Bounty: A Tropical Story

[Tamijo 2,036]

June 2054

Minister of internal affairs Alejandro Pérez (Green Revolution) died 73 years old. The former truck driver rose to the top of politics in 2030, becoming party leader after the death of Julia Muñoz. Mr. Pérez was appointed Environment and Nature Minister by President Dr. Carla Robinson in 2040 and signed the “Zero Emission Act” as leader of Bounty’s 2044 delegation to COP89 in Delhi. Three years later he pulled Green Revolution out of the government, due to President Carla Bruno’s removal of tax on fuel and cars. After the 2050 election Green Revolution and Alejandro Pérez was back in government now as Minister of internal affairs, a position he held until his death. Mr. Pérez most remarkable political achievements was his proposal to recreate North District as a rural area, reforestation of North Jungle Nature Reserve and the renaming of Main Bounty Island and Bounty City. Alejandro Pérez will be replaced by former senior project manager at Jørgen Jensen Agricultural Park, 69 years old Myrthe Sullivan. A bit controversial, that Green Revolution should be led by a member of the Sullivan Oil Dynasty, but she has never been part of the company.  

Anaconda Group member Jacob Robinson’s portrait of Alejandro Pérez from February 2054, commissioned by the parliament, currently hanging in the president’s office.

 

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

July 2054

The burial of dead people has become an issue, as there is no more room at the graveyards of the few churches. The government have funded the construction of a community graveyards, where the rich and famous can buy a place in a beautiful Mausoleum and the commoners can get a cheap grave in the underground chambers. The building is quite spectacular, located just across the street from Saint Mary’s Cathedral and with the location of Alejandro Pérez’s ornamented sarcophagus, immediately caught the interest of cultural tourism, marketed as Mausoleum and Catacombs of Ruiz City.

[Tamijo 2,036]

Aitana and Emilia Sánchez, August 2054

Aitana Sánchez was born in in her parent’s apartment on South Cepero Road, Lucia Village, January 1989, the daughter of Shana and Lucas Sullivan. In 2002 her father bought a bar and an old three-story apartment building at Cepero Main Waterfront, where she spent her teenage years. Aitana graduated from President Williams in 2007 after which she left her parent’s home to live with a girlfriend, in a small apartment at the bottom floor of Plateau Tower. Aitana got pregnant, she married Rafael Sánchez and got a son Ben, in April 2010. At the time they lived in her small apartment on Banana Road, mountain village. In February 2014 the family was extended with a daughter Zoe, but she died in 2016. The family moved to a country house at Old Banana Road. In 2022 they had another daughter Emilia. Aitana started painting in the late 2020’s, establishing herself as a respected painter and author. Known for her surreal paintings and historical novels. In 2053 she became a member of Cepero Literature Society. After Emilia left the family home in 2042, Aitana and Rafael sold the old-fashioned country house, and moved to a large apartment in the heart of Cattle Road Residential Area, today surrounded by Cattle Road Palm Forest. 

The apartment in Cattle Road Residential Area

Emilia Sánchez was educated from President Smirnov’s School, in 2042 she got a good job at HIQUEA Ltd furniture factory and soon left her parents, moving into a beautiful house at Inland Sea Waterfront, owned by her lover, professional surfer Carlos Morales. In 2051 Emilia lost her job and had a longer period of unemployment before she got hired by R. Johnson WorkWear. The couple still lives in the house at Inland Sea Waterfront. 

Emilia drives a Japanese Pick Up Truck

 

[TheMurderousCricket 5,107]

2 hours ago, Tamijo said:

Emilia drives a Japanese Pick Up Truck

She's got a nice car. 

[Tamijo 2,036]

Yes  

[Tamijo 2,036]

September 2054

Some independent rightwing media has accused TV1 of one-sided propagandistic news reporting in favor of The Workers Front. Receiving public funds, station leader Thorsten Wagner, absolutely deny that this should be the case. Rumors are that he is seen with influential members of the party and are possibly receiving some form of bribe or favor. There is no indication that he himself is particularly left-wing.

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

October 2054

The first Cielo Hotel opened in Cepero City, March 2030. Since then, it has become a chain, opening hotels in Charlotte Amalie at Virgin Islands and Fort-de-France at Martinique. Now a second hotel have been constructed on Bounty Islands, located in Presidente Jakub District, Ruiz City. The chain is currently managed by 62 years old Corinna Schneider, working her way up from a simple receptionist.

