Julian Noyce > Quotes

“Raul did was to allow the Cuban people to be able to purchase electronic goods, use tourist hotels and beaches and rent cars. He also lifted certain restrictions for farmers. Things are still hard for most Cubans though. Did you know most taxi driver’s earn more than doctors. I earn considerably more than a doctor. Cuban people still have rations and ration books that allow them to purchase items at national prices.”
― Julian Noyce, Drake's Gold

“For instance a Cuban adult is allowed one half of a kilo of chicken per calendar month, 3kg’s of rice and 3kg’s of sugar. They can also buy coffee, salt and beans. Eggs are limited to two, per person, per month.”   Dennis thought about the three boiled eggs he had at the hotel each morning for breakfast.”
― Julian Noyce, Drake's Gold

“You said taxi drivers earn more than doctors,” Natalie said.   “Yes this is correct. Tourism in Cuba is a priority now with over eight million visitors per year, mainly from the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain. As I was saying because the taxi drivers are directly linked with tourism they receive, very often, generous tips from tourists. Most Cuban people in the tourist industry are paid in CUC’s and as you know CUC’s are on par in value with the U.S dollar. Most consumer goods in Cuba are sold in CUC’s. So as you can imagine ordinary Cubans will do anything they can to get their hands on them.”
― Julian Noyce, Drake's Gold

“Gaius Julius Caesar, fifty two years old, supreme Roman military commander, the most powerful man on earth was making reports in his journal.   The civil war that has been raging now for almost two years has brought me and my legion to the shores of Egypt. Pompey runs from me and yet I hope, somehow, when he is captured to make a reconciliation with him.”
― Julian Noyce, Tomb of the Lost

“THERE MUST BE A BEGINNING OF ANY GREAT MATTER, BUT THE CONTINUING UNTO THE END UNTIL IT BE THOROUGHLY FINISHED YIELDS THE TRUE GLORY.                                              - SIR FRANCIS DRAKE -”
― Julian Noyce, Drake's Gold

“The sarcophagus was huge. Nearly a ton in weight and almost as wide as it was long. He squeezed around it patting it with pride. When they had first discovered it a week ago he had been ecstatic at the discovery. This was archaeology’s greatest ever find. The resting place of Alexander the Great. The most important single find in the history of his profession.”
― Julian Noyce, Tomb of the Lost

“A toast!” he said, “To our master, to my friend, the greatest Roman who has ever lived, Gaius Julius Caesar!” ”
― Julian Noyce, Tomb of the Lost

“The King rose up and spoke one word. He gave a last gasp and collapsed back onto the bed and lay still. His last breath escaped his lips slowly.   Craterus reached forward and closed the eyes. Ptolemy took the ring.   “What did he say to you? Who did he say would rule? To whom does it go?” Ptolemy stood up tall and straight. They all stared at him.   “He said one word. Kratisto! To the strongest!” ”
― Julian Noyce, Tomb of the Lost

“BABYLON, PERSIA, JUNE 323BC     The man’s head moved back and forth as he lay in the bed. His lips moved, trying to form words, though no sound came out. He opened his bloodshot eyes at the feel of someone’s touch on his sweating forehead. A cool cloth gently dabbed at his face.   “Is that better my King?” a voice enquired. Alexander ‘the great’ of Macedon opened his red eyes again and struggled to focus with blurred vision on the face peering down at him.”
― Julian Noyce, Tomb of the Lost

“The Greeks rebult Athens, building the incredible Acropolis and the blackened columns of the original Parthenon were set into the walls. The Greeks would never forgive or forget the Persian attack and the Greek tribes vowed revenge on Xerxes empire. It would be a twenty year old Alexander who took revenge.”
― Julian Noyce, Tomb of the Lost

“So what sort of money do doctors and taxi drivers make,” Natalie asked.   “For one month?”   “Monthly. Yearly. However they’re paid.”   “For a doctor around two hundred dollars per month.”   “Is that all?” Natalie said, surprised at the answer.   “This is not much. No.”   “No.”   “I make more than this,” Larry continued, “But remember education and healthcare are free. Here’s an example of how much things cost here in Cuba.”
― Julian Noyce, Drake's Gold

“I am fortunate. For instance my house and shop cost me a little over three hundred dollars….”   “Three hundred dollars?” Dennis asked shocked.   “Yes. In Cuba if you can afford to buy a house you buy it from the government. When you want to sell your house you sell it back to the government and they give you what you paid for it.”   “Oh I see and of course the extra you’ve made in profit.”   “No senor. You are not allowed to make money from the government. You only get back what you paid. Is this not the same in your country?”   “No definitely not. Many people have become very rich from property trading.”   “It is not so here. When I or my wife sell our house we will only get back what I paid. Did you know that Fidel Castro in 1960 forced all private property and foreign businesses to be nationalised, all banks, sugar and oil refineries.”
― Julian Noyce, Drake's Gold