12,50 €
Uncle Mike is a courageous and determined individual who embarks on various adventures, including encounters with extraterrestrial beings in his dreams. He engages in various business ventures, such as selling shrimp and establishing local trade. Despite his persistence and determination, he faces setbacks, such as financial problems and betrayal by a business partner. Through his journey, Uncle Mike learns important lessons about resilience, coping with setbacks, and pursuing his dreams.
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Seitenzahl: 253
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
Author: Lancar Ida-Bagus
Uncle Mike and the Alien
Watching movie with the Sandman
© Copyright: Vishnuh Society
© Copyright: Gurubesar Lancar Ida-Bagus
© Bibliography, photos, and illustrations Vishnuh Society
No part of this publication may be reproduced or made public by means of print, photocopy, microfilm, or in any other way, without the prior written permission of the copyright holders.
The Dutch and Javanese translations of the Lontar books of the Vishnuh Society are recorded at the Rijkssuccessie in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, and deposited by Gurubesar (professor, heir, priest) of this Vishnuh Society R.R. Purperhart.© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
Inhoud
Prologue
Uncle Mike
Uncle Mike retired
Aid to Gambians
A noble act
A luxury car
A trip to Gambia
An accident
A new start
A healthy company Mike-International
The sun of Jamaica
The big rice farmer
Fireworks gone
No luck in love
Father passed away
Twenty trades, fifty accidents
Hope for redemption
Uncle Mike is dreaming
Chapter 1: The encounter
*At that moment, his adventure truly begins
Chapter 2: An extraordinary friendship
Chapter 3: The co-operation
Chapter 4: A bond forged through adventure
Chapter 5: The Golden quest
Chapter 6: The Jungle of Surinam
Chapter 7: In search for the Sasquatch
Chapter 8: Back home
Chapter 9: On a journey to Europe
Chapter 10: The Planet Vishnuh
Chapter 11: Home and beyond
Chapter 12: The encounter with the ancients
Chapter 13: The Confrontation with darkness
Chapter 14: The Mysteries of the black hole
Chapter 15: In search of answers
Chapter 16: The battle on the strange planet
Chapter 17: The harmony of stars
Chapter 18: The shower of diamonds
Chapter 19: The quest for the supreme being
Chapter 20: The conquest of Suriname
Chapter 21: The new age of Suriname
Chapter 22: On the way to Gambia
Chapter 23: Uncle Mike wakes up
Note of the author:
Dear readers,
Dear readers,
I dedicate this book to a dear friend and devotee of Vishnu who has faced many challenges throughout his life. The story told here is based on the true events of the protagonist in this book. This individual has indeed experienced a life full of adventures, challenges, and hardships.
Telling his story not only provides insight into the complexity of his life but also serves as a tribute to his experiences and accomplishments. By sharing his story, we can learn from his courage, resilience, and determination, and we can be inspired by his example.
It is important to acknowledge the authenticity of his experiences and to treat his story with respect and appreciation. This book offers a unique opportunity to honor his life and keep his legacy alive for future generations.
With this book, I aim to fulfill the protagonist's wish, to document his experiences and life story, not only as a memory but also as a powerful message against stubbornness and inflexibility.
His stubbornness and determination, although admirable for their strength and perseverance, sometimes lead to paths that ultimately bear no fruit. It is a trait that colors his character and sets him apart, yet at the same time, it can result in situations where flexibility and openness are lacking. This characteristic may stem from deeply held beliefs or a passion for a particular goal, but it's important to acknowledge that sometimes a change of course is necessary to achieve success. It's a balancing act between determination and a willingness to listen to other perspectives and circumstances, ultimately aiming to achieve the most effective and fulfilling outcomes.Bovenkant formulier
I hold a deep respect for the main character, whose life experience and wisdom are undeniable. I also appreciate his seniority, as he is six years older than myself. Therefore, I address him as "Oom Mike" out of respect for Indian norms and traditions.Bovenkant formulierBovenkant formulier
Bovenkant formulier
This title not only reflects the cultural practices deeply rooted in our community but also emphasizes the value we place on respect and harmony within our relationships.
