Page 56 - My Memoirs - Max Kurz

Masai Mara in the southern part of Kenya, to witness the river Mara crossing. My travel partner was Anita Eisen, and our itinerary commenced in Turkey, landing in Istanbul, hiring a car, and travelling down the west coast to Antalya. From there we flew to Israel for the Maccabi games and witnessed the tragic event of the bridge collapse. We delayed our departure as I had a couple of friends who were in hospital due to the accident. Warren Zines subsequently died, and Bobby Evans died later, on return to Australia also due to the accident. It was a tragic case of negligence and corruption. Six months before the event I had just sold Warren’s business as he wanted to retire, travel, and play bowls.
We flew from Israel to Nairobi in Kenya and boarded a light aircraft which took us to all the remote places along the path of the migration not accessible by road. From there we travelled by four-wheel drive on safari. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience. I have so many memories, photographs and visual images of the most beautiful scenery and animal life. We were away approximately 8 weeks in all.
Somewhat out of order, 1990 was the year that I sold my home at Waterloo. I moved to Balmain where I rented a waterfront unit overlooking Darling Harbour and the city skyline. It was a magic location both as a home and area to live in. For me it was a new experience, I met new people, it was great for a single person with coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs galore.
In 1995 I moved from Balmain and rented a unit in Daintrey Crescent, Randwick, a lovely unit with views over Coogee towards the ocean. I had the opportunity of purchasing the unit which I regret not having done; it was a bit more than I wanted to spend. I eventually bought a unit in Carrington Road, Coogee, which was a familiar territory for me since I was brought up in the area as a child. Also, it brought me closer to my family.
At the end of the nineties, I took my grandchildren Kayla, Jacob, and Anthea my daughter on our first overseas holiday together to Los Angeles (Disneyland) then onto Las Vegas. A wonderful and memorable holiday.
Reflecting on that period brings mixed emotions, a time of discovery, new experiences, sadness, joy. I even came close to marriage until I was asked to choose between my children and the person concerned. It was an easy decision,
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