N ONTHABURI N EIGHBORHOOD R EACH
M ARCH 2013
Thani Talk Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
Burma Days: Travel Tips as the Land of Golden Pagodas Opens Up Pages 4-5
Events at a Glance: Friday March 15, 8 am: NNR Tour to Prasert Museum Friday March 15, 7pm: St. Patrick’s Pub Night
Contents: Highlights Tour p. 3 Social: p. 3 Cover Story: p.4-5 Health: p. 31
Thani Talk is generously
Recipes: pp. 11, 14 Restaurant: p. 25 Grapevine: p. 26-27
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Board Information/ Editor’s Desk
Spread the Word! Share Thani Talk with Friends & Family Thani Talk’s March Online Version Now in Color If you eagerly await your copy of the Thani Talk newsletter each month, we are pleased to announce that the online version, launched last month, will now also be in color. Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR), publisher of Thani Talk, will continue to hand-deliver the paper edition of Thani Talk to your home through our network of volunteer distributors. But should you need the convenience of online access, or to research news and information in our archive issues, you can now read Thani Talk from your tech gadget of choice with a convenient click to:
issuu.com/nnrthanitalk And even if you leave Thailand but still want to stay connected with our community here, click for the latest neighborhood news any time you want. If you have friends and family overseas who may be interested in your “hometown”newspaper here in Pakkred, please share the link. Hope you enjoy Thani Talk, paper or virtual editions, as much as we have fun bringing it to you! Liz Lu, Co-Editor Laura Sadowski, Co-Editor
Read Thani Talk Online: issuu.com/nnrthanitalk For information about upcoming NNR events visit nichadainfo.com
NNR BOARD 2013 Chairperson
Patricia Kenrick
084 559 3674
Treasurer
Juliana Magalhaes
087 074 3666
Activities/Tours
Birgitta Damgard Alexandra Ries
085 480 1362 084 388 4457
NNR Socials
Sarah Glaze
081 793 0806
Advertisements
Laura Sadowski
089-924-5306
nnrads@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor
Liz Lu (Co-editor) Laura Sadowski (Co-editor) Casey Corning (Proof Reader)
086-784-7171 089-924-5306
nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com
Distribution Coordinator
Heather Powell
083 293 2169
Charity Volunteer Coordinator
Susan Curtis
080 043 2735
Bazaar
Carla Zeitune
085 4495666
nnrtours@yahoo.com
ADVERTISING 1 page
26.5 x 19 cm.
2,500 baht
1/2 page
18 x 13 cm.
1,500 baht
1/4 page
13x 9 cm.
800 baht
• • • •
Rates per issue, discount for annual ad Please submit ads in jpg. Deadline for all ads is the 15th of each month. Ads must be paid in full prior to publishing.
NNR is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local 2charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing a free monthly newsletter that has a distribution of 1000 copies. We host monthly coffee mornings, an annual charity bazaar and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues.
NNR Tour and Socials
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
St Patrick’s Pub Evening Irish Music, Irish Beer Need I say any more? Come along for a beer and a chat. Bring your partners. If anyone knows any Irish dancing, you can entertain and teach the rest of us! Date: Friday, March 15th 2013 Time: from 7pm Venue: At the home of Mare and Bill Harvey 625, Baan Rim Lake Bill and Mare have kindly offered to provide drinks and finger food. Dress code is casual but add some green if you wish. This is a great way to catch up with old friends and make new ones, especially if you are new to our community. Everyone welcome! For more information please call Sarah Glaze on 081 793 0806
March Tour: The Prasart Museum When: Friday 15 March, 2013 8:00am Where: Front of Chevron Theater, ISB Cost: 500 THB, Transportation 1 hr by bus Optional: Lunch at your own cost at Bruno’s Le Bouchon restaurant after return at approximately 1pm. RSVP: Birgitta at birgittadamgard@gmail.com The Prasart Museum offers you the opportunity to step back in time. Enter a charming garden of tropical greenery, exotic flowers, and supremely beautiful buildings representing the varied styles of Thailand’s historical past. Khun Prasart’s private collection presents an incredibly interesting array of artifacts from prehistoric times to the late 19th Rattanakosin period. Come with us and enjoy a guided tour in English. Alexandra Ries & Birgitta Damgard NNR Tour Coordinators 3
Cover Story: Burma
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
TRAVEL BASICS ON BURMA Recent political changes in Burma, including freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, have vaulted Burma to the top of the list as a must-see travel destination in SE Asia. Where else can you witness the character of an isolated society of multi-ethnic people still wearing traditional dress and living in teahouses or tribal villages relatively unchanged for the last sixty years? The huge and richly decorated monuments of their deep religious faith are a stark contrast to a widespread lack of modern infrastructure. A visit to the temple-strewn plain of Bagan makes the Burmese proud and ancient history come alive. Burma today is in many ways how Thailand was several decades ago-- except with more cars and motorcycles. Burma’s tourism industry is growing by quantum leaps every month, now making planning easy and accessible. I used a guidebook but also consulted with recent visitors, as well as Trip Advisor online, for the most up-to-date information. I also like to read literature and current events about a place before I visit. See the list of my book recommendations about Burma. A good source for current events is the Irrawaddy.org website. The Sulamani Pahto, built around 1200 AD, is one of the later, more sophisticated architectural styles and one of the most attractive in Bagan.
The best time to visit is December to February. Despite being peak season, the weather in most of the country is cool and dry. April is the hottest, and is also their New Year festival involving lots of water, same (same) as in Thailand. Yangon is quite steamy all the time.
