Window on Southeast Asia Archives




	Return to List of Archives or Return to Current Issue TOC Traveling Abroad

	From Monkey to Monk Join English teacher Robert Wilson as he observes a Thai ceremony for ordaining boys 10 and 12 years into temporary monkhood, in the first article in our series on Southeast Asia. Listening to the Rice Grow: A Journey Up the Nam Ou River in Laos Part 1, Part 2 The geographical isolation of Laos has made it a difficult place to reach for years, and its political isolation after the victory of the communist Pathet Lao in 1975 made it a hermit state. Today, however, Laos is opening up to the world, and this charming, quaint, and surprisingly beautiful country is again accessible to those who don't mind a bit of roughing it. Join English teacher Robert Wilson as he explores Laos and her people. Luang Phabang: The Lao Fairy-tale City A tourist to Laos, marveling at the simplicity of the hill-tribe way of life, the peacefulness of the Lao villages, and the endless emerald green fields, could easily forget that Laos is an ancient and rich civilization. Join Robert Wilson as he explores Luang Phabang, the fairy-tale city of Laos, in his continuing series, Window on Southeast Asia. If ever there were a fairy-tale city, this city of sparkling temples, palaces, French architecture, teeming with art and culture and cut right out of a dense jungle, is it. Finding Religions—Plenty of Them—in Kuala Lumpur I'll never forget the feeling of getting off the plane at the Kuala Lumpur airport and realizing that I was finