The author has been retired for some years following a career in finance. From growing up in a smallish city on the East coast of New Zealand his work has taken him around New Zealand and across th...voir plusThe author has been retired for some years following a career in finance. From growing up in a smallish city on the East coast of New Zealand his work has taken him around New Zealand and across the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman sea.Arriving in Fiji for a three year appointment he and his family quickly became absorbed into the colourful local scene. Fiji has a population almost equally divided between the indigenous Fijians and migrants from the Indian sub- continent. These migrants were recruited early in the last century to provide labour in the sugar cane fields and many others followed to take up business opportunities. They come from many diverse racial and religious backgrounds and provide a great diversity within Fiji’s communities. The opportunity to be involved in such a completely different environment added greatly to the family’s understanding of different cultures.Not content to return to the colder climate of New Zealand our author then moved to Brisbane in Queensland with his family. Early impressions of the city were not too favourable as they arrived in the middle of one of the worst floods in Queensland history with large sections of the city under water. Needless to say the first home purchased in Brisbane was well above the flood levels. Brisbane has now grown to become one of the most progressive cities anywhere.After a short period of settling in Dennis was off again to a sugar cane farming area in regional Queensland. Other postings followed in Brisbane suburbs and CBD. One highlight of this period was a move to the old gold mining city of Charters Towers in North Queensland. It was initially difficult to comprehend the sheer size of the district known mainly for large scale cattle grazing. The local shire covers an area the size of a small European country.Dennis now enjoys a quieter life with his wife Bev. Their two daughters and one son live within a short distance. Six grandchildren are now well beyond the childminding stage and are taking full advantage of the many opportunities available to them. Part time volunteer work at a centre for people with disabilities takes up any spare time during the week.voir moins