 

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

November 2054

For the first time, the population of Bounty Islands reached above 2000 people. As of the 1.st of November precisely 2009. 141 babies and toddlers, 199 children and teenagers, 1559 adults and 110 elderly.

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

Vera Sullivan, December 2054

Vera Sullivan was born July 2022, in her parent’s apartment, at the northern edge of Lucia Village, just across the street from Cepero Theater on South Cepero Road. The daughter of Cristina and Ronnie Sullivan. Granddaughter of Dolores Sullivan and Alexandre Martin and 1st heir to Sullivan Oil. Soon the family moved south to Plain Hamlet, closer to the oil operation, where her little brother was born in 2028. Vera started her education at President Williams School. In 2030 the family moved to South Jungle Tower. After the retirement of her grandmother in early 2036, her farther became the chairman of the oil company. Later the same year Vera graduated from President Williams. In the summer of 2044, after traveling the world for a year with a girlfriend, Vera got her own apartment at Plantation Road in Cattle Road District. Working as a waitress at the nearby Hotel America Burger, but already in late 2045 she joined the board of Sullivan oil and began to work in the family business. She started dating, two years younger Mariano Vázquez. The relationship brought fruit and Vera gave birth to their son Mike in August 2046. In December 2048 Vera Sullivan, was elected new member of Council of the Districts, representing the Oli & Mining Industry Association. Vera bought a large mansion in Cattle Road East, living with her son and the nanny Sandra. She was still dating the father but they did not live together. The mansion became a bit to large for the family and she rented out the northern part of the building to her friend and colleague, council member Thomas Thomas and his wife Aurora. Mike has started his education at President Smirnov’s School.  

Vera entering the Mansion. It is Thomas’ daughter Carmen behind her.

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

January 2055

Short 2054 Report from State Statistics Department:

Top 3 Industrial Export: Electronics 37.394 coins, Firearms 29.970 coins, Jewelry 21.353 coins

Top 3 Raw Export: Meat 17.734 coins, Sugar 16.856 coins, Fish 13.807 coins.

Tourist Industry: Accommodation 46.602 coins, Other Tourist Consumption: 21.286 coins

Yearly balance: 37.572 coins.

Births Rate: 2,79%. Immigration Rate: 0,60%. Death Rate 2,49%. Emigration Rate: 0,10 %. Disappeared: 0,00%

Unemployed: 4,19%, Job Vacancy 0,47%, Homeless: 1,39%

This year, it will be 100 years since famous painter Andreas Wolf and his wife Mafalda Wolf, lost their third and last child Beatriz, just 4 years old. According to art historians, having a huge impact on the family. His wife went through a years long depression and it had a decisive influence on Andreas artwork. Changing his style from the early impressionistic period known from paintings like "Trees on a Hill Crest", to the more expressionistic style he used in most of his later paintings. Many believe the death of Beatriz, was a direct inspiration behind “Light and Movement“. The painting probably from the late 1950’s, although it was never exhibited during his lifetime and may well have been painted some years later.

“Light and Movement“ approx. 1960, Oil on canvas 54x78 cm, Museo de Arte Moderno, Ruiz City

  

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

January 2055

The widow of former Chinese community leader Yǔháng Zhào (August 1983 - August 2052), Zǐ hán Zhōu, died from a stroke, 65 years old, while sitting in her office at restaurant 豬肉菠蘿 (Zhūròu Bōluó). The two daughters Min T'ien and Xiang Zhōu will continue the restaurant with the help of Mins husband, Chinese chef Míngzé T'ien. 

Min T'ien buying local ingredients at a plantation in North District.

 

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

Just to say I did not disappear without notice, but I can't find motivation to continue the story. Maybe it has just fulfilled its purpose. 

[TheMurderousCricket 5,107]

Whenever you're ready.

[Tamijo 2,036]

March 2055

A strike at Leone Bay Cheese’s goat farm in North District, resulted in the company not being able to produce its important “Blue Goat”. Officially, the issues were a question of salary. But the rumor is that the Loyal to Familia organization was behind the strike. Maybe trying to take back the control they once had in the northern areas. Likely asking local farmers and industries for “protection money”. Minister of Security Juan Ruiz, mentioned in a press release: “We intend to strengthen police visibility in North District”. Without mentioning neither Loyal to Familia nor the strike at Bay Cheese’s goat farm. 

