Spring has truly arrived in Canberra: sudden warmth and blossoms galore. The warm weather makes me feel so much better.
As always, if you’re enjoying Solidaritas, paid subscriptions are available for US$5/month or much much cheaper at US$40/year. Have a lovely weekend!
-Kate
Read
Australia’s Christmas Island is closer to Indonesia than mainland Australia. The island is best known in both countries for being first a destination then second a detention centre for asylum seekers trying to reach Australia. I found this look at Christmas Island’s surprising diversity (most residents have Indonesian, Malay or Chinese heritage) really fascinating.
I love tempe! Read about the US soybean farmers exporting soybeans to Indonesia to make tempe.
Researchers now believe Australia’s first case of HIV/AIDS occurred in 1981. An eye-opening look at how the illness emerged in Australia and how baffling it was to doctors and patients alike.
People who have never encountered mutual aid before are now experiencing it - both as givers and receivers - during the pandemic. How an anarchist concept became reality across the world.
This piece by an American teacher in Sichuan province on how China controlled the coronavirus is one of the best articles I’ve read in weeks.
Finally, H&M has cut ties with its Chinese supplier over accusations of forced labour in the country’s Xinjiang region.
Watch and listen
Two young Australians have launched court cases suing the government on climate change.
This is very, very niche content but this video of a guy unclogging the drains of a flooded street was incredibly satisfying.
I can’t stop giggling about this Jurassic Park song. It’s Jurassic Park / it’s a massive park / what could possibly go wrong?
Eat
I’m going to make gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa) for dessert tonight and I’m planning on making the ‘real deal’ rather than using sweetened condensed milk as a shortcut. I have been reading this in-depth look at gajar ka halwa in preparation.