November 2018
N o w o n l i n e a t : w w w. i s s u u . c o m / n n r t h a n i t a l k
Thani Talk NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH
Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
NNR Bazaar: Nov. 8 Fundraiser Helps Charities Pages 6-8
Cover Story: Charity Team Supports Outreach Pages 9-14
People: Pascale Kervyn Dedicated Volunteer Page 40-41
Travel: Trekking in India Pages 28-29 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by: September 2018
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NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing Thani Talk, a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies, as well as by hosting the NNR Annual Charity Bazaar. Additionally, NNR hosts monthly socials and organizes monthly tours. There are no membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.
Connect with NNR
facebook.com/nnrthailand
issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
Unofficialnichada.com
Thani Talk Ad Rates 1 page
19x28 cm.
3600 baht
1/2 page
19x14 cm.
2160 baht
1/4 page
9x14 cm.
1200 baht
• • • •
Rates per issue; discount for 8 and 4 month contracts Based on space availability Deadline for all ads is the 10th of each month Contact nnradverts@gmail.com for more information
DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee.
NNR BOARD 2018-2019 Chairperson
Henrietta Bullinger
NNRThaiChair@gmail.com
Vice Chairperson
Sally Elliott
sallyelliott@me.com
Treasurer
Sandra Wilson
nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com
Activity/Tour Coordinators
Pascale Kervyn Maida Muslic-Kovar
nnrtour@gmail.com
NNR Socials
Chantal Bremner
nnrsocial@gmail.com
Charity & Volunteer Coordinators
Liz Garrigan Imogen Lee
nnrcharity@gmail.com
Advertising Director
Ginny Condra
Thani Talk News Team
Liz Lu (Editor) See below for Thani Talk Team
nnrnews@gmail.com
Distribution Coordinators
Birgit Sund
nnrttdist@gmail.com
Communications Director
Kiki O’Connor
nnrcommunications@gmail. com
095-247-5692 nnradverts@gmail.com
Thani Talk Team: Advertising Director and Proofreader (Ginny Condra), Graphics Consultant (Bill Fear), Restaurant Reviewers (John Marinos, Vara Sumetanon, Barb Lewis), Grapevine Tips Coordinator (Susan Yates), Distribution Coordinator ( Birgit Sund). 2 November 2018 T h a n i Ta l k
Letter from NNR’s Chairperson Come Support NNR’s Annual Charity Bazaar on November 8! Dear Friends, November is the month of the Annual NNR Charity Bazaar. It is our main fundraiser of the year and a great way to do some holiday shopping as well as directly support the local charities that NNR works with. For the second year now, you can also support the disadvantaged by becoming a FAMILY and FRIENDS sponsor of our Bazaar. Just contact Sally Elliott, our amazing Bazaar coordinator and NNR vice chair, or me for details (contact info on page 2). All the money raised goes directly to good causes here in Pakkred -- orphans, the disabled and homeless, children rescued from human trafficking, and our neighborhood’s wonderful free library. At the November 8th NNR Bazaar, we will have 74 independent vendors selling artisanal food products, jewelry, leather goods, crafts, spa products, photographs, clothes, cards etc... Plus fresh food made to order and a wonderful NNR cafe! Please join us on Thursday November 8th in helping to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Henrietta Bullinger NNR Chairperson
Inside This Issue NNR Social
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach
A volunteer group serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994 Calendar of Events
Letter from NNR’s Chairperson NNR Tour NNR Charity Bazaar November 8 Cover Story: Charities Heard It Through the Grapevine Fitness & Activities Calendar of Events: November Nonthaburi & Beyond Travel: Trekking in India Community News: PEOPLE Restaurant Review
3 5 6 9 20 22 23 23 28 34 40 49
Nov. 8: NNR Charity Bazaar, p. 4 Nov. 9: NNR Klong Tour, p. 5 Nov. 10: ThaiCraft Fair, p. 17 Nov. 22: Thanksgiving in USA Nov. 23: Loy Krathong (Thai floating lantern festival) Nov. 29: Open House Baan Shakti, p. 34
Full Calendar listing on p. 23
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach November 2018
Cover photo by Piercarlo Abate “Tea Vendor” Photo taken in Pathum Thani, Thailand
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NNR Tour
Explore Old Bangkok Ride a Klong Boat, Climb the Golden Mount, Discover Alms Bowls NNR’s November tour will take us to a charming part of the old Bangkok, travelling the old fashioned way and avoiding the traffic. We will explore Bangkok by klong boat and on foot. We will start our tour by taking a commuter boat on one of the few remaining klongs traversing Bangkok East-West (that particular route is used by up to 65,000 commuters daily). This route will offer us a contrast from the capital skyscrapers and will show us the back of more modest houses, as well as a glimpse into people’s houses and shops: cooking pots, drying laundry and flowers await at every turn. We will disembark and climb the steps of the Golden Mount. The temple (Wat Saket) was built even before Bangkok became the capital, although there have been several alterations through the ages. The constant music of bells and clanging of gongs will accompany us at the top (more than 300 steps!) where a breathtaking 360 degree view of Bangkok is truly inspirational. Next we will walk the alleyways of Baan Bat, the last of the three communities in Bangkok established by Rama I, where alms bowls are made by hand. Monks carry the bowls each morning to collect the alms from the faithful. You will be able to buy beautiful steel and copper bowls if you wish. We will finish with a light self-paid lunch along the way. Your NNR tour coordinators, Pascale Kervyn Maida Muslic-Kovar
When: Friday, November 9, 2018 Where: Meet at Chevron Theater at 8am Cost: 350 THB per person To sign up: Email nnrtour@gmail.com Hurry - Space is limited to 12 participants! November 2018
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NNR Charity Bazaar November 8
NNR Charity Bazaar 74 Fabulous Vendors!