The Goat Farm

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

Cristobal Sullivan and Chiara Benítez, May 2055

Now 62 years old Cristobal Sullivan was born December 1992, at South Cepero Road, Lucia Village. The only son out of Shana and Lucas Sullivan’s three children. As a child he spent his time playing with his friends in the tobacco fields or jungle, near the apartment at South Jungle tower. Later his father bought the Waterfront Bar and the family moved to Cepero Main Waterfront, where he spend his teenage years.  He left his family in 2010, moving in with Chiara, an 8th year older, but good-looking Italian immigrant. Chiara had two miscarriages, and they never got any children. Back then especially Chiara was drinking quite heavily, working as a waitress at Pub D'Angelo.  Later they both worked at D'Angelo Fright, moving into the small apartment at D’Angelo Sea Beach, Harbor Residential Area, where they still live. Today Chiara is no longer working and sadly she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, receiving chemotherapy at Cepero Hospital. She is now back at the bottles, trying to calm her nerves. Christobal still works at D'Angelo Fright, South Depot.

 Chiara Benítez at Pub D'Angelo

 

[TheMurderousCricket 5,107]

5 hours ago, Tamijo said:

Now 62 years old Cristobal Sullivan was born December 1992, at South Cepero Road, Lucia Village.

I sometimes find it unbelievable that University guys were actually born after 2000! I mean, how is this possible at all? Am I too old or are they too new in this world? 

[Tamijo 2,036]

6 hours ago, TheMurderousCricket said:

I sometimes find it unbelievable that University guys were actually born after 2000! I mean, how is this possible at all? Am I too old or are they too new in this world? 

I definitely know that feeling. Not to mention how young mothers sometimes look, these days.

[Tamijo 2,036]

Editorial: Most likely noone noticed the mistage on the pub signboard - never the less I fixed it, not to leave any deliberate mistakes. 

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

Editorial Posts

Art History of Bounty Islands (II):

Golden Era

 New readers and other who would like an update on the first part of the Art History, can find the post here.

The golden era of Bounty Islands art if usually considered to be between 1949, where Andreas Wolf finished this first painting and until he committed suicide in his studio in 1989, shortly after this bellowed wife died. Off course other painter also worked during that long period, some even exhibited at Museo de Arte Moderno in Ruiz City, but Wolf’s creative force outshines them all and here we will focus on him exclusively.

 “The mansion of Dr. Sofia Pellegrini”

Oli on Canvas, 251 x 127 cm

Autumn 1986, Museo de Arte Moderno

Andreas Wolf was born at 1924 in Austria, son of Heinrich and Hanna Wolf of Jewish origin. The family fled to Sweden in 1935 and moved on to Bounty Island in 1937 to get even further away from the Nazi regime. At some point in the early 1940 he met Mafalda Brissi, in 1944 she got pregnant, they married and got their daughter Cristina. At some point in the late 1940’s, Andreas started hanging out in the “Cultural House”, just next door to their apartment. His first two known works "Trees on a Hill Crest" and “Café del Teatro” was made in this careless period, prior to the death of their daughter in 1950.

"Trees on a Hill Crest"

Oli on Canvas, 125 x 81,2 cm

Early 1949, Museo de Arte Moderno, Bounty City

“Café del Teatro”

Ink and water color on paper 25 x 45 cm

Late 1949, Museo de Arte Moderno, Bounty City

Between 1950 and 1955 the family lost 3 children and Mafalda Wolf went through a long period of depression. Andreas Wolf continued to work at the Cultural House, but his paintings in this period lack some the artistic value, we would see from the 70’s, until his death. It is unclear if it was the situation in his family or his devotion to sculpturing, that prevented him from making master piece paintings in the 50’sand 60’s. His most interesting work from the period is without doubt the relative small “Light and Movement“.

“Light and Movement“

Oil on canvas 54x78 cm

Approx. 1960, Museo de Arte Moderno, Ruiz City

In the early 70’s came Andreas Wolf’s huge commercial breakthrough, most notably the record hammer price on his “The Houses on Donkey Curve”, sold to Bounty Cigar's Limited in September 1972.

“The Houses on Donkey Curve”

Oil on canvas 162x114 cm (reframed 2018)

1972, Private Collection

From 1964 onwards, Andreas Wolf had been working on a monumental sculptural project in East Bounty Jungle, in February 1975 the artwork was reveled to the public, at first it was received with mixed feelings, today seen as one of his most important works and famous all around the world. 

“Faces of Power”

1975, 15 sculptures, carved in stone. Up to 9 meters tall and 75 ton

Mafalda Wolf had now almost fully recovered from her depression, the couple had bought a large, demonstratively cheap looking building next to Saint Mary’s church. Not only their home, but also Andreas’ studio and gallery. This was to become the center of the 70’s and 80’s intellectual community. The couple without a doubt the most celebrated intellectual couple in what is now Ruiz City. Their home, a place anyone liked to hang out. A painting of the house called “Red Louvre” marks another highlight in his production. 

