My brother is currently in Norway visiting our sister and although his presents were of the usual variety (Tim Tams, large tubs of Sudocream, real coffee, etc.), it reminded me of some of the things my family has considered a “good idea” to travel with over the years.
My Grandmother, 1990
Taiwan to Sydney
Came to Australia to stay for us for a few years and carried on board two fully cooked chickens and some century eggs, wrapped in her usual clothing.
Uncle Ding, 1993
Taiwan to Sydney
Decided to focus on work for a while so he came by and dropped off his two year old son so we could look after him.
Mum, 1995 – 2001
Sydney to Taiwan
Long before online shopping was a thing, my mother carted suitcase after suitcase of goods from Sydney sales over to Asian fashionistas, the profits more than covering her trip. Need a formal dress in something other than a strange shade of mustard? A denim jacket without diamantes? Lingerie bigger than a size 2? We’ve got you sorted.
Aunty Jackie, 1995
Taiwan to Sydney
Decided Uncle Ding couldn’t have all the fun. Brought herself and her children to our home in Guildford for my grandmother to look after for a couple of years.
Dad, 1993
Taiwan to Sydney
Brought home three lethal pairs of knuckle dusters he found via his bum bag. Tell me one thing good about that sentence.
Dad, 1998
Manila to Sydney
Decided he needed a good replica Scottish Claymore sword to pay homage to his heritage. Plus the movie Braveheart made him feel something… emotions maybe?? There could have been a slingshot and a wee crossbow in his bag too.
Mum, 2005
Sydney to Taiwan
“Ah big sister, your daughter has pimples. Don’t worry, my daughter has pimples too. Medicine here is better. Cheaper too. I bring her some.” And like that, six months of my acne medication disappeared.
Mum, 2016
Sydney to Taiwan
My uncle mentioned a fondness for some of our lovely Australian produce so Mum got her boyfriend to carry with him an 8kg leg of ham, 14 litres of olive oil and some nice bottles of red. She then joked about him getting caught in customs.
CATHERINE KING 