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November 2018
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach
NNR Grants to Local Charities
Made Possible by NNR Bazaar, Ads, Sponsorships & Donations Baan Kredtrakan Home for Girls (I-Care Foundation) Special food for Christmas and New Year, Volleyball net and stand, school supplies Baan Poomwaet Home for Boys (I-Care Foundation) Equipment for barber training initiative, Stationary supplies, socks, eggs and milk, vitamin C Bumble Bee Free Library Ceiling air conditioner for new venue CCD Anti-mosquito sprayer, electrical digital cooking ring Portable speaker, water filter machine, New music instruments for therapy sessions Home for the Destitute Adult diapers, disinfectant cleaners, fruits Home for Hope Medical supplies, diapers and baby wipes 1Step2Step TB skin test kits, medical milk, olive oil Sailom Project Transport for monthly day trips Thanksgiving Home Supplies for second hand shop (cash machine, barcode scanner), Golf cart replacement engine November 2018
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NNR Charity Bazaar November 8
Sponsor a Family & Friends Donation 10,000 Baht to Improve the Lives of Others Feeling Privileged? Feeling Blessed? Aware that others are less fortunate and want to help as the Christmas/Holiday Season approaches? We have a wonderful opportunity for you! Something to gift to your loved ones, or to simply make a REAL difference. As a part of our Annual Charity Bazaar, the NNR is again inviting “Family & Friends”sponsors. Family and Friends Sponsorships will support NNR’s 10 charities NNR grants improve the lives of orphans, children rescued from sex trafficking, the destitute, the disabled, street women and their children, amongst others. We would love your help! We, who have so much, can MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE with a 10,000 baht donation. We will acknowledge your gift and your family on the day of our Bazaar (November 8th) and also in the December issue of Thani Talk magazine to say a HUGE THANK YOU! To donate, please contact our Treasurer, Sandra Wilson at nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com
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Cover Story: Charities
What NNR Charity Coordinators Do … And How You Can Help
Dynamic Duo: NNR’s hard-working Charity Cooordinators Liz Garrigan (left) and Imogen Lee (right) make sure donations of cash, in-kind gifts, and volunteer power are all put to good use. They can be reached at: nnrcharity@gmail.com. Imogen Lee and I represent Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach’s charity arm, organizing and approaching our work with the local charities we support as if it’s a threelegged stool. We are essentially the link between the Nichada community and these amazing organizations that help the disabled and needy, and our support for them manifests in three ways: Funding. Three times a year, we ask our charities to send us wish lists of what they need and the approximate costs of those needs, and we ask them to outline those for us in order of priority. Our job is to consider all the wish lists, and the funding we have on hand, and to recommend to our full board what we’d like to see supported and why. NNR raises money throughout the year from our annual NNR Bazaar—on Nov. 8 this month—and from individual donors and sponsors. Please consider a donation to NNR. Every single penny goes back the charities, because we are all volunteers and have no overhead costs. Collection of in-kind donations. At any given moment, our carports and guest rooms are home to printers, laptops, Radio Flyer wagons, extra bikes, backpacks, bags of yarn, and almost any other household good you can think of. When people would like to part with possessions and see them support those less fortunate, they can and should feel free to get in touch with us to make arrangements for collection. At that point, we match the donations with our charities, November 2018
sometimes placing a couch or chair or rug directly with a charity for its use and other times giving the donation to a charity that has a second-hand store to support its mission. And in still other cases, with the permission of the donor, we pass along clothes or shoes or other wares to our friends at the White Elephant, the amazing thrift store at Oasis Mall whose proceeds help many of the same groups NNR is proud to support. Please note that we’re only interested in items that still have useful life left and that don’t require elaborate repair. Our charities are busy, and we are all volunteers, so if you have a legless ping pong table or a bicycle without wheels, we will graciously decline. Otherwise, if you have something to donate, please email us at nnrcharity@gmail.com, and we’ll do our best to make sure it is appropriately placed. Organizing volunteers. Whether it’s helping ISB offer service opportunities for its teachers and staff or offering ideas to the Boy Scouts for a pack charity project, we are here to help dispatch resources to the need. Some of our charities have regular outings for which they need volunteers, while others welcome occasional cooking or music workshops for their residents. If someone wants to help, there is almost always a way for us to guide them. Please consider helping in one of the above ways. Imogen and I and our charities thank you in advance.
