With the exception of the indigenous Aboriginal people, Australia’s population comprises migrants and their descendants. After two and a quarter centuries, its citizens trace their origins to over 200 countries.
When planning Outback Vengeance, I believed a 1960s refugee experience would make an excellent foil to the laconic nature of the established Central Australian characters.
So where should my refugee come from? Past travels provided the solution. But travel memories are not so much about the places you visit, but the experiences you encounter.
As a young man, like so many before and after, some mates and I drove a decrepit old Ford Thames van from London to Istanbul, the vehicle finally dying outside Venice on the way back to the UK.
FIRST VISIT TO BUDAPEST
By the time we reached Budapest on the outward journey, after many weeks of sightseeing, we were castled-out, cathedraled-out, palaced-out and stately buildinged-out. The city’s magnificent architecture blurred after weeks of the same but different. But for our short stay we experienced sunny weather and swam and lounged in the Danube and some of the city’s stunning baths and spas. It was during the height of the Cold War and while Hungary was ‘behind the iron curtain’, tourists like us were allowed to enter the country, but there were many communist restrictions for the locals (and some for us).
Despite our trip being financed with “the smell of an oily rag”, we decided to lash out on a memorable meal for a change. Choosing a restaurant located in an underground cellar or cave (can’t remember which), we each budgeted on a single main course and a single glass of wine.
AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT
As saffron aromas and the sounds of Gypsy violins enveloped the chamber, a Englishman sitting on a nearby table approached us. “I’m here on business and find myself lonely. I’ve got a generous expense account and am wondering whether I may join you. I’ll pay.”
He was immediately seized and forced down at our table before he could change his mind, everyone keen to help him spend as much of his expense account as possible. It ended up a great night. Fantastic food, many courses, lots of wine and great conversation as waiters hovered, plying their offerings and gypsy violin players constantly circling. All in a dramatic setting with torches lighting the rough stone walls.
An unforgettable night, my best meal in probably a year. A night well etched into my memory.
SECOND TIME AROUND
When considering the origin of my refugee character Marton Landor, both Budapest and Hungary’s fascinating history immediately came to mind.
On a book research visit decades later, I was determined to enjoy a similar night with my wife Pam, but wherever I asked, no one recognized the restaurant I described. We did have a lovely evening – gypsy violins etc., but the atmosphere was far from the same.
Outback Vengeance is largely Marton’s story. From his torturous journey from a communist, gulag-style work camp in Hungary, to the challenges and shattered dreams of forging a new life in far flung-Alice Springs.
The novel will be published later in November.
Has something in your life resulted from travels past? COMMENT
Budapest Baths and Spas - https://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/baths-1
WHY DOES OUTBACK VENGEANCE COMMENCE IN HUNGARY?