s Republic of China explicitly states that the country is under the leadership of the CCP. The party’s institutions overlap with government bodies at every level, from the national government to local villages.
The General Secretary of the CCP, currently Xi Jinping, holds the ultimate power and authority over the state and the military. While he also holds the titles of President of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, his power is primarily derived from his position as head of the party.
The State Council is the chief administrative authority of the government. Led by the Premier, it is responsible for implementing the policies and directives set forth by the CCP. While it is the highest organ of state administration, it is subservient to the party’s leadership.
The National People’s Congress (NPC) is constitutionally the “highest organ of state power.” However, in practice, it functions as a rubber-stamp legislature that approves decisions already made by the CCP leadership. The CCP controls a two-thirds majority of the seats, and all elections are tightly controlled by the party.
Unlike many Western democracies, China’s political system does not have a separation of powers. The party’s authority is integrated into all state organs, including the government, military, and judicial system. The judiciary is not independent and serves to enforce the party’s will.
Or to put it simply, the Chinese Communist Party is the central and all-encompassing force that governs China, with all other state institutions operating under its control and direction. Like anyone didn’t already know this.
Today I am looking a bit more at the town of Beijing, the capital of China.
Beijing is a city with a rich and extensive history, with evidence of human habitation dating back hundreds of thousands of years. It has served as the capital of various Chinese dynasties for most of the past eight centuries and has played a central role in the country’s political and cultural development.
The area around modern-day Beijing has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The discovery of “Peking Man” fossils in Zhoukoudian, dating back 230,000 to 250,000 years, provides evidence of early human ancestors.
Beijing’s rise to a major imperial capital began in the 10th to 13th centuries, when nomadic peoples from beyond the Great Wall made the city their capital.
In 1215, the Mongol armies of Genghis Khan captured and destroyed the city. However, Kublai Khan, a successor of Genghis Khan and founder of the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), decided to rebuild the city and make it his capital, renaming it Dadu (“Great Capital”). It was during this time that the city first became the political centre of a unified China. The Venetian merchant Marco Polo visited Dadu and was astonished by its grandeur.
In 1644, the Manchu people conquered China and established the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), with Beijing as their capital. The city’s layout and many of its iconic landmarks, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, remained largely the same, though new palaces and gardens were added outside the city walls, including the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace. The Old Summer Palace was famously destroyed by British and French troops during the Second Opium War in 1860.
The Qing dynasty was overthrown in 1912, and the Republic of China was established. Beijing remained the political centre for a time but was renamed Beiping (“Northern Peace”) in 1928 when the capital was moved to Nanjing.
On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China from Tiananmen Gate, and Beijing was once again declared the nation’s capital. The city has undergone significant changes since then, with the development of modern infrastructure and the expansion of the urban area. Notable recent historical events include the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 and the hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
According to official data, the permanent population of Beijing was 21.832 million at the end of 2024. This marked a decrease of 26,000 from the previous year.
The housing market in Beijing is complex, with a mix of ownership and rental options. The government has played a significant role in housing policy, with a shift from subsidized public housing to a more commercialized market since 1978. This has led to a variety of housing tenures, including public rental, private market rental, and several types of home ownership (e.g., purchasing former public housing or market-rate homes). Residence status and income are major factors that determine the type of housing a person can access.
The majority of Beijing’s population lives in multi-story apartment buildings, a trend driven by rapid urbanization and the need to house a massive population in a limited space.
The most common form of housing is apartment buildings, these range from older, multi-story buildings (typically 4-7 stories) to modern high-rise towers with over seven floors and elevators. They are found throughout the city, with prices and quality varying significantly depending on the location. Modern, high-end apartments are common in the central business district and upscale neighbourhoods, while more functional and affordable apartments are found in the suburbs.
There are also siheyuans which are courtyard houses, these are Beijing’s traditional and iconic residential dwellings. A siheyuan consists of buildings arranged around a central courtyard. While they were once the dominant housing style, many have been demolished to make way for modern apartment buildings. Today, the remaining siheyuans are highly sought after and expensive, often found in the historic “hutong” (narrow alley) areas of central Beijing. Some have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, or shared by multiple families.
Found predominantly in the city’s suburbs are villas, which are Western-style, single-family homes or townhouses. They are a much rarer and more expensive housing option compared to apartments.
A significant portion of the migrant worker population and some state employees live in dormitories or other forms of collective housing provided by their employers. These are often located near factories or construction sites and are generally considered a more temporary or basic form of accommodation.
Jo-AnneRamplings 