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Cover Story: Charities
NNR Charity Team Awards Grants
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach
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Cover Story: Charities
NNR grants are funded by its Annual Charity Bazaar, Thani Talk advertising, corporate and Friends and Family sponsorships, raffle sales, as well as cash donations. The generous support of the entire community makes it possible for NNR to donate goods and equipment to 10 local charities. NNR grants have included barbershop equipment and chairs for the Baan Poomwaet Home for Boys, adult diapers for the local homeless shelter, school desks for the Kredtrakan Home for Girls, air conditioner and scholarships for Bumble Bee Free Library, kitchen equipment for Thanksgiving Home, computers for the Home of Hope, etc. Please continue to support NNR, our community’s volunteer group supporting local charities since 1994. For more information, please contact NNR Charity Coordinators Imogen Lee and Liz Garrigan at: nnrcharity@gmail.com November 2018
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Cover Story: Charities
NNR Charity Team Matches Volunteers with Charities
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November 2018
Cover Story: Charities
If you’d like to give back to the community by donating your time to help others, NNR’s Charity Team will be happy to introduce you to one of the 10 charities supported by NNR. Charity Coordinators Imogen Lee and Liz Garrigan stay in close touch with all of the local charity groups who need volunteers for a variety of work, such as teaching, chaperoning, painting, etc. To volunteer, contact Imogen and Liz at: nnrcharity@gmail.com November 2018
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Cover Story: Charities
NNR Charity Team Delivers In-Kind Donations
Thanks to the incredible generosity of neighbors in our community, NNR receives a steady stream of donated furniture and equipment, all of which the NNR Charity team forwards to charities and non-profits that can best use them. From kitchen appliances to furniture to bicycles and car seats, just to name a few, NNR Charity Coordinators Liz Garrigan and Imogen Lee handle them all. The value of in-kind donations to NNR have totalled more than 1 million baht during the past calendar year. If you would like to find a new home for your pre-loved household items, please contact Liz or Imogen at: nnrcharity@gmail.com 14
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Heard It Through the Grapevine
Heard It Through the Grapevine
This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips that are helpful to others. If you have tips to share, please send them to Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com.
Scream Food: Catering and Deliveries
LINE ID: @screamfood Facebook Page: Scream Food https://www.facebook.com/screamfood/
Scream Food comes from two mommies who have passion for cooking homemade food and baking with premium quality. The witch logo came from a husband who called them “a witch” because they seemed to know everything he was doing or thinking. Both mommies took it as a compliment and made it into their logo today. I had them organize a small party at my place a couple of times. They delivered tasty, yummy foods without a single doubt!!! If you want to spoil yourself with a sweet…OMG their pavlova is a must with crisp crust and soft inside. Why don’t you simply sit back, relax and enjoy good food or bakery delivered to your door. They can also do dinner packages, catering services for a special event or bakery pre-order. Apple Richter
White Elephant: Book and DVD Section is Bibliophiles’ Dream! You’ve probably heard of the White Elephant thrift shop, which supports many in our neighborhood and farther afield, but if you haven’t stopped by the shop you are missing out on a great selection of books and DVDs! Perfect for the avid reader who is always looking for their next read, there is a good selection of all the heavy hitters and bestsellers. There are mystery, fantasy, romance and historical fiction genres to name just a few. A particularly robust Young Adult section is worth a look too. There are kids books and a great selection of DVDs including lots of TV series for some binge watching. With the holidays coming up, it’s worth the short trip. Make a left at the main Nichada gate, and a left at the McDonalds and it’s on the 2nd floor of the Oasis shopping plaza! And- If you are not able to get to the shop, the White Elephant will be at ISB selling books on Saturday, November 10th from 9am-2pm during Swimfest and Thai Craft Sale. See you there! Mary Kocis 20
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Bangkok River Boat Cruise Aboard the BuaKao
See photos from recent cruises at Instagram River Rover Siam, https://www. instagram.com/ riverroversiam/
Interested in a fun local adventure for families or groups of friends? The words of boat co-owners Charlie & Captain Kao describe it best: “Explore the Chao Praya & klongs with the riverboat BuaKao. Deep in the maze of amazing khlongs, see wildlife, temples, monks, swimmers, flowers, vivid color and texture of Thai klong life. The main river is also full of visual treasures & lasting experiences. A mighty river loaded with Asian history, so very much to discover. Capacity 10 people inclusive of cooler with bottled water and cool towels. Bring food & drinks as you wish. 1500 baht per hour, 2 hour minimum. Popular meeting points are the Millenium Hilton and Sathorn Pier or call to arrange pick up place.” (Tel: 086-031-8803) I’ve taken my parents on the BuaKao ((Thai for white lotus) on a klong tour and my son recently had a fun birthday cruise with friends! Ginny Condra
Stitch Those Cleats & Runners Back Up Shoe Repair Kiosk
I’m not sure if it’s the humid Thai weather that’s causing the soles of my running shoes and cleats to split and fall off, but I seem to go through a lot of exercise shoes here in Thailand. Luckily, at most shopping centers there are little kiosks that not only make keys, but also offer shoe repair services. Recently I took my Asics running shoes and Nike cleats, both with soles that were about to fall off, to the shoe repair kiosk on the 1st floor of Ratthanathibet Mall November 2018 Thani
(near the MRT’s Yaek Nonthaburi 1 station). The staff stitched my running shoes for 300 baht and my cleats for 350 baht, per pair. There’s also the option of stitching only half of the sole for a lower price. Instead of spending thousands of baht for new shoes at the department store, I was able to revive my existing ones at a bargain. Liz Lu
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Fitness & Activities Community FitnessNeighborhood & Activities Listings Nichada
Yoga & Fitness Classes Community Fitness & Activities Listings Alignment Based Yoga with Napisa Kundalini Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga with PanZen PanZen, 097-227-6999 panzenyoga@hotmail.com http://panzenyoga.wix.com/panzen
Napisa Pant, 086-975-7187 napisapant.yoga@gmail.com FB: yogawithnapisa
Ashtanga Yoga with Marie Marie Massard, 098-882-8990 marie.massard@gmail.com Class fees donated to BBFL.