By addressing the protagonist as Uncle, I not only acknowledge his seniority but also his role as a source of wisdom and guidance within our community. It is a way to honor his contributions and strengthen the bonds of respect and solidarity that unite us as members of the Vishnuh Society.
The protagonist's life symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit to overcome. His experiences serve as a valuable lesson for us all, and his story reminds us that every setback, every difficulty can be overcome with determination and inner belief.
To transform loss, unpleasant experiences, and his missed life goals into triumph, I have decided to capture his unique view of the world and everything beyond in a beautiful dream that begins in this book at Chapter 1.
This dream represents Uncle Mike's deepest wishes and aspirations, which he unfortunately could not fulfill during his lifetime due to the setbacks he experienced. In this elaborated dream, a world is depicted filled with peace, adventure, justice, love, and harmony.
It is a world where people understand and respect each other, regardless of their background or beliefs. In this utopian society, an atmosphere of harmony and tolerance thrives, embracing diversity as a source of strength and enrichment.
Natural beauty stretches across the landscape, where green meadows, majestic mountains, and sparkling waterways form a breathtaking backdrop for daily life. The earth is cherished and protected as a precious gift, and people live in harmony with the nature around them.
In this world, the air is filled with the sweet sounds of joy and freedom. Everywhere you hear the laughter of children, the singing of birds, and the peaceful tranquility of a community in balance with itself and with each other.
It is a world we can imagine, an ideal we pursue, where love, understanding, and cooperation form the basis for a peaceful and prosperous society. It is a vision that inspires and motivates us to strive for a better world for ourselves and for future generations.
Uncle Mike cherished the hope that his dreams would come true, envisioning a world where his fellow human beings would live in harmony and his ideals of justice and equality would become reality.
Bovenkant formulier
Unfortunately, his ambitions were hindered by setbacks, but by capturing his insights and ideas in this dream, his vision can live on and continue to inspire others to strive for a better world.This dream serves as a tribute to the spirit and determination of Uncle Mike, and as a reminder of the power of hope and imagination. May his dream inspire us all to continue believing in a future of peace and prosperity for all people, where Uncle Mike's ideals flourish and his legacy is honored.
Bovenkant formulier
May this book be a tribute to the determination of my dear friend, and may it be a source of inspiration for everyone who turns its pages. Let it remind us of the power of hope, love, and perseverance, even in the toughest times.
Uncle Mike, an intriguing figure of Indo descent, came into the world in the vibrant city of Surabaya, steeped in colorful cultural influences. His versatility spoke volumes, but there always seemed to be a hint of misfortune surrounding him, like a shadow that persistently trailed him.
Those with malicious intentions quickly recognize Uncle Mike's nature with their keen eyes. He is kind, honest, and open-hearted, traits that unfortunately make him an easy target for deceit. With his friendly demeanor and amiable appearance, Uncle Mike, as a modest Indo man, appears to be an easy mark for those with less-than-good intentions.
Uncle Mike is appreciated for his kindness and goodness, which he always radiates. However, it is unfortunate that these admirable qualities were exploited by people with malicious intentions.Bovenkant formulier
Though his kindness sometimes seems to be his weakness, it is precisely this trait that makes Uncle Mike so admirable. Despite the risks, he remains true to his principles and continues to believe in the goodness of others.
Uncle Mike's faith in the goodness of others, wherein he assumes good intentions before considering the bad, does not always prove to be the right measure to receive goodness in return. Despite his sincere intentions and his trust in the goodness of humanity, he has sometimes had to experience that not everyone shares the same noble intentions.
Uncle Mike's story sheds light on the complexity of human relationships and the delicate balance between empathy and vigilance. Despite his deeply rooted belief in the goodness of others, he has learned that it is necessary to navigate through life with a certain degree of caution and realism, especially in situations where his kindness and openness might be exploited.
Though he has experienced disappointments time and again and has been deceived by those who betrayed his trust, Uncle Mike has not completely lost his faith in the goodness of others. Instead, he has learned from his experiences and armed himself with a greater awareness of human nature and the potential pitfalls of trust.
This harsh lesson has taught Uncle Mike that caution and realism are warranted in human interactions. While it is important to approach others with openness and kindness, it is also crucial to be aware of the possibility of deceit and abuse. It's a balance between maintaining trust and protecting oneself from potential harm.