“Red Louvre”

Oil on canvas 241x150 cm

1977, Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires.

Two paintings from 1980 are amongst the best from his last decade. The painting of President Juan Pérez, commissioned by the Parliament after his death the same year. And the painting of his brother’s partner Nerea Serrano. The highlight from his late period though, is the portrait of his wife Mafalda and "The mansion of Dr. Sofia Pellegrini" shown above, both from 1986.

“President Juan Pérez”

Oil on canvas 202x190 cm

1980, Parliament Building

 

“Nerea”

Oil on canvas 55x46 cm

1980, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen, Denmark.

“Mafalda”

Oil on canvas 80x73 cm

1986, Private Collection, Robert Johnson Foundation

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

June 2055

Seemingly there is an internal struggle, within the ranks of secondary leaders, inside Loyal to Familia. A few days ago, a local gang leader called Red Eye Jesse, of the organization’s Cattle Road branch, was assassinated at the street in broad daylight. Jesse was just 48 years old, leaving behind wife and two teenagers.

[Tamijo 2,036]

July 2055

The new North District Police Station, will be led by former senior investigator, bounty native Mrs. Pérez. Pérez is married to Iron miner Antonio. Also, her son Carlos a police officer, stationed at Sugar Road Police Station. Mrs. Pérez's pride and joy is her 15 years old granddaughter Carla. In lag of better housing, the police chief and her family, moved into an apartment at Banana Road, right after her promotion.

Chief of North District Police, 58 years old Mrs. Pérez.

[Tamijo 2,036]

August 2055

A minor earthquake shook a limited area of the North District's West Jungle, close to the foot of the West Mountain Chain. No one was hurt, but a piece of R.J. Road was totally destroyed. The new hill that appeared in the jungle, was officially named Seismic Hill, but in the Chinese population, it was called Hou Tu, the spirit of the earth. It immediately became a site of worship amongst the people of Chinatown and the monks from Chunping Temple. 

Seismic Hill or Hou Tu

[Tamijo 2,036]

Labiba Najjar Vázquez family, September 2055

Labiba was born Labiba Al Najjar in August 1999. The daughter of Naasir Al Najjar and Yasmin Al Najjar, born Ahmed. Her first sibling Vajid, died as just a child in 2005, but she got another little brother Farooq in 2012. She met her husband Manuel Vázquez back in 2019, and they have lived together since, although they married quite late  in 2037, after 18 years together. Labiba got pregnant for the first time in 2027, but they lost their child to the terrible child diseases, Isabella Drosophila Febris. Today the couple got two sons, 16 years old Alami and 15 years old Azmi. Since 2038 the family has lived in a large apartment on the fashionable southwest side of Cattle Road. In reason years becoming even more attractive with the creation of Cattle Road Palm Forest. Today, Labiba have become a senior manager at Torres Family’s leather workshop and has become the main provider in the family. Manuel Vázquez is a truck driver, also a rather well-paid job, if you have no formal education. Labiba lost her farther in 2048 and her mother in 2052. The loss of their parents has resulted in her coming closer to her brother Farooq, after many years where they haven’t seen each other, more than what was strictly necessary. 

Alami on this was home from President Smirnov’s School

[Tamijo 2,036]

November 2055

Jingyi Wǔ, the husband of Counsil member and unofficial leader of Chinatown and the Asian community Xiu Wǔ, died 72 years old. Jingyi Wǔ was born in Haining City, China. Coming from a prominent leather producing family, he was involved with leather production from early childhood. But when his older brother inherited the family business in 2041, he chose to look for possibilities elsewhere and found that R. Johnson Leather was looking for a manager on an international job advertisement website. He got the job and kept it until he retired in 2053. He soon met Xiu Wǔ and they fell in love instantly.   

Jingyi Wǔ outside the apartment in Inner City Complex, Cattle Road District.

[Tamijo 2,036]

January 2056

Short 2055 Report from State Statistics Department:

Top 3 Industrial Export: Fashion 17.346 coins, Cigars 17.308 coins, Electronics 17.053 coins.

Top 3 Raw Export: Meat 17.053 coins, Tobacco 7.705 coins, Coffee 5.426 coins.

Tourist Industry: Accommodation 58.711 coins, Other Tourist Consumption: 17.320 coins

Yearly balance: -20.808 coins.