Underdog Wellness Fitness Classes (UW) Yoga, Booty Barre, Mat & Reformer Pilates Stacy Klob, scklobhome@icloud.com FB: Underdog Wellness
Iyengar Yoga Juan Bodan, 081-285-3050 Monday
Weekly Schedule Wednesday
Tuesday
Iyengar Yoga Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 7:50-9:20 Napisa Restorative Kundalini Yoga Beginners 8:45-10:15 Mixed level 9:30-11:00 Napisa Evening Yoga Underdog Wellness 5:00-6:15 pm 9:30 Booty Barre 10:30 Yoga Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45
Kundalini Yoga All Levels 7:45-9:15 Napisa Alignment Flow 7:45-9:15 Level 2 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Underdog Wellness 9:30 Yin Yoga Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45
Kerstin Wilde, 086-372-9750 kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com www.yoga-of-awareness.com Private classes available
Das PowerHaus Pilates + TRX Reformer, mat with props, TRX Joanna Brittingham, 089-846-6610 joanna.brittingham@gmail.com FB: @daspowerhausnichada
Thursday
Friday
Iyengar Yoga Kundalini Yoga All Levels 7:50-9:15 7:45-9:15 Underdog Wellness Napisa Alignment Flow 9:30 Mat Pilates 7:45-9:00 Beg-Level 1 Ashtanga Yoga PanZen Iyengar Yoga 3:45-4:45 7:50-9:20 Napisa Teen Yoga Ashtanga Yoga Marie 5:00-6:00 pm 9:30-11:00 **Sunday** Ashtanga Yoga Marie 7:30-9:00
Meditation Learn TM (Transcendental Meditation) Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation. Â Contact Ellie: eedelhoff@hotmail.com www.TM.org www.DavidLynchFoundation.org
Meditation - Dynamic & Vipassana Meditation Monday 9:00-10:30, Terrace Residence/Nichada Thani Teaching, meditation and Q&A Marie Massard, 098-882-8990 (What’s App & Line) marie.massard@gmail.com
Dance Bollywood Dance Suitable for all levels! Wed & Thurs 9:30-10:30 Afternoon Classes: Tues or Wed 5:00-6:00 Contact Irit: 086-004-4840 iritmike@gmail.com Zumba Chaengwattana Community Church Mon, Wed & Friday FB: Zumba Nichada Thani Class fee donated to charity!
Sport Masters Swimming - Nichada Pool, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 Contact: Kerstin Wild, kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com Biking - Meet at Sichaitong gate! Weekday rides Mon & Wed at 7:30 am. Contact: Henrietta Bullinger, hbullinger@gmail.com. Weekends at 7:00 am. Contact: Chris Oglesby, caoglesby@hotmail.com Tennis with Coach Sagi - Nichada tennis courts Contact: Sagi Luft, 092-271-2110, sagiluft@hotmail.com
Tutorials World English - Oral English & composition instruction, 30 yrs exp Deborah Funthorn, BA, MFA, TESL, 083-055-9785, debhata@yahoo.com Piano Lessons - Exp. professional from Westover School in Connecticut capricio310@gmail.com, 091-878-6283
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Nonthaburi & Beyond
Nonthaburi & Beyond
House & Garden Fair (Baan Lae Suan Fair) An annual exhibition of quality home decor products. Through Nov. 4, at Impact Center, Muang Thong Thani, Challenger Halls 1-3. Time: 9:30am-9pm.