His openness and honesty are not shortcomings but rather a reflection of his sincere character and his pursuit of a world where kindness and integrity prevail.
Despite the challenges and disappointments Uncle Mike has faced due to his gullibility, he continues to cling to his sincere belief in humanity. Even after being deceived, he refuses to become embittered and continues to welcome others with open arms. It is precisely this quality that inspires those around him and encourages them to also strive for goodness.
Uncle Mike's kindness and openness create an atmosphere of trust and connection, making people feel supported in his presence.
Though he is sometimes hurt by those who abuse his kindness, Uncle Mike is not deterred by this. On the contrary, he continues to believe that his positive attitude and kind character can make a difference in the world, even if it means being disappointed at times.
Through his experiences, Uncle Mike continues to grow and evolve as a person. He learns from his mistakes but never loses his faith in the good. His resilience and determination to hold onto his principles make him a true source of inspiration for others, and his story reminds us that kindness and honesty are always worth it, even in a world where deceit and deception abound.
As the second youngest child of an Indo family with five boys and one girl, born from a mix of Indo and Dutch backgrounds, he experienced his early years amidst the exotic scents and sounds of his homeland, Indonesia.
However, in the 1960s, an abrupt change occurred when the family, driven by a maze of political and economic developments, traded their roots for a new life in the Netherlands. They settled in a peaceful village in Drenthe, a world away from the bustling streets of Surabaya. Here began a new chapter for Uncle Mike and his family, characterized by the challenges of integration into a completely different society.
While his brothers and sister found their way in the new land, Uncle Mike seemed to struggle with a series of setbacks that continued to haunt him, like a dark cloud that refused to dissipate. Nevertheless, he was not discouraged and resiliently fought against the current of life, driven by an inner strength that smoldered deep within.
Uncle Mike's life was a symphony of contrasts - a interplay of joy and sorrow, hope and disappointment. But amidst all the ups and downs, he remained a source of inspiration for those who knew him, a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance, regardless of the obstacles that came his way.
The story takes a darker turn when we delve into Uncle Mike's family dynamics. His father, a veteran of the Royal Dutch East Indies Army (KNIL), carried the scars of his service with him, both visible and invisible. However, behind the facade of military discipline, lurked a dark side characterized by a tendency towards physical violence. This dark shadow cast a veil over the family, overshadowing moments of joy with fear and pain.
During that time, Uncle Mike's family situation was not exceptional; it was a troubling reflection of a broader phenomenon. It is widely known that a significant number of KNIL soldiers followed similar patterns, abusing their wives and children as supposed consequences of the traumas they endured in Japanese internment camps in Indonesia.
However, it is important to note that this behavior cannot simply be attributed to war traumas alone. While the horrors of war undoubtedly left deep scars on many individuals, other factors, such as societal norms and the erosion of traditional family structures, likely contributed to the prevalence of domestic violence within these communities.
Furthermore, the loss of employment exacerbated the already tense familial dynamics further. When these soldiers returned from the war, they were confronted not only with psychological wounds but also with the harsh reality of unemployment. The sudden loss of status and financial stability placed immense pressure on familial relationships, often resulting in a cycle of frustration and aggression.
This tragic reality underscores the profound and multifaceted impact of war on individuals and families. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to address the complex interplay of trauma, societal expectations, and economic hardships. By acknowledging and understanding these underlying factors, we can work towards creating a more compassionate and supportive environment for those affected, promoting healing and resilience in the face of adversity.
Uncle Mike and his siblings lived, like many others, in constant tension, never knowing when their father's anger would ignite. These unpredictable outbursts hung like a dark cloud over their daily lives, forcing them to always be on guard, even in the most mundane situations. Their home, once intended as a refuge, felt like a stifling arena where fear and uncertainty took center stage.
Minor transgressions could escalate into violent outbursts, leaving the children both physically and emotionally scarred. Their mother, a gentle soul worn down by years of enduring her husband's wrath, felt powerless to protect her children from the storm of abuse raging within their home. She too faced her husband's aggression, her own pain and suffering adding another layer of complexity to the family's tumultuous existence.
Uncle Mike's parents were devout believers, and they adhered to strict rules where the children had to bow to their parents' will every Sunday. In the household, the daily ritual of prayer was an obligation, with the children taking turns to pray before meals.
However, Uncle Mike felt uncomfortable with this. At the young age of ten, he already found the prayer to be a ludicrous spectacle. This feeling of discomfort was amplified by the contradiction he saw within his own family. Especially the way his father, when angry, used blasphemous words such as 'goddamned' confused him.
The idea that his father cursed God when things didn't go well made Uncle Mike doubt the sincerity of the faith. It seemed difficult for him to take faith seriously when even the most devout believers could easily set it aside in moments of frustration.
Among the children, Mike distinguished himself as the one who dared to express his opinion honestly, which, however, often confronted him with his father's anger more than his brothers, who rewarded his blunt words with blows to his head, often using a wooden spoon.
Despite these harsh punishments, Uncle Mike remained true to himself and did not keep quiet when he had something to say, even if it was not always warmly received. He was the only one who almost daily absorbed the blows from his father, as a sort of prize for his unrestrained honesty.
Despite such setbacks, Uncle Mike's childhood became a battleground where innocence clashed with brutality, and love was often overshadowed by fear.
The children grew up under the authority of a father figure who always used his belt and a wooden spoon as disciplinary measures, which had a profound impact on their childhood. This disciplinary approach created an atmosphere of fear and obedience within the family, with the children constantly on guard for possible punishments.
The belt and the wooden spoon were not only used as physical punishments but also symbolized the power and control of the father figure over the family. The children learned early on to show obedience and respect, out of fear of the consequences of disobedience.
The scope of these disciplinary measures extended far beyond the physical punishments themselves. They influenced the emotional development of the children and shaped their perception of authority and power. Memories of the belt and the wooden spoon would linger long after the children had grown up, affecting their relationships and self-esteem.
While the mother justified her husband's behavior by pointing to his past as a soldier in the KNIL and his experiences in a Japanese internment camp in Indonesia, where he had suffered severe trauma.
This background, however traumatic, was cited as an explanation for his violent behavior. Unfortunately, this meant that Uncle Mike did not have a happy childhood; he was burdened with both his father's trauma and the physical and emotional consequences of the domestic situation in which he grew up.
The impact of his father's disciplinary measures, where the belt and the wooden spoon served as symbols of authority and control, was profound and enduring. This form of upbringing left deep scars, both physically and emotionally, which Uncle Mike would carry with him throughout his life.
The trauma of his childhood was like a heavy burden constantly weighing on Uncle Mike's shoulders. It not only influenced his behavior but also his emotional well-being and his ability to build healthy relationships. The fear and uncertainty he had experienced as a child continued to haunt him and color his view of the world and his interactions with others.
Despite his efforts to leave his past behind, the trauma of his childhood remained a persistent challenge in Uncle Mike's life. He constantly struggled with his own emotions and relationships, and it took him a lot of effort to find a sense of peace and happiness.
It is important to acknowledge that the trauma of his childhood was not just a personal issue but also a consequence of broader social and cultural factors. By understanding this, we can show empathy and understanding for Uncle Mike's situation and strive for a world where no one has to suffer from the consequences of traumatic experiences from the past.
At the age of ten, during his transition to the Dutch school system, he struggled to find his place. The home situation, for a child of his age, was severe and hindered his ability to concentrate well on his schoolwork.
Despite these obstacles, he managed to pass the exam just in time to move on to the MULO. He faced significant challenges, and it took him a lot of effort to stay focused.
Uncle Mike harbored no love for conflict and abhorred war, but he did harbor a deep desire to become a ballet dancer or an artist. Unfortunately, this passion was not supported by his father, who instead wanted his son to join the military and choose a technical profession.
Uncle Mike's dream of becoming a ballet dancer or pursuing a career in the arts was often suppressed by the expectations and demands of his father.
Uncle Mike's father envisioned a different future for his son, one that fit within his own ideas of success and stability.
This clash of dreams and expectations created inner conflicts for Uncle Mike, who struggled with the pressure to meet his family's expectations and follow the desires of his own heart. The lack of support for his artistic ambitions caused a sense of alienation and misunderstanding, complicating his quest for self-realization.