The visa application procedure takes only a few days, and the needed information is posted on the Myanmar Embassy website. For an air ticket, I chose Air Asia because they fly to Mandalay, where I wanted to start our tour and then return from Yangon. For booking hotels and domestic flights, I used a Yangon travel agent and paid in advance to one of their agents who frequently travel to Bangkok. I imagine online booking and payment by credit card or bank transfer will be available soon and tourists can eliminate the surcharge of using travel agents. Despite peak season, I found mid-range hotel bookings only three weeks in Advance, which included twin sharing for $40-$70, private bath with hot water, air conditioning and full breakfast. Hotel location is very important. Taxis and trishaws can be very expensive so being walking distance from restaurants, markets and tourist sites is a bonus. I also found that the hotel staff speak English and they are very helpful for sightseeing information, hiring local guides and taxis, booking tours or confirming flights or hotels. Currency exchange is now standardized at $100=85,400 Kyat available at airports, exchange counters and banks. Foreign currency bills must be new and crisp. ATM machines are starting to appear for VISA cards or local bank customers—for a stiff fee. Thankfully, bulky packs of $1 and $5 bills are no longer necessary as everything can be paid in Burmese kyat. My Bangkok cell The gilded zedi of the Shwezigon phone service did not offer roaming packages for Burma but I was able to Paya in Nyaung U village of Bagan receive the signal of the Burmese cell network, which enabled me to make or receive phone calls if needed. Local sim cards are not available nor is data service for a smart phone. Inter city travel in Burma is slow! Mandalay to Bagan is only about 180 miles but takes 8 hours by bus. Domestic air travel is safe with abundant seats available but relatively expensive and plagued with delays. Airports are where you 4 need the most patience.
Cover Story: Continued
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
BOOKS ON BURMA: MY READING LIST 1. The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh—Sweeping historical fiction based on the last royal family of Burma who flee to exile in India. 2. The White Umbrella, A Woman’s Struggle for Freedom in Burma by Patricia W. Elliot—The life story a Shan princess and her family’s struggle during the Japanese occupation, post-war independence and military dictatorship. 3. Finding George Orwell in Burma by Emma Larkin—A book that documents Burma’s influence on the trilogy of novels by colonial British writer, George Orwell: Burmese Days, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. 4. Also by Emma Larkin: Everything is Broken: A Tale of Catastrophe in Burma—An intimate travelogue in the months following the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. 5. From the Land of Green Ghosts: A Burmese Odyssey by Pascal Khoo Thwe—A young boy from a remote hill tribe village who goes on to attend Cambridge University. 6. Books by Thant Myint-U, the grandson of UN Secretary-General U Thant: The River of Lost Footsteps, Where China Meets India and The Making of Modern Burma. 7. Down the Rat Hole, Adventures Underground on Burma’s Frontiers by Edith Mirante—documents the hidden world of guerilla warfare, drug running and other atrocities to the people (displaced persons, child soldiers) and the environment (rainforest destruction, jade and gem mining). Gritty but compelling. 8. Books by or about Aung San Suu Kyi—Freedom from Fear, Letters from Burma and Voice of Hope, co-authored with Alan Clements. I own several of these titles, so if you want to borrow any, please contact me. The following is a list of highlights in each place I visited: Mandalay—Moustache Brothers for political satire and Burmese classical dance theater; bicycle along the Irrawaddy River south to Sagaing Hill and Amarapura Village; Ko Kitchen restaurant. Bagan—the charming town of Nyaung U home to the magnificent Shwezigon Paya and Kyanzittha Umin cave temple; bicycling between the temples around Old Bagan and sharing the road with horse carts and farm wagons; climbing up the steep terraces of Village oxen and cart decorated for a procession Buledi temple to watch the sunset behind the silhouettes of nearby to celebrate novitiates to the monkhood temples. Ask for guide Aung Soe Min who was an expert on all things folklore and fact! Kalaw-- hiking into the mountains from this cool, hill station town through tea plantations and a Palaung hill tribe village to the Viewpoint, a mountain hut serving wonderful Nepalese food; Eastern Paradise Hotel, Tet Nay Win Teahouse. Inle Lake—early morning boat ride on the lake to floating gardens connected by a teak bridge to the village market at Maing Thauk; Evergreen restaurant, museum of former Shan Prince’s palace and Mr. Aung’s Marionette Show. Yangon— sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda’s platform of gold and jewel-encrusted stupas; high tea at the colonial-era Strand Hotel; Bogyoke Aung San market for laquerware, and textiles. Lucky for us in Thailand, Burma is close enough for a long weekend or a more engaging two or three week visit. Some areas are off limits to foreigners but there are still many areas around the perimeter of the country which are home to other ethnic nationalities such as Shan, Karen, Mon and Chin with a culture and natural environment much different than the dominant Burmese culture of the central plains. I hope to visit again soon. By Meg Sine 5 megfarrellsine@gmail.com