Bee Hive Fun Fest Bee Hive shopping complex celebrates 4th anniversary. Muang Thong Thani. Nov. 1-2 (5pm-10pm), Nov. 3-4 (12 noon-10pm)
Calendar of Events
The month of November is turning out to be such a busy time for our community that Thani Talk brings you an expanded version of our Calendar of Events (typically on page 3). Check out the many charity and holiday sales, fundraisers, grand openings, and other celebrations. November 2018
Through Dec.: Mon Voyage Christmas Sale, p. 39 Nov 2-4: Siam Fusion Clearance Sale, p. 35 Nov. 4: Grand Opening, Bumble Bee Free Library at new location, p. 35 Nov. 4: Comedy Den, p. 18 Nov. 8: NNR Charity Bazaar, p.4 Nov. 9: NNR Klong Tour, p. 5 Nov. 10: ThaiCraft Fair at ISB, p. 17 Nov. 21-24: Holiday Sale (Sop Moei Arts, Paul’s Antiques, Shaman Boards), p. 31 Nov. 22: Thanksgiving in USA Nov. 22: Loy Krathong Festival at Nichada Club Poolside, p. 32 Nov. 23: Loy Krathong (Thai floating lantern festival) Nov. 29: Open House Baan Shakti, p. 34 Nov. 30: Comedy Den, p. 18 Dec. 1: Christmas Craft & Splash at Harrow International School, p. 19
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Yoga of Awareness Kerstin Wild
Kundalini Yoga is a tool to support your life to live it in a mindful and conscious way by doing Pranayama (breath) exercises, Kundalini Sets and Meditations as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Classes: Tuesdays: 9:30-11:00 am Wednesdays: 7:45-9:15 am Fridays: 7:45-9:15 am Cost: per class THB 450.00 10-times-ticket THB 4,000.00 (valid 6 months)
first class
THB 300.00
Private classes are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and are available on request, THB 1,500.00. Please register with me. Certified KY Teacher Level 1, Level 2 and Radiant Child
Classes will be held in Danicha Condo 39/289 till Baan Shakti is ready by mid/end November
Baan Shakti 163 Nathakorn Park
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Buy 1 Suit Get T1h aComplimentary Shirt 25 n i Ta l k
November 2018
ISB International School Bangkok
Upcoming events at ISB A list of upcoming sports, music, cultural and educational events at ISB that are open to the public.
Sign up today for the ISB Black & Gold Ball Buy Your Ticket Here
PHOTO
Middle School/High School Fall Dance Production Chevron Theater | 07 Nov
An outstanding dance compilation by our talented Middle School and High School Dancers
Thai Craft Fair Rajendar Hall | 10 Nov | 9am-1pm Get your local crafts right here at ISB.
www.isb.ac.th
Thani Talk Nov-Dec2.indd All Pages
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NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2018
Spirit Night Main Field | 23 Nov
A host of sports on the go, tons of vendors and large crowds. Spirit Night has an awesome atmosphere and is a great night out for families!
High School Musical Chevron Theater | 22-24 Nov
What show are the High School bringing to life this year? Join us to find out!
ISB International School Bangkok
Elementary, Middle and High School Strings Bash Culture Center Theater | 29 Nov | 6:30pm
All of our strings musicians from across the school come together for this exceptional concert
December 2018
Amorn Group Kids Triathlon International School Bangkok | 05 Dec
The Amorn Group Kids Triathlon will be a great 20th annual ISB multi-sport (swim, bike, run) event on the morning of Wednesday, December 5 – Father’s Day public holiday. Please make sure this event is on your calendar and register here: www.gotorace.com
ISB Black&Gold Ball Renaissance Bangkok Hotel | 07 Dec
Enjoy a delicious 4 course dinner, exceptional entertainment, and an opportunity for parents, staff, and alumni to socialize and raise funds for 2 worthy causes.
High School Artists on the plaza Internatinal School Bangkok | 13 Dec
Join our Arts Council and top artists for a great selection of music in the open air
www.isb.ac.th
November 2018
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Travel: Trekking in India
Ladakh, India Sightseeing and Trekking in “Little Tibet” narrow road, interrupted by the occasional construction or landslide and a full Indian Army truck convoy. We climbed for several hours, finally reaching the pass, the “Khardung La” at 5,545 meters (18,258 feet) which bills itself as the “highest motorable road in the world”. Onwards from the pass, we drove downwards towards the Nubra Valley, stopping at the Diskit gompa, a 14th century Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a huge and ornate Buddha statue overlooking this picturesque valley. After touring the monastery, we headed west towards the village of Hunder and its surprising camels and sand dunes. The Nubra Valley once was a key access along the Silk Road, connecting Tibet and China with the Middle East, and the trade across this vast landscape was carried by Bactrim camels. These camels were released and became feral once the trade route was abandoned, only to be domesticated again and utilized to carry tourists across the local dune field.
During the last twelve months we’ve spent months trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas. Recently we ventured into India for a trek in Ladakh, India’s most northern region. Known as “little Tibet”, Ladakh is renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, arid high mountain vistas. Leh, the region’s capital, sits at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) and one can experience altitude sickness, so staying super-hydrated is essential to wellness. We spent our first two days sightseeing several of the monasteries in the Leh Valley. Feeling acclimatized, we ventured out on a 5-day car trip into some of the further reaches of Ladakh; the Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. Our road trip began on a cloudless, blue-sky day. After stashing our camping stuff at our hotel, we boarded our rental vehicle and headed out…and up; first on a winding paved road overlooking the valley, which then gave way to a dusty 28
The second portion of our road trip was to Pangong Lake, a couple of days away, where we meditated at the Samstanling monastery in Sumur while listening to the sonorous chanting of the yellow-hatted monks. Afterwards we drove for several hours to the village of Tangtse and stopped for the evening before proceeding on to the lake the following morning. Pangong Lake is a large lake (134 km long) that lies on the India/ China border. It is renowned for its birdlife and views, although we found the marmots the most entertaining. The final portion of our trip was the highlight, a 9-day camping trek through the Markha Valley. We opted for the slower and longer version of this trek
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Travel
6,400 meter peak kept watch over us for the last two days of our journey. Its rugged and snow-covered crest reminded us that the Himalayan winter was nearing. A week to 10-day tour of this remote part of Asia is a good respite from the heat and humidity of Bangkok. We took our young children there many years ago during the Songkran break.