His father did not approve of Uncle Mike's career choice because he did not want a "sissy" in the house, as he put it, and almost literally dragged him to the town hall to enroll him as a conscript. Despite Uncle Mike's desire to forge his own path, he was forced to participate in military service. Although he did not pass the medical examination due to his height, he was still deployed as a reservist, which allowed him to participate in training only once a year. This experience demonstrated the confrontation between his own desires and his father's expectations, and how his freedom was restricted by external factors beyond his control.
His brothers also had to comply, some of whom eventually did choose technical professions. The pressure from the father to pursue traditional careers was not directed at just one son but was imposed on his other four sons as well. Some of them felt compelled to meet these expectations and chose technical careers, while they might have wanted to follow their own path but succumbed to family pressure. This dynamic within the family illustrates the power of social expectations and the difficulties associated with pursuing individual passions in an environment that values traditional values highly.
The arguments at home were unbearable, and even the mother expressed herself negatively. Her heart was torn between her love for her son and the pressure to meet her husband's expectations. She often tried to mediate between father and son, but her efforts seemed futile against her husband's rigid beliefs. The tensions in the family sometimes reached a boiling point, with emotional outbursts and harsh words becoming the norm.
Despite her efforts to maintain peace, the mother felt trapped between her loyalty to her family and her desire for harmony. She dreamed that her son would eventually find his way and find happiness, but at the same time, she feared the rupture his departure would cause. Her inner struggle reflected the divisiveness and conflicts that tore the family apart, leaving her in an emotional dilemma between her love for her son and the pressure of family ties.
After Uncle Mike graduated from the MULO, he cut off all contact with his parents at the age of 18 and left the parental home, determined to find his own happiness.
From that moment on, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, wandering through Europe for three years, often hitchhiking from one place to another. His journey took him to countries such as Spain, France, England, Germany, Yugoslavia, Ukraine, and Poland. He slept wherever he could, whether it was on the streets, in the bushes, in parks on a bench, in a haystack, or with friends he met along the way. To finance his travels and food, he took on all kinds of work, from temporary jobs to seasonal work.
Despite the challenges and conflicts Uncle Mike faced in his life, it is important to emphasize that he never smoked and never chose the path of theft or surrendered to drug use.
Uncle Mike held steadfast to his principles and integrity, even in difficult times. Despite any temptations he may have encountered, he remained steadfast and refused to succumb to illegal or immoral actions.
His decision not to steal and to refrain from drug use speaks volumes about his inner strength and determination to stay on the right path. It demonstrates that, despite the obstacles he faced, he always remained true to his values and morals. This trait of honesty and self-control is an integral part of Uncle Mike's character and contributes to his integrity and respect within the community. It shows that even in the toughest times, there is always room for goodness and the strength to do what is right.
"Furthermore, despite setbacks, he has always preferred organic food. He doesn't wash his clothes with soap because he finds soap harmful to the environment. Everything must be organic for him, or he won't engage with it. His dedication to a sustainable lifestyle extends beyond just food and clothing; he also advocates for environmentally friendly practices in other aspects of his life. For instance, he avoids the use of plastic and opts for reusable alternatives, and he utilizes sustainable energy sources in his home. For him, preserving the planet is a core value that influences his daily choices."Bovenkant formulier
Uncle Mike's journey through Europe marked a significant phase in his life, during which he sought his own path and followed his own course, detached from family ties and social conventions.
During his three years of wandering, he not only discovered the diversity of cultures and landscapes but also new aspects of himself. He faced challenges that forced him to step out of his comfort zone and grow as a person. Each country, encounter, and moment added a new chapter to his journey of self-discovery, and slowly but surely, he began to understand who he truly was and what he wanted to achieve in life.
Throughout this time, he consciously avoided contact with his family back home, and they did not miss him either. For him, this was a time of freedom, where he could find himself beyond the constraints of his parental home and the expectations of others. He felt the burden of the social expectations of his family fall away and discovered a sense of liberation and autonomy.