6
7
Charity Spotlight: White Elephant Shop
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Declutter & Donate “White Elephant” Second-Hand Shop Find Second Homes for “THINGS” and Benefit Charities When visiting Arizona years ago, Secillia Schudel came across what’s known as “White Elephant” stores in retirement communities. In these shops, local families donated all sorts of second-hand clothing, jewelry, houseware items, and furniture that they could no longer use. As buying “pre-loved” clothing and housewares caught on with customers, some such shops grossed as much as $1 million a year, she said. But money was not why Secillia recruited friends to start the non-profit “White Elephant” shop at the Oasis on Samakkee Road. Her vision was to turn the thousands of unused possessions in our homes into something that could benefit people who are less fortunate. “Nichada people are always moving,” she said, explaining how tons of items are regularly thrown away or tossed out during the many moves for local expatriates. So, Secillia rounded up five friends as co-founders: Becky Kearns, Sona Agopian, Tracey Carter, Khun Daeng, and Carol De Vries. Each of the six founding members chipped in B2,000 to buy shelves and hangers, helped cover initial rent, and they all scoured their own homes for items to donate and create a base inventory. Everyone was committed to the project and all pitched in, said Secillia, who is owner of the Baan Kimchi restaurant downstairs from the shop. From that core group of founders, White Elephant volunteers now number more than a dozen (see list at bottom), and each take 2-hour shifts when the shop is open. With more volunteers, the White Elephant has been able to expand its hours from three to five days per week, 10am-2pm T-F, and 10am-noon Saturdays. In addition to clothing, the White Elephant also welcomes donations of housewares, books, toys, sports equipment, jewelry, purses and bags, shoes, and the list goes on. “Anything humans can use,” said Secillia. Donations can be dropped off during shop hours. After covering rent and other expenses, the White Elephant donates proceeds to charities such as Operation Smile, Thai-Cambodian Border Landmine Camp, and Water Living Center. “When you spend a couple of hours and can help so many people, you feel good,” said Secillia. Current White Elephant Volunteers include: Amy Won, Sona Agopian, Keeley Popp, Eunjoo Han, Anna Kim, Linda Feltham, Felicia, Hyemin Lim, Carol De Vries, Eunsook Hong, Sarah Lloyd, Tracey Carter, Khun Tipwan, Khun Meaw, Jennifer Bradley, Cheila Clemente, and Secillia Schudel.
8
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Charity Spotlight: Declutter and Donate
Joining Hands for a Successful Donation
Used TV Monitor + New DVD Player + Used DVDs =
It all started with Nichada resident Heather Powell, who had a UK television monitor that she no longer needed.
The monitor could not receive Thai TV signals, but it could be used to play DVDs. So, the NNR donated funds to buy a DVD player.
The 350 Pillows Project Gently Used Pillows, Pillow Cases Needed
When you declutter those linen closets, find new homes for your used, but still perfectly fine pillows, cushions, and pillow cases by donating them to the Nonthaburi center for the homeless. Residents there sit and sleep on hard tile floors, so a little bit of cushioning makes a big difference. To donate, please contact: lizsiam@gmail.com.
Alex De Vries, a volunteer at the White Elephant shop, bought Thai DVDs at the shop with his own money and donated them.
Result? Residents at the local shelter got a working entertainment system.
Book Drives: Manila Book Drive, 5th Grade Book Sale
Students at ISB are collecting donated books to help those in need. The projects are: 1) The Manila Book Drive, launched when a counselor at International School Manila asked for books to benefit youngsters at a Manila children’s center. ISB high schoolers are collecting book donations, which ISB athletes will deliver in person when they go to compete in the Philippines later this semester. 2) The 5th Grade Book Sale, the annual fundraising book sale organized by ISB 5th graders. Proceeds will benefit a charity selected by the students. Book collection boxes are available in front of the school’s main administration building and the Elementary School office. 9
February Coffee Morning: Thank You
Thani Talk ~March 2013
Thank You! To February Coffee Morning Hostess Daana York NNR would like to extend a big thank you to Daana York, who hosted the Feb. 8th Coffee Morning at her beautiful home in The Regent. Daana, who is an interior designer, invited guests to tour and explore her lovely 2-story home, which was filled with unique artwork, custom-made pieces, and other special décor touches. She recently launched her own design business and offers clients her expertise in design as well as product sourcing. (Left, L-R: Sarah Glaze, Chair of NNR Socials; Daana York, hostess; and guests.
In addition to enjoying appetizers that many brought to the Coffee Morning, guests also learned more about the Nonthaburi homeless shelter, one of the many local charities supported by NNR. Thank you, Daana, for a lovely morning!