snowbirdhimalayaadventures.com
Chris Oglesby and Ellie Edelhoff
but it did require climbing two high passes, the Kanda La (4,870 m) on the second day and the Gangmaru La (5,130 m) on the eighth day. Our group consisted of a guide, a cook, a camp boy and a horseman (along with his 7 steeds). Each day we walked 6-8 hours and afterwards settled into our tent for a well-earned night’s sleep. The Markha Valley is arid which allows for the spectacular scenery and geology to be seen up close. As geologists, we were both awed by the rock outcrops, mostly standing on end, which resulted from the dramatic uplift of the Himalayas. Kang Yatse, a November 2018
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SERVING CHILDREN AGES
Magic Years International School provides a challenging program that balances the body, mind and soul, understanding that they are of equal importance to nurture each individual as a lifelong learner.
IB WORLD SCHOOL SINCE
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0-11 YEARS
2012
GOLF CART MINUTE DISTANCE FROM NICHADA THANI
FREE PICK-UP FROM NICHADA THANI 0-2156-6222 OFFICE@MAGICYEARS.AC.TH
FACEBOOK/MYISONLINE | INSTAGRAM/MAGICYEARS | TWITTER : @MYISONLINE
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Community News:
Baan Shakti
A Retreat Inside Nichada
Open House Baan Shakti
39/163 Nathakorn Park
November 29, 2018
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Kerstin Wild
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Yoga-of-Awareness.c om
10:00 - 14:00
Please join NNR as we welcome and open this house to the community. Baan Shakti, founded by Kerstin Wild, is a place to meet, have coffee and tea and enjoy some German baking. It is intended to be a community center offering different workshops and events including Kerstin Wild’s yoga classes. For more information, please contact Chantal Bremner at nnrsocial@gmail. com
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Community News:
Play Wine Survivor! Deadline: Nov. 15th
Welcome to this NNR Fundraiser called Wine Survivor! Wine Survivor is a reverse-draw game. The object is to stay in the game with luck, immunities and alliances to go as far as you can, and win lots and lots of wine! How to Play Purchase a ticket for 300 THB plus provide one bottle of wine valued between 500-700 THB. For an entry fee of 900 THB total, we can purchase a bottle of wine on your behalf if you’d like. Enter by Nov. 15, 2018. Your entry fee will count as one entry and go towards our fundraiser in support NNR Charities. The bottle of wine will go towards the prize collection. The Game: Every Friday, starting Nov. 16, 2018, there will be a draw of 5-10 names (could be more depending on how many people we have in total to start with) out of the pot. If your name is drawn you are OUT. The last draw will be held on Friday, Dec. 16, 2018, when the three lucky winners will be revealed! The last three players standing win the wine! FIRST place winner (last name drawn) gets 1/2 of the bottles of wine collected while the SECOND and THIRD place winners get 1/4 of the bottles of wine each. The more people participating in Wine Survivor means more wine to be won, so be sure to share the event with your friends! Increase your chances in the true Survivor spirit: a) By forming an Alliance. As long as a person in your Alliance is the final survivor, your Alliance splits the bottles of wine to take home (you figure out how to share the wine). To form an alliance, once all participants are confirmed, come up with an alliance team, name it and register it with the Game Administrator by Nov. 15, 2018. Everyone in the alliance will be registered with the same alliance name. b) Using an immunity. If your name is pulled and you are out in an early round, you can add an immunity for 150 THB, which means your name is returned to the pot should it be drawn. A maximum of 3 immunities can be purchased per person in total. Guidelines: 1. You must be 21 years of age and enter with the purchase of an entry ticket. 2. The amount of wine to be won will be determined based on the number of entrants. 3. If your name is drawn, you are OUT of Wine Survivor. It is now time to use an immunity if you’d like. 4. Once all entries are received, a Facebook Event will be created and results will be shared with the Wine Survivor Group. 5. Entry must be received by the Game Administrator by Nov. 15, 2018. Please email/What’s App/Message or call to coordinate or enter via Facebook Event. 6. Alliances must be finalized and received by Nov. 15, 2018. 7. All weekly draws will be completed in front of two witnesses. 8. Game starts November 16 and ends on December 14, 2018. Good Luck! For more info, contact Chantal Bremner, NNR Social Coordinator (Game Administrator) at: NNRSocial@gmail.com. November 2018 35 T h a n i T Tel.: a l k092-929-1470
Community News:
Highlights: NNR October Tour Tattoos, OTOP Crafts & Air Orchid Farm