Births Rate: 2,60%. Immigration Rate: 0,89%. Death Rate 2,51%. Emigration Rate: 0,05 %. Disappeared: 0,00%

Unemployed: 3,40%, Job Vacancy 0,31%, Homeless: 1,01%

This year, it will be 100 years since Bounty Islands got its first public parking house. Cars began to come to the Islands in the 1940’s. In 1956 it was time to reduce the number of cars parked in the streets. The building was located at Cepero Main, a rather strange location, at this point not that many people lived at Cepero Island. Never the less the parking house survived for 71 years, until Cepero Main Water Front was completely demolished in 2027, to make room for architect Mrs. Battaglia ambitious new design of the area. It was to be replaced by the current parking house at the corner of North Town Road ans Sergio Road, located southeast of the original building. 

The old parking house at Cepero Main

 

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

Stephen Sullivan, January 2056

Stephen Sullivan was born August 2028, at South Cepero Road, across the street from Cepero Theater. The son of oil millionaire Ronnie Sullivan and his wife Dr. Cristina Sullivan. In 2030 the family moved to a large apartment in South Jungle Tower, where Stephen spend his childhood and teenage years, with his parents and 6 year older sister Vera. Stephen was a clever child and finished his 2^nd level education from Presidents Willians School in 1941, just 13 years old. Despite his parents hope and dreams, Stephen was not interested in a university education. He moved out from his parent’s apartment in 2051. Getting some money from his father, he rented an apartment in Fenna Tower, Presidente Jakub District. He took some small jobs when necessary, but focused most his time of on sailing, surfing and other kinds of water sports. In 1953 he got a small apartment, with balcony at Fisherman’s Road. Close to his beloved Yate Club, where he spent most of his time, if not at the water. Steven had many girls, but never the same girlfriend over a longer period of time.

Stephen Sullivan, after visiting his parents, at the apartment on top of Sulivan Oil Headquarters.

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

February 2056

The partner of Cristobal Sullivan, Chiara Benítez died 72 years old. Chiara Benítez was born in Somma Vesuviana, a town and in the Metropolitan area of Naples, Italy. After her quite wealthy father died in 1993, her mother moved to Bounty, with then 9 years old Chiara , looking for a good party, strong men, and a lot of sun. Growing older Chiara joined the party. After a life in the fast lane her mother died just 47 years old in 2007. Chiara continued the party at the beaches, bars and nightclubs, but little by little daddy’s money ran out. She relocated to cheaper accommodation at D'Angelo Village. Where she met Cristobal Sullivan at the local Pub in 2010. It turned into a partnership that was although sometimes stormy and chaotic, also filled with a lot of tenderness and love. Chiara was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2053. In late December, Cristobal found her lying unconscious in the kitchen, coming home from work. She was admitted to La Casa Nuestra Señora Hospital, but never regained consciousness.

 The funeral took place at Iglesia Nuestra Señora. 

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

March 2056

China town’s López Construction was contracted by the Finance Ministry, to clean up after the August earthquake in North District's West Jungle. The destroyed part of R.J. Road was removed and the new Hou Tu Road, now connects HIQUEA’s woodcutting camp with West Jungle Road.

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

April 2056

Visit Bounty’s annual newsletter, published by professor in media relations Karsten Schumacher, was just released. This year’s top story was about Coffee Shop Tropico:

Miss Serrano's wonderful coffe and good advise was legendary, she is gone, but the shop is stronger than ever.   

Tourist office and coffee shop “Tropico” opened next to tourist resort Hotel & Hütten Mutter Gaia back in September 1995. Created by now deceased Miss Serrano. It was an instant success, with a yearly turnover off close to 1000 coins. If you only count income coming from tourists, it is today the highest earning business at Bounty Islands, apart from hotels and other accommodation. With a yearly turnover of 4.794 coins. Which is more than 50% higher that Hotel Mutters yearly turnover. Its always full, often with a long queue, outside the door. 

A picture of Miss Serrano, entering the shop (January 1999)

 

[Tamijo 2,036]

May 2056

American John Robinson, educated at the American Academy of Interior Design in Los Angeles, came to Bounty to open a design studio, mainly with focus on modern furniture and kitchen designs. He bought a pricey piece of land at New Village Road, in the heart of Cepero City and contracted the building project to architect Natlia Battaglia of Bonner Construction. Daughter of famous Mrs. Battaglia, who was behind the redesign of Cepero Waterfront Area.  

The Studio