At the Feb. 8 NNR Coffee morning, Rufie Harr brought spinach rolls to share, and they were a huge hit. Many guests asked for the recipe. Well, Rufie graciously obliged (see page 11). Thank you, Rufie! The recipe is from Gourmet Cuisine, a Thailanguage cook book, so Rufie kindly worked with her husband Mike and their housekeeper Wilai Klahan to get it translated into English. Also, we asked Rufie, a frequent contributor to Thani Talk’s Recipes section, to introduce herself to our readers (see below). My husband, Michael, our two daughters, and I came here from California (U.S.) with Chevron almost five years ago. Both my husband and our Mae Baan, Khun Wilai, have shared their culinary skills with our family and our friends. Michael and Khun Wilai have shared several of their recipes in the Thani Talk. Cooking is a delight and a passion for both of them. Khun Wilai has worked in Nichada Thani for over eighteen years, five of those with us. Together we travel the flavors of the world within our kitchen! From our kitchen to yours … Enjoy! Rufie Harr 10
Recipe Corner
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Spinach Tortilla Roll-ups with Basil Tomato Sauce
Filling: 10 tortillas (either uncooked tortilla dough or cooked tortillas, both sold at Villa) 1/2 onion diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon butter 1 egg 1/2 block cream cheese 1/2 cup grated mozzarella Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese heat. SautĂŠ garlic then add tomatoes and cook 1 lb/0.5 kg spinach until tomatoes are soft. Add sugar then salt and SautĂŠ onion in one tablespoon butter over mepepper. (If dry add enough water to make it dium heat, add garlic to pan. into a sauce.) Combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, Mix the ingredients with basil, in the blender. salt and pepper. Mix and remove from heat. Basil Tomato Sauce: 4 tomatoes (peeled and seeded or canned), chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil A pinch each of salt & pepper 2 bunches of fresh basil, chopped
Assembly: Brush olive oil over both sides of each tortilla. Beat egg. Brush egg on the inside of the tortilla. Add mixture to each tortilla, sprinkling in some mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Roll tortilla and place on a cookie sheet (lined with foil). Repeat with each tortilla. Place in oven at 350 degrees for eight minutes until golden brown. Turn and bake for an additional five minutes until the other side is golden brown. Cut into bite size servings and serve with Basil Tomato Sauce. Garnish with basil leaves. Rufie and Michael Harr, Wilai Klahan
11
Tour Tales: Thai Cooking
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Learning the Art of Thai Cooking On February 20th a nice group of 12 people met at ISB to set off to a culinary experience at Baipai Cooking School. After leaving the main streets we turned into a bumpy road and stopped at a gate that leads to a beautiful oasis: a Thai style house surrounded by a pond and a garden full of herbs and spices. We had a warm welcome while enjoying an iced lemongrass tea before we had "to roll up our sleeves" and put hands on all the ingredients, like coriander roots, fish sauce, galangal or coconut cream that gives Thai food the authentic and delicious flavor. Our teachers spoke English very well and showed nicely how to cook the food. So we were able to prepare four lovely Thai dishes (Egg custard, Glass Noodle Salad, Chicken in Pandanus Leaves and Pa-nang Curry with Chicken). It was also a pleasure to watch them and listen to their informal explanations and hints that made cooking Thai food fun, quick and easy. They were very well organized, very friendly, helpful in answering all of our questions, and the entire house was well maintained and clean. Indeed, it is a place we would recommend to you to give it your own try. It is well worth going there! Last but not least, a huge thank you to our teachers Khun Cookie and Khun Noi. Don't be surprised if you see us again. Bon Appetit!!!
By Kerstin Wild and Andrea Puck
12
13
St. Patrick’s Day
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Sylvia’s Irish Stew and Soda Bread Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th I recommend making the stew the day before you want to eat it. For this recipe you need: About 2 kilos of lamb, deboned and keep the bones for stock Traditionally you need two kinds of potatoes, so you can use about half a kilo of one kind, possibly the larger ones we see in Villa, and half a kilo of the smaller round ones which can be cleaned and left with their skin. 1 kilo of carrots 2 Onions Half a teaspoon of fresh thyme Chopped parsley and chives to garnish Stock (see below) Make the stock: Bones 1 large carrot, quartered Celery stick. Quartered 1 bay leaf 2 sprigs of thyme sprig of parsley 5 or 6 peppercorns crushed roughly
Put everything in a large heavy pot with 3 liters of water. Bring to the boil, take the cover off and simmer for about 2 hours. Strain the stock, boil again until there is only about 1 and a half liters left. You can keep it in the fridge until you are ready to use.
Make the Irish Stew: Cut the lamb into chunks. Peel the carrots and potatoes and cut to similar size, chunky style. Cut the onions into thick rings. Put the lamb into a thick heavy saucepan and add the stock. Bring to a boil, and skim anything you do not like floating on top. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, carrots, onions, seasoning, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Add the thyme, and simmer until the lamb is tender, another 20 minutes. Remove from heat and do not stir. Allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes. Add garnish and serve. Now for the Soda bread: 250 g plain white flour 250 g whole meal flour 100 g porridge oats 1 tsp salt 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 25g butter 500ml buttermilk
Preheat the oven 200c. Dust a baking sheet with flour. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Rub in the butter, pour in the buttermilk and mix quickly with a knife. Bring the dough together with your fingertips and lightly, shape it into a flat round loaf. Put it on the baking sheet, make a deep cross in the top. Traditionally, this is to let the Fairies out. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, a sign that you know that it is cooked through is, turn it upside down, tap it with your knuckles, and the sound should be hollow. Put it on a wire rack to cool, cover with a clean tea towel. This is eaten warm and fresh with massive amounts of butter smothered on each and every slice.
