From Jarrow to Java:

by Joe Writeson

A book based on some of the unique characters and situations encountered in the course of a large construction project in East Java during a crucial time in Indonesia's history . The cast includes all the usual suspects Europeans, Australians, Americans etc. but the starring roles are Indonesians. Centred around the building of an Independent Power Plant consisting of eight coal-fired power stations, distribution system and extensive infrastructure with over ten thousand employees at the height of construction activities. The account is based around the job, the impact on the area, the people, the ladies, the pubs, the problems, the perceptions...and misconceptions. Featuring an introduction to Javanese customs and culture plus their effect on interaction between expats and locals, including the often weird and wonderful way that Indonesians view foreigners ....plus how some Westerners behave when given the 'keys to the sweetie shop' The timescale covers immediately before, during and after the downfall of the Soeharto regime. A lot of the characters recur throughout the stories, some of the chapters are linked or cross referenced. All of the names have been changed and some players and scenarios are a sum of several people or events, on reflection I have removed some altogether to protect the innocent and prevent the guilty from repercussions by angry wives, girlfriends…and mothers. These are all my own work and based on actual events that I was directly involved in or witnessed personally, no hearsay, urban legends or second hand gossip. Although based in Indonesia the anecdotes will appeal to anyone who would like to expand their social and geographical boundaries, and just possibly gain an insight into just how other people live, laugh, endure and survive …… Joe Writeson

340 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2014

About the author

Born in the North East of England in a solid working class environment, escaped the desolation of redundancy and limited opportunities by traveling the world building oil related 'stuff'. Worked in South America, North and West Africa, The Middle East, and, lastly South East Asia, finally putting down roots there and now seventeen years on still resident here.

On the journey, had a beer or two, took part in many cultural exchanges, had a couple of beers, fought a few tigers, quelled a revolution or two, advised some world leaders, fell in love and had a few more beers, all without leaving the pub.

Age caught finally caught up with me and during an extended stay in hospital for chronic osteoporosis, as well as physical, I found I needed mental therapy. I began writing out anything and everything I could recall about my travels, the people, the places, the ladies, the beers and of course...the tee shirts...here's the results.

Reviews

[Anne Mcinnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories from Java told by a great story teller that add up to a manual for survival as an expatriate white mice in a sea of brown ones