Chiang Rai - Karen Tribal Village

I have read quite a bit about these people and seen them being featured in TV. Indeed to be able to see them in person was an occasion not to be missed in Chiang Rai. However, to some, taking a tour to see these people could be controversial as some liken it to visiting a human zoo.

These long neck people in fact belong to a sub-group of the Karen called the Padaung. They are born with normal neck. It is the weight of the brass rings added around the neck over the years that pushes the collar bones and ribs downwards that creates this long neck illusion.

There are many stories about why these women chose to wear brass rings around their necks in the beginning. One such story is that women being slower runners, they place thick brass rings around their necks to protect their lives in case they are caught up by chasing tigers which bite the necks for the kill.

These days, the Thai government has relocated these people to specific locations and created communities almost solely to meet the interest of tourists. I could see many of these people including younger generations willingly embracing this culture. Whether it is because of monetary benefit or out the desire to sustain this culture, there is really no one single satisfactory answer! Each probably complements the another and vice versa!

At the entrance to the village, all tourists have to pass through a "gate" guarded by two wooden sculptures with the male and female sexual organs explicitly amplified. We were told that the gate is meant to ward off any evil spirit from entering the village. Somehow, it is more an expression of the tribal fertility than anything else!

Each family is given a hut to showcase their handicrafts.

Besides the long neck tribe, there is also the big ears tribe.

Chiang Mai - Tour Agents & Politics

After hearing favourable comments from friends about trips to Chiang Mai, we decided to organize one just before Chinese New Year 2014.

This time, we decided to do it differently. First we purchased our air tickets online, pre-booked the hotels. Then for the local tour, we searched through the internet to look for a good local tour agent. After comparing prices, we decided to go for "Chiang Mai Marvel Travel" run by one chap called Dave. The good thing about him was that he was receptive to our requirement and responded to our email within two hours after we sent it out. His efficiency impressed me.

For four of us, we were given the exclusive use of an 8-seat van, a driver and an English speaking tour guide. We were picked up the minute we landed at Chiang Mai Airport and were picked up from our hotel and sent back to board the departing flight at the final day of our trip. Overall. we were satisfied with the service of this tour agent. However, a word of caution, this tour agent tends to be pro-red rather than pro-yellow in the on-going political tussle between the two major groups in Bangkok. Places promoted by the pro-royalist tour agents are likely to be avoided by this tour agent. Instead, tourists are more likely led to attractions that would contribute to the well being of  the rural masses.

We spent two nights at Chiang Rai and two nights at Chiang Mai. At Chiang Rai, we stayed at Nak Nakara Hotel which is situated near to Chiang Rai Airport. Walking Street and Night Bazaar are all within walking distance. The hotel setting particularly the central courtyard reminded me of Barahineban hostel Paul once stayed in the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Nak Nakara Hotel

Barahineban, University of Newcastle, Australia.

Communication

Our recent marriage enrichment course indicates that the major marital problem confronting married couples is the lack of or inadequate communication.

I love this photo because it captures the essence of constant engagement in communication. Parents communicate with their children, old generation engages with the young generation, different faiths engage in dialogue with one another. This is the way forward for mutual respect and understanding.

Ariel Sharon 1928 - 2014

 

A man who was acclaimed for his brilliance in military strategy and political skill. Equally, he was reviled for the many unpopular deeds done particularly to the non Jews.

 

He was a leader who dared to make decisions, be they right or wrong - a hallmark of a great leader.

 

" I was born on a farm. My strength has nothing to do with political apparatus. I get my strength from nature, from flowers"

 

"We extend our hand towards peace. Our people are committed to peace. We know that peace entails painful compromise for both sides"

 

" I don't think I have accomplished what I still have to accomplish. There is one thing that I would like to do, and that's to bring security and peace to the Jewish people".

Indulgence in Must - Eat Items in KK

For some of the adults who come back to KK from overseas, one of the things they would like to do is to indulge in the Must-Eat items in KK. They know well that it may take some time before the taste buds are pampered again.

With the limited time, we managed to scout around KK and tasted practically all the major items on the Must-Eat list publicized in the internet: Sabah Sea Food, Tuaran Fried Mee, Sinsuran Sang Nyuk Mian, Kuo Min's Fish Noodle, Tenom Fried Mee, Roast Pork Kon Lau Mian of Ping Ping, Braised Fish of Tung Fung, Ikan Panggang, Jia Sian Ngiu Chap, Dim Sum, Foo Yuen's Soft Boiled Eggs & Roti Kahwin.........

I hope Meng How was a satisfied man by the time he left KK for Perth.

Nathan's Moment with Yehyeh

Yehyeh: Nathan, come inside because it's hot outside!

Nathan: No!

Yehyeh: Come inside and drink some water!

Nathan: No!

Nathan's Moment

Grace with her Grandparents

With Gung gung

With Popo

With Nainai

Nathan Turned 3

That was the second birthday celebration Nathan had in Sabah. Nathan officially turned 3 on 25 Dec 2013.

Nathan has grown so much since his last birthday celebration also at the same place.

"Hooray! Hooray", the birthday boy shouted after the birthday song was sung.

Transitioning from 2013 to 2014

Taman Khidmat is aging slowly but surely. Since the initial families moved into this housing estate some 25 years ago, it has gone through many phases: the most obvious is that young school going kids in these homes have grown up and gone overseas for further studies. Most chose to stay behind or chose to work in another overseas country rather than return to Sabah.

 

No doubt, Taman Khidmat is a nice place to stay because of its quiet environment, One can hardly hear any cry of baby or occasional yells of adolescent- a clear sign of aging! In fact, I did not even notice the crowing of my neighbour's roster could be so annoying until it caused havoc to the sleep of Serene's family. They were awaken many mornings as early as 4.30am!

 

Whether it was because of divine intervention or the pre-dawn baby cry or the occasional murmuring from us against this nuisance, the crowing somehow finally ended. We could only assume that this poor chicken had been slaughtered or sent away.

 

The family reunion started with the arrival of Serene, Nathan and Grace at KKIA on 16 December 2013.

 

My in-laws Johnny Yau and Alice from KL also flew in to join the reunion.

 

Paul also took a break from work and flew from Singapore to spend a couple of days with us during Christmas.

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For Nathan, we tried our best to visit interesting places to capture nice memories that are meant to last a life time!

 

At the Musical Fountain at Perdana Park, Tanjung Aru.

 

At Gaya Street, one Sunday morning.

At Lok Kawi Wild Life Park.

 

At Tanjung Aru Beach.

 

At the swimming pool of Kinabalu Golf Club, Tanjung Aru.

At the distribution of the Christmas gifts.

Football in the rain, Taman Khidmat.