Both of these recipes taste very nice with a cold glass of Guinness! Enjoy! Submitted by Sylvia Joyce Shalev
14
15
Nichada News
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Nichada Construction Update
As most of our residents have noticed, Nichada Thani has several projects currently under construction; these include: Condominiums Lake Condominium (N1, N2). These two, 22-story apartment buildings will offer 159 units of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments. Located on the site of our current office on the lake, this construction is scheduled to be finished by February 2015. • Tropical Garden Condominium, located just inside the Samakee Gate, will have 42 two-bedroom units and a private pool when completed on April 2, 2013. •
Single Family Homes • Tropical Residence Phase I, consisting of eight single family homes, located adjacent to the condominium of the same name, has been completed and is fully occupied. • Tropical Residence Phase II, located between Phase I and Garden Condominium, will include 30 homes when finished in April 2014. • Prestige Phase I, a luxury housing community consisting of 57 houses, is under construction behind Palm Tree Place and will be completed by July of 2013. • Prestige Phases II and III will be finished by Dec 2015, bringing the total number of homes in Prestige to 143. • Residents may have also noticed that we have removed the unoccupied buildings between our front gate and Tropical Residence Condominium. Future plans for this now vacant land are to construct The Prime Place II, which will include 8 houses. Retail and Office Space • Nichada’s new office and retail complex is scheduled to open in April of this year, and we will begin moving into our new offices in mid March. In addition to our offices, this building also has both retail and office space for lease. Starbucks, Panipas, and Twist will remain in their current locations. All other retail shops will move to the new retail building. We hope our current residents are as excited as we are to welcome new neighbors and businesses to our community. Submitted by Scott Roman 16
New Medical Facility: Chaengwattana
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
New Hospital Opens on Chaengwattana World Medical Center Targets Nonthaburi Market A brand-new hospital, World Medical Center, has opened on Chaengawattana Road, between Central Shopping Complex and Homepro. Owned by the Bangkok Chain Hospital PCL company, the facility launched its soft opening January 26 and is slated for an official grand opening in April. World Medical Center offers comprehensive medical services and is targeting to serve premium customers in the Nonthaburi area, said Thachaporn Renangkul, marketing manager for the hospital. With its spacious and modern facilities, including a selection of restaurants, World Medical Center resembles other major downtown hospitals such as Samitivej and Bumrungrad hospitals. Now, in addition to Nonthavej and Monkutwattana hospitals in Nonthaburi, Pakkred residents have an additional Medical facility close by. Liz Lu
Oriental Health & Beauty At the Oasis, Samakkee Rd. 2nd Floor, Next toSCB Bank Tel: 02-997-6005
Open Daily: 10am to 8pm T-Zone Pore Cleansing: Baht 90 AHA Gentle Skin Peel: B120 Vacuum Suction + Ozone: B150 Blemish Removal: B150 Facial Massage: B150 Eliminate Acne-causing bacteria: B150 Eye Enhancer (reduce circles near eyes): B150 Premium Mask (Gold, Pomegranaate): B400 Diamond Dermabrasion: B500 Stimulate Collagen: B1,500 17
Community Bulletin Board
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
The purpose of the Community Bulletin Board is to provide information about local organizations and activities which are available for a fee. If you would like to advertise your business here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com. Cost per announcement is 400 baht. Vinyasa Yoga Develop strength, flexibility, balance, focus and awareness coordinating movement and breath. Thursdays 8.15-9.45 am: Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. All levels welcome. Contact: Ellie Edelhoff 087-000-2464 or 02-9879677 Email: eedelhoff@hotmail.com Sunset Yoga All levels welcome for a session of breath work, stretching, movement, and restorative poses. Tuesdays 5.30– 6:45pm Located at Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. Meditation Courses (Individual or group) Learn to meditate-TM style. Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic, and professional performance. Easy natural, anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 30-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more information. www.TM.org, www. tmeducation.org, Ranger Boot Camp Come join in the "FUN" & "GET FIT" Classes for all fitness levels Days: Monday - Saturday Times: Mornings, Afternoons, and Evenings Contact: Jack at 087-552-6007 Email: rangerbootcamp@hotmail.com Yoga Takes Care of You Monday 10-11:30 am Therapeutic and Restorative. Wednesday 7:45-9:15am Level II Thursday 7:45-9 am Open level and Restorative Friday 8:45-10:15 am Level I @Studio above Starbucks Napisa C. Pant 086-975-7187 Email: napisapant.yoga@gmail.com
Pilates Group Classes The Pilates method strengthens the pelvic, abdominal and back muscles. It also improves alignment and posture, and increases balance and flexibility. The Swiss Ball is fun and challenges your core and balance. Group classes are held at the Nichada aerobics room above Starbucks. Mon: 8:45am Pilates Mix Matwork 4pm Matwork Thurs: 4pm Matwork Fri: 7:30am Pilates on the Swiss ball If you prefer a more personal approach, Private Machine Sessions (Reformer, Cadillac, MVe Chair) are available for core strength training & rehabilitation. Contact: Tiffany 081-860-9593 Email: tiffanyhebard@gmail.com Bollywood Dance Class Bollywood dance is a fusion of Western dance with traditional classical Indian dance styles. It’s funky, sexy, fun... and it’s a great workout! Classes every Tuesday 10-11am. OR Wednesday 9-10am, OR Thursday 10-11am Regent Dance studio, Nichada Thani. Contact: Irit: 086 004 4840 iritmike@gmail.com Ashtanga, Vinyasa Yoga with Alignment and Techniques of Iyengar Yoga Beginners to Advanced: Everyday Mon-Fri, 8am-9:30am ProClub 2nd Floor. Contact: Juan Bodan 081-285-3050 or visit website www.kripa-yoga.com
Kundalini Yoga Doing Kriyas to strengthen your body! Chant mantras and meditate to enlarge our consciousnessthat is what we do in Kundalini Yoga. The Yoga of Masters Swimming Swimming is great exercise and is easy on the knees, Awareness! All levels are welcome. Only experience hips and ankles! Runners, bikers and boot campers - is going into the heart! Have a try! try swimming for some cross-training! Tuesdays, except school-holidays 9.00 – 10.30 am Take a load off and join us Tuesday and Thursday Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. mornings from 7:30 - 8:30 at the Nichada Pool. For Instructor: Kerstin Wild – Kamalpreet Kaur more information contact: 08 6372 9750 kerstin-georg-wild@online.de Coach Andy swim@isb.ac.th Please contact me for more information!
18
19
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Community Event
Sun Salutations to Stop Trafficking On 9 March 2013, united against human trafficking for the fourth year running, thousands of yoga students from across the globe will take a stand against human trafficking in India. Come raise awareness, money and energy by practicing sun salutations with Sharka, on March 9, 2013 at 7:30 AM, at ISB ES AUX GYM for a sponsored yoga event in aid of Indian anti-trafficking charity Odanadi. Odanadi Seva Trust is a pioneering anti-trafficking organization based in Mysore, South India, working for the rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked women and children. This unique organization was founded by former journalists Stanly K.V. and Parashuram M.L. over 20 years ago, after a chance encounter with a street prostitute, Radhamma, who inspired them to give women like her the opportunity for a better life. Today Odanadi runs two residential rehabilitation centers in Mysore, housing up to 100 women and young people at any one time. Many Odanadi residents have been rescued from the hands of brothel owners and sex traffickers, others from abusive homes, child marriages or domestic and commercial servitude. Over the past 20 years Odanadi has rescued and rehabilitated more than 2,000 children, carried out 60 brothel raids and brought 137 traffickers to justice. Odanadi’s unique psycho-social therapy program has become accepted as best practice both within India and internationally. The Union Human Resource Development Ministry has adopted the Odanadi model, and many other Indian state governments have sent rescued girls to Odanadi to facilitate their rehabilitation. Odanadi residents are provided with a wide range of therapeutic activities, from psychological counseling to art therapy, drama, karate to yoga and acupuncture. The event will begin with a short introduction on Odanadi's work and the symbolism of Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations). We will then perform the 108 Sun Salutations followed by some cooling, soothing postures to close the morning practice. Please come and support this very worthwhile cause. Alternatively you might like to get people to sponsor you for your participation. Suggested donation: 500 Baht for adults, 200 Baht for students, but any donation is appreciated! Please bring a water bottle, yoga mat, if you have one (or you can use one from ISB) and a positive spirit. NO PREVIOUS YOGA EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
By Sharka Furda
HUMAN TRAFFICKING: THE FACTS • •
Three million children are currently involved in India’s sex trade. Human trafficking, as an organized crime, generates about $32 billion revenue each year.
•
Every day in India, 200 women and girls enter prostitution and 80% of them do so against their will as victims of trafficking.
•
The 2007 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report states that India’s ‘trafficking in persons’ problem is estimated to be in the millions (90% of which is internal).
•
The 2004 report by Shakti Vahini confirms that Karnataka, where Odanadi is located, is one of the major trafficking-supply states.
20
21
22
Restaurant Review/January Coffee Morning
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
ARTUR RESTAURANT Serving French, Steak & Seafood Lunch and Dinners When you want a meal for a special occasion, or a truly memorable dining experience, Artur is the place to go. The setting is calm and serene. You will never be rushed when you sit down to have an exceptional meal. Steak and seafood meals are the main fare. Their Caesar salad is prepared at your table in the traditional manner. Every meal consumed at my table was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They have a set menu for lunch Monday through Saturday called an Executive Lunch. It consists of either soup or salad, a main entree of either steak, fish, pasta or chicken, and dessert for 490++ baht. Their martini menu is extensive and a wine list sure to please. Reservations are recommended even for lunch. We went on a Monday for lunch and every table was full except one. Treat yourself to a decadent dining experience. Artur is ranked by Trip Advisor as #14 of 6,841 restaurants in Bangkok. Bon AppĂŠtit! 9 Soi Ton Son Pathum Wan, 10330 Tel: 02-658-6288
Submitted by Dianne Letsch
January Coffee Morning White Elephant Gift Exchange In January, we had a coffee social morning with some fun thrown in: a white elephant gift exchange. We were surprised and delighted by the turn out, and it was a great way to kick-start 2013. The gift exchange game was great fun, and although it started off quite quietly, it became more raucous as time went by and as the stealing began. As always, there were a few items that everyone wanted and there was also much hilarity at some of the more eclectic gifts. Thank you to Jennifer Bradley for being such a great hostess and welcoming us into her lovely home. I have a feeling that we might be having another white elephant exchange next January, so keep those unwanted gifts for re-gifting! Submitted by Sarah Glaze NNR Socials Coordinator 23
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This is a column that we hope everyone will appreciate. It’s a chance to share all those good finds and tips so that others can benefit. If you have tips to share, please send them to the editor at nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com.
Wake Board & Water Ski at Nearby Pathum Thani Thai Wake Park is a cable wake park located in Pathum Thani that features many water sports, from water skiing to knee-boarding and wakeboarding. Although it is a relatively long drive from Nichada, this park is a great way to spend one's Saturday. As opposed to many other cable parks in Thailand, Thai Wake Park's water is pristine and blue, with a huge cable loop that allows people lap after lap of fun. They're also well-staffed with instructors who will give you pointers on how to maximize your boarding experience. For more advanced boarders, the park's proudest feature is its array of top-notch ramps and obstacles. Although a bit more expensive than the older parks (850 Baht for 2 hours or 1,250 Baht for the whole day), it's worth every satang! Amber Barnett For more information: Tel: +66 (0) 2904 7722 . Email: info@thaiwakepark.com
New MaxValue Supermarket on Samakkee Road Now if you have the munchies in the middle of the night, your shopping options include more than the ubiquitous but varietychallenged 7-Elevens. A brand-new mini supermarket, MaxValue, has opened not far from Nichada on Samakkee Road, about 200 meters past Oasis, on the opposite side of the road. The selection includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, as well as baked goods and general groceries. It’s not a big place, but its selections are more extensive than Tesco Lotus Express. Best of all, like all other MaxValue supermarkets in the city, it is open 24-hours a day. Liz Lu Open 24/7 Around-the-Clock 24
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Eye Center on Chaengwattana Road Offers Convenience Recently when my son came down with a case of conjunctivitis (pink eye), I was about to take him to Nonthavej or Mongkutwattana hospitals in Nonthaburi, but the school nurse said there is a more convenient option closer by, just past Homepro on Chaengwattana Road. She recommended that I take him for treatment at Top Charoen Eye Center, where I would be able to see a specialist. At first I thought it would be one of those generic Top Charoen eye glass stores that dot neighborhoods all over Thailand, but the Eye Center was different. It was a stand-alone building with an eye glass store on the ground floor, but upstairs, the facilities felt more like a professional clinic or mini hospital, with a staff of ophthalmologists on duty. The Center also offers lasik services. Liz Lu
Hours: 8am—8pm daily. www.tcec.co.th 111/183 Moo 5, Chaengwattan Road. Tel: 02-584-6664
Makeup Advice and Makeover Services By Model/Actress Nichada's own Natalie Lorence, who is a model, actress, makeup artist and an ISB parent, is offering professional makeover/makeup lessons. Natalie’s services include a personalized assessment of your face, features, and skin. She also teaches clients about what works best for them and what makeup to keep, toss and buy. Past customers say they have learned a lot and that friends gave them positive feedback on their new looks. Natalie also does evening makeup for special nights out. Contact info: natalielorence@gmail.com or 087 817 3098.