Every moment of his journey gave him the opportunity to grow, learn, and follow his own path, free from the pressure of family ties and the predetermined norms he had left behind. It was a period of personal transformation and inner growth, during which he could discover himself and shape his own identity independent of external influences.
After three years of wandering, he returned to his parental home but was greeted by a silence as pervasive as the absence of questions or any signs of missing him. No one seemed to have noticed his departure, and no one seemed to care about his return. He completely ignored his father, but he did engage in conversations with his mother. However, even she did not ask any questions or show signs of concern that one would normally expect from a mother.
It was evident that he harbored deep resentment towards his father, especially because he had repeatedly been the victim of his father's physical and mental abuses as a child. These traumatic experiences had left deep scars.
He could not understand why his father, who had suffered so much himself, had to vent his anger and frustration on his own children. The images of his mother being abused by his father during his childhood were etched like scars in his memory.
He vividly remembered how his mother often lay helpless and injured on the kitchen floor after another gruesome outburst of violence. These traumatic events had a lasting impact on him and his brothers, and they cast a dark shadow that was always present in his thoughts and feelings.
During that time, domestic violence was unfortunately considered very normal in the Netherlands. In general, no one seemed to care about the screams of children when they were beaten to the point of bleeding by their father. It was a time when people did not meddle in other people's affairs. And those who could not stand the wailing of the children put earplugs in their ears.
But well... By now, Uncle Mike had been living in his parental home for six months. One day, he took the initiative to work in the construction sector in Germany with a friend. This decision marked a turning point in his life, leaving the comfort zone of home to explore new opportunities elsewhere.
He found work in construction through an intermediary and stayed in Germany for four years, earning a good income. This period not only provided him with financial stability but also the opportunity to develop new skills and broaden his horizons.
Through his frugality and determination, he managed to save money, with the goal of buying a farm and focusing on breeding and selling chickens and ducks for consumption. This was his dream, his pursuit of independence and a life beyond the confines of his tumultuous past.
Ultimately, Uncle Mike made the decision to return to the Netherlands, where he could rent a house and start working at the fish company, Kalkman, which was then located near the harbor in Den Helder. His task was filleting fish, a job that paid well. He worked there for three years until the company went bankrupt and he, along with his colleagues, were laid off. Despite this setback, Uncle Mike didn't let it discourage him.
With his passion for cooking and love for Indonesian cuisine, taking over the eatery in Alkmaar was a natural choice for him. He renamed it "Warung Mike," which means "Mike's eatery" in Indonesian, and began his culinary adventure.
With his authentic recipes and skill in the kitchen, Uncle Mike quickly built a loyal customer base. People came from far and wide to enjoy his tasty dishes such as bami, nasi goreng, lapis, satay, rendang, and more. Each dish was prepared with fresh ingredients and a touch of homemade spice blends that made his dishes unique.
“Warung-Mike” became a popular gathering spot where people came not only for the delicious food but also for the warm and welcoming atmosphere Uncle Mike created. His perseverance and dedication to quality were evident in every dish he served, making his eatery an essential part of the culinary scene in Alkmaar.
He worked entirely independently, without staff. Everything, from cooking to taking orders, he did alone, but only for takeaway meals. This step marked a new chapter in his life, where he demonstrated his independence and entrepreneurial spirit, despite the setbacks he had experienced. Unfortunately, after two years, Warung Mike proved to be unprofitable.
Uncle Mike had to invest more money than he earned, ultimately resulting in losses. This was a tough blow for him, but it didn't stop him from continuing and seeking new opportunities.
He decided to sell his Warung. After completing the sale, Uncle Mike decided to return to Germany to work in construction again, as it earned considerably more than his eatery in Alkmaar. His job in construction mainly involved waste disposal since he had no experience in other tasks. Once again, he stayed in Germany, this time in a hotel with other workers, and went home every three months.
Uncle Mike quickly adapted to his new environment and working conditions. Although the construction work was physically demanding, he saw it as an opportunity to become financially stable and secure his future. He worked hard and seized every opportunity to learn new skills and improve himself.
Despite the challenges of living in another country and working in a demanding sector, Uncle Mike maintained his positive attitude and determination. He realized that every experience, no matter how difficult, enriched him and helped him grow as a person.