Tour by NNR Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach Photos by Piercarlo Abate At 8am sharp on October 11, fourteen intrepid NNR members bravely went where few have gone before….. Okay, maybe not, but they did go on a very scenic 1.5 hour bus ride to Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Pathom, approximately 70 km west of Nichada in Pakkred. At the temple, the tattooist in residence happens to be a Buddhist monk, who will adorn you with a life-long visual blessing of your choice in the form of a tattoo (sak yant), which the monk expertly inscribes using a long bamboo ‘pen’ tipped with a sharp metal ‘needle’. Even if tattoo artistry isn’t your thing, then Wat Bang Phra itself is still worth a visit. The Wat was stunningly photogenic against the blue backdrop of the midmorning sky, and a stroll around the external periphery offered interesting and varied sights including a hidden gem in the form of a kind of ‘bonus’ temple, home to a serene Buddha statue radiating light and calm. After a short bus ride, we hopped off at a center selling OTOP products. OTOP (One Tambon One Product) is a government program designed to stimulate entrepreneurship by promoting products made by each of Thailand’s 7,255 tambons (sub-districts). After watching a soap making demonstration, we were led through an Aladdin’s cave of random, strategically displayed second-hand wares which can only be described as a flea market, to the much anticipated soap section. To clarify, OTOP manufactures the beautiful Thai soaps that resemble and smell like fruit. They also sell various creams and gels and powders, a great opportunity to shop for gifts and support a local enterprise. 36 Than
Off on the bus again, and on to Air Orchid Farm, my personal highlight! This place is on an epic scale, and we were given a guided tour and tons of info about the orchid breeding process. What made this place even better was the pleasant, bright and clean café where we had a delicious lunch and a chance to escape the midday heat. I will definitely go back to get my hands on more of their stunning orchids, I’ve already decided that my house needs at least 6 more plants. Great trip, thanks to Pascale and Maida for organising, can’t wait for the next one. Francesca Whitehead
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Bumble Bee Free Library
Grand Opening at New Location on Nov. 4
From Shophouse to House: (Above) The tiny shophouse library. (Right) BBFL’s new home. (Below, lt. to rt.) Packed venues: Story Time; ESL at borrowed sala, driveway, and shophouse library; Adult English class.
An exciting, big move is coming up for Bumble Bee Free Library (BBFL), the neighborhood library located just outside Nichada’s main gate. In the past, we’ve borrowed space at an open-air sala, a Thai neighbor’s house, and even a driveway at Mansions in the Park. On Sunday, Nov. 4, BBFL will be moving from its crammed shophouse space on Soi Prasert Issaram to a new-to-us house opposite Que Pasa restaurant. The grand opening is scheduled for noon to 2pm. Thai and expat neighbors inside and outside the Bubble are all invited to join the celebration. More good news: BBFL’s new neighbor Siam Fusion furniture store is hosting a clearance sale Nov. 2-4 (11am5pm), and the owner will donate part of the proceeds to the library. For more info about the library, please contact: bumblebeefreelibrary@gmail.com. Liz Lu
November 2018
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PEOPLE
Volunteer Pascale Kervyn
Visiting Prisoners and Supporting Quilters
When Pascale Kervyn met Togolese prisoner Patricia for the first time five years ago, the West African woman was serving a life sentence here in Bangkok for transporting drugs into Thailand. Patricia’s circumstances were, and are, particularly brutal, as she is HIV-positive and had given birth to a child in prison two years before. The boy has gone to live in Togo with his grandmother, his travel expenses paid by a Nichada resident then visiting Patricia. As part of a visitation program for foreign inmates, Kervyn was matched with Patricia to provide an ear and friendship to the woman. And five years later, she still goes to Lard Yao Prison for Women, a very short distance from Nichada, to see Patricia about once every other month. “Visits to Patricia can be challenging, but I find that every time I go—and this is why I keep going—I get a real sense of perspective,” Kervyn says. “I mean, I get a sense of, ‘My goodness, what am I complaining about?’ Life is really, really hard for them.” Over time, the number of prison volunteers from Nichada, a group once organized by the Chaengwattana Community Church, has dwindled, Kervyn says, something she’d like to see change. “For awhile it became more complicated to see the prisoners,” she says. “The second thing is that a wave of people who were volunteering left Nichada.” But Kervyn’s loyalty to Patricia, with whom she 40
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speaks her native French—and a second prisoner from the Philippines named Bethlehem, with whom she speaks English—have kept her going. She hopes to recruit some replacement volunteers to take over visitation by the time she leaves Thailand in 2020. Even her daughter, now a university senior, began visiting Bethlehem when she was 16 and continues to see the prisoner when she is in Thailand. “I have very different relationships with the two women,” Kervyn says, adding that Bethlehem is serving over 20 years for drug trafficking. “Bethlehem is an amazing woman, an avid learner. Both of these women turned to the Christian religion once they got into the prison, where they are visited by missionaries who teach them the Bible. They both say their faith sustains them. Bethlehem is a very courageous person who, like Patricia, was very fearful of being judged by me. It took awhile for them to develop trust and talk openly about the drug charges for which they have been judged and condemned with very stiff sentences.” But while the effort is meant to benefit the prisoners, Kervyn says she too is fulfilled by the experience. “These prisoners have become friends. If I was not getting something out of these visits, I would not be back.” In addition to her prison volunteer work, Kervyn is also in her second year serving as NNR’s tour November 2018 i Ta l k
