Solo keris for comment.

A. G. Maisey · 14th July 2016, 11:33 PM

Yes, Cornelis de Houtman did visit Bali in 1597. By all accounts it was a disaster of a voyage, however, although a disaster, it is also considered by many to be the beginning of the Dutch colonisation of The Indies.

I suppose it is possible that Francis Drake may have visited Bali in 1597, but if so, in spirit only. He died of dysentery in 1596.

Prior to your post Gustav, I doubt that I had ever heard of Valentyn, or of the Encyclopedia Metropolitana, but I did read Bawlf, and am aware of the criticism that his work drew from many people --- but not from me:- accepted in the spirit of Gavin Menzies, or even Erich von Danniken, "Secret Voyage" is entertaining reading.

14th July 2016, 11:33 PM	#22
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,991	Yes, Cornelis de Houtman did visit Bali in 1597. By all accounts it was a disaster of a voyage, however, although a disaster, it is also considered by many to be the beginning of the Dutch colonisation of The Indies. I suppose it is possible that Francis Drake may have visited Bali in 1597, but if so, in spirit only. He died of dysentery in 1596. Prior to your post Gustav, I doubt that I had ever heard of Valentyn, or of the Encyclopedia Metropolitana, but I did read Bawlf, and am aware of the criticism that his work drew from many people --- but not from me:- accepted in the spirit of Gavin Menzies, or even Erich von Danniken, "Secret Voyage" is entertaining reading.