Post Office at Oasis No need to fight through traffic to reach the post offices on Tiwanon Road or near the Pakkred Pier when you need to mail something by snailmail. A more convenient option, with longer hours, is just around the corner on Samakkee Road. It’s located on the ground floor of the Oasis shopping complex. Best news is that it’s open daily 9am-7pm. Liz Lu 25
When Life gets Overwhelming
For 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided counseling for adults, adolescents and families. Educated and trained in the United States, he also had a private clinic at Bumrungrad Hospital for five years. Now with two locations downtown and also in Pattaya, Carl specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship conflict, stress management, school problems, substance abuse and self esteem issues. For a confidential appointment please call 089 680 3503 or counselor_cj@bangkokhappy.com Carl Janowitz Marriage and Family Therapist First Tower Sukhumvit 1/1 26
27
28
Health and Fitness: Physical Activity
Thani Talk ~ March 2013
Physical Activity and Learning Most people know that regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, and some cancers while improving a whole range of physical capacities. But can physical activity also improve academic performance? Recent research has shown that there is a link between aerobic activity and academic performance. In a study conducted at Michigan State University, students who took part in more vigorous physical activity did about 10% better in core subjects such as math, science, English, and social studies. Similarly, another study showed that improvements in aerobic capacity have been correlated with better academic scores, and even brief periods of exercise can improve concentration. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have added to the data showing that girls who spend more time in PE classes (70-300 minutes a week) scored consistently higher on reading and math skills than those who attend less than 35 minutes per week. The physiology behind these results is interesting and includes changes within the brain cells, increases in the size of brain regions and increases in blood flow.
The Science behind Physical Activity and the Brain Regular exercise: Tips to Promote Regular Exercise • Sparks neurogenesis or the creation of entirely new 1. Make physical activity a part of your neurons. The new neurons are created in the daily routine: walk, bike, use the hippocampus, the center of learning and memory in stairs, etc. the brain. 2. Children imitate adults so add exer• Stimulates the growth of blood vessels in the brain cise to your own day and encourage and increases blood flow to the frontal lobe, an children to join you. important area for executive function including 3. Reduce sedentary time by limiting higher order thinking and mathematical reasoning. TV, video games, and surfing the • Increases levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor web. (BDNF) which is essential for the neural processes that support learning. • Leads to increases in mitochondrial cells in the brain which has been associated with decreased fatigue as well as prevention against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases. • Leads to increased release of neurotransmitters, like serotonin and norepinephrine, as wells as endorphins, which have been associated with mood elevation and euphoria.
Recommended Levels of Exercise for Children and Adolescents The World Health Organization makes the following recommendations for physical activity for children: “Children and youth aged 5-17 should exercise moderately to vigorously at least 60 minutes per day. Physical activity for longer than 60 minutes per day provide additional health benefits. Most of the daily physical exercise should be aerobic. Vigorous intensity activities including those that strengthen muscles and bones should be incorporated at least three times per week.”
This article was adapted from a LiveWellLearnWell@ISB newsletter from January 2012, which was a compilation of articles and research from other journals. Special thanks to Belinda Gardner, ISB HS Health teacher. For more information contact wellness@isb.ac.th. 29
30
31
32
Around Nonthaburi and Beyond Impact Arena—www.impact.co.th/ Bangkok Expo 2013 Feb. 23 - Mar. 3, 2013 Hall 1-4 10.30 am- 9:00pm Televisions and Electronics; Fashion, Beauty and Spa; Wedding Expo; Food Expo
Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC)—www.bitec.co.th HomeWorks Expo 2013 Feb. 22- March 03 The collaboration between two giant leaders in the retail market: HomeWorks – The center for all quality home products, and Power Buy – The ultimate center for all electric goods, commit to launching “HomeWorks Expo 2013” where both quality home products and all electric suppliers from top brands will be on sale.