PEOPLE
To learn more or to volunteer for foreign prisoner visitation, please contact Pascale Kervyn at pkervyn@gmail.com. coordinator, organizing monthly trips to interesting places in and around Bangkok. Last month, she and fellow tour coordinator Maida Muslik-Kovar took a group from Nichada to the famous temple Wat Bang Phra, where revered monks give visitors tattoos, and to an orchid farm, among other stops. A native of Belgium, Kervyn has for many years also served as the local manager for Mekong Quilts, a social development project founded in 2001 to create sustainable employment for underprivileged women in remote parts of Vietnam and Cambodia. Proceeds from the handmade goods, sourced from local materials, support not only the women but also “development initiatives such as micro-financing, scholarships, and health, hygiene, and agricultural education programs,� according to the project’s website. Liz Garrigan
November 2018
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Charity News
November 2018
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November 2018
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LakeShore North Condo For Rent The Most Beautiful Kitchen‌ We Have Ever Cooked In (come see the rest of the house)
Lakeshore North 16A THB 85,000 per Month 420 sq. meters (4500 sq. feet) 3 Refrigerators / 2 Kitchen Sinks Cook Top Stove and BBQ Grill Custom German Leicht Kitchen Gaggenau Oven, Steam, & Warmer Available January 1, 2019 Call: 0906 5252 85 johnduran.lambert@icloud.com 48
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November 2018
Restaurant Review
Moon River Restaurant Seafood Specialist by the Chao Phraya River
I had a hankering for grilled seabass one night so my husband and I went hunting for local seafood eateries in Pakkred. Specifically I wanted Thai-styled grilled sea bass -- the type that’s encased in a thick layer of salt and cooked on an open grill until it’s super tender and moist. On our second try we hit the jackpot: Moon River restaurant just across the Phra Nang Klao bridge in Nonthaburi. The riverside restaurant is modern with two airconditioned dining rooms (one with a bar) plus outdoor seating. Due to rain both times that we visited, all diners opted for inside seating, so I never got to see what the evening riverside view would be like. My guess is that when the weather gets better, the outdoor dining area will be breezy and comfortable, and probably perfect for launching your floating laterns on Loy Krathong night (Nov. 23 this year). Moon River’s grilled seabass (pla krapong pao) was listed on a special menu for grilled seafood that also included grilled squid and jumbo shrimp. At 400 baht per fish, the grilled seabass was double the price of what you pay at roadside stalls, but the restaurant’s ambiance made it worth the price, as well as the extra 20 minute cooking time. The sea bass was delicious! To our happy surprise, Moon River also made an excellent somtam (green papaya salad). What made Moon River’s somtam stellar was that instead of the standard dried shrimps, it was served with giant, deveined fresh shrimps. The staff also served it perfectly per our special November 2018
Address: 25/5 Soi Ban Sai Ma, Sai Ma, Nonthaburi, Phone: 081 826 1111 request: no hot peppers at all, but with extra peanuts. At only 85 baht and served with 3 giant shrimps, the somtam was a wonderful bargain. On our second visit, we tried deep fried sea bass and stir-fried salted squid. Unfortunately both were too dry. Another caveat is that the menu offers few vegetables. The only two vegetable choices are stir-fried cabbage (140 baht) and broccoli sauteed with shrimps (180 baht). Desserts were mainly Thai sweets, including grass jelly and sago with cantaloupe, but the drinks menu offered a wide range of selections, from Thai milk tea, to fruit smoothies (lime smoothie was good), to cocktails (250 baht each) and beer and wine. If you crave seafood, give Moon River a try. Liz Lu
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Delivery Restaurant
Phone
Local Business
Phone
Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine
02-952-0031
Bamboo Spa
02-583-9871
Burger King/Pizza Company
1112
Bank Krungsri
02-582-2669
Cafe Kabul (Indian & Afgan)
02-960-3368
BeWitch Salon
087-099-4569
Cherry’s Cakes
081-446-2646
Blue Sky Cafe
081-811-8455
KFC & Pizza Hut
1150
Clark Hatch Fitness Center
02-960-4326/27
Le Bouchon Food Delivery
02-038-3020
Foot Heaven
061-541-6353
The London Pie Shop
02-381-5818
4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming
084-424-6545
Hair by Jib
085-115-3093
McDonald’s
1711
Happy Teeth Dental Clinic
02-960-3988
Mr. Enzo’s
02-960-0412
Great Massage
02-960-3691
New York Diner
081-624-2099
ISB
02-963-5800
Pinocchio’s
02-573-5646
Le Studio Hair
084-022-9928
Que Pasa
02-960-3821
Nichada Customer Relations
02-960-4300
Pandit Carpets
081-828-2562
Salad Factory
02-001-5659
Panipa
02-960-3934
Scoozi
02-715-8555
Rex Pharmaplus
081-834-1306
Subway
02-960-3232
Rose Marie Academy
02-960-3663
Sudhathai
02-583-2694
Shawn Carpets
090-564-8927
Slider Shack
086-773-4140
Starbucks
02-967-9686
Villa Market
02-960-3585
Vapor Restaurant
02-832-0055
Wash-N-Dry
085-945-4132
Xuan 5 0 Mai Restaurant
087-077-0605
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