Thaiticketmajor—-www.thaiticketmajor,com Santana: The Sentient Tour Wednesday March 6, 2013 at 8:30pm Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani The Phantom of the Opera May7-June 2 Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre Bangkok Community Theater Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit Dinner and Show: 1200 THB March 14-16, 21-23 7:30pm The British Club, Bangkok Bct,th.org@gmail.com White Elephant Second Hand Shop The White Elephant is a non-profit second-hand shop whose proceeds benefit local charities. Located at the Oasis shopping center on Samakkee Road, Pakkred, it is open M-F 10am-2pm; Saturdays 10am-noon. CCT - Club Canada Thailand Monthly Coffee Morning and Activities www.clubcanadathailand.com BWG - British Women's Group Monthly Luncheon, Activities, Coffee Mornings. Open to all nationalities. Contact: Sarah Glaze 081-793 0806 www.bwgbangkok.com; info@bwgbangkok.com ANZWG -Australia/New Zealand Women’s Group Monthly Coffee Mornings, Tours, Newsletter & Activities www.anzwg-bangkok.org American Women’s Club of Thailand Monthly Luncheon, Activities and Coffee Morning Contact: 02-712-3380/1 awc@awcthailand.org; www.awcthailand.org
Thani Talk ~ March 2013 ACTIVITIES and SERVICES Nichada Tennis Leagues Tuesday-Intermediate League Mary McCarty— mrymccrty@yahoo.com Tuesday Evening 5pm-7pm— Intermediate League Sue Lin — suelin@truemail.co.th Friday - Intermediate/Advanced League Julie Collins - pjcollins13@hotmail.com Nonthaburi Needlers Meets Wednesday mornings in the Nichada area. Open to quilters, stitchers, needlers, knitters and those who are curious about needle art. Contact Charlotte Sanders at NonthaburiNeedlers@gmail.com Chaengwattana Community Church Sunday Service- Sundays 9:30am Life Groups- Tuesday and Wednesday evenings Encouraging Women– Wednesdays 9:30 HS House Groups- Sunday 11:30am MS House Groups- Thursdays 6:30pm Contact CCC for more information http://www.cccthailand.org Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkret, Nonthaburi 11120 English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Fait Formation (Religious Ed/CCD) Classes in English Just 15 minutes from Nichada Thani OurLadyofMercyParish@gmail.com ********First Bangkok Loyal Societies Ball of 2013!******** The St. David's Society’s Annual Ball will be held on Saturday 9th March, 2013 at the JW Marriott Bangkok (Sukhumvit Soi 2). Reception drinks will start at 7pm followed by a fabulous four course dinner. Wine, spirits and beer will be provided. The ticket price is 2,800 THB per person or 25,000 THB for table for 10. This year we will be welcoming back the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir and comedian, Lloyd Davies. We will be featuring UNICORN GIRLS from Bangkok, supported by DJ Paul Jackson. Come and join us for an evening of great singing and Welsh traditions then dance the night away! We would like to thank our 2013 sponsors: The Dubliner Irish Pub, Harrow International School Bangkok, RSM, JW Marriott Bangkok, JW Marriott Khao Lak, Royal Prestige Wine Plus Co. and Raja's Fashions. For further information and reservations please contact Heather Powell at heather.wyn@gmail.com or phone (083 293 2169). NEEDeed: Expatriates for Local Communities NEEDeed was established with the goal of offering professionals in the expatriate community an opportunity to utilize their areas of expertise in local nonprofit organizations. NEEDeed offers employed and non employed professionals the opportunity to volunteer their skills and gain experience locally, while providing non-profits with expertise they cannot otherwise afford but need. For further information please visit www.needeed.org LIKE NEEDeed on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ NeeDeed Find it on G+ and LinkedIn 33
34
35
36
37
38
Providing high high quality custom tailoring for more for than more 45 Providing quality custom tailoring years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in Men's Vogue thanLiving, 45 years, Magazine, International Worth Magazine, Esquire, Raja’s Fashions been featured in Men'sGuide, Vogue Fortune, Bangkok has Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Fodor’s Guide, The Washington Post, Vivre A Bangkok, Magazine, Conde Nast Magazine and many other travel magazines. International Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide,
DRESS SHARP. LOOK SHARP. FEEL SHARP.
DELIVERY RESTAURANTS
PHONE
BUSINESS
PHONE
Au Bon Pain
02-101-0312
Bamboo Spa Bank of Ayudhya Bumrungrad Family Clinic
02-583-9871 02-582-2669 02-960-4216
Clark Hatch Fitness Center Crystal Holiday Travel Gain Florist Gifted Hands
02-960-4326 / 27 02-960-4469 081-644-0590 02-960-4434
Amporn’s Food (Thai -Formerly Pum’s) 02– 584-4003 Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine 02-952-0031 BBQ Sandwich King
086-773-4140
Bukhara (Afghan/Indian)
082-443-1398
Burger King/Pizza Company
1112
Food Loft
02-831-5588
KFC and Pizza Hut
1150
Le Bouchon Food Delivery McDonald’s Milano’s @ Pro Club
02-962-2850 1711 02-582-1555
Mr. Enzo’s
02-960-0411
New York Diner
081-624-2099
NICC Club
02-960-4326
Olive Restaurant
02-960-3286
Que Pasa
02-960-3821
Scoozi
02-715-8555
Sharja (Indian, Arab, Thai)
087-811-7980
Subway
02-960-3232
Sudhathai Food Delivery Service Farangfooddelivery.com
02-583-2694
Hair By Jib Happy Teeth Dental Clinic Great Massage ISB
02-960-3783 02-960-3988 02-960-3691 02-963-5800 Nails 089-057-2398 Le Studio Hair 084-022-9928 Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300 / 9 #187 Nichada Club
02-960-4326 / 7
Pandit Carpets Panipa Pum’s Salon Rex Pharmacy Rose Marie Academy Smile Beauty Starbucks Twist Villa Market Wash-N-Dry 4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming
081-828-2562 02-960-3934 02-583-7117 02-960-4001 02-960-3663 02-952-4927;081-828-1637 02-967-9686 02-911-6839 02 -584-5444 085-945-4132 39 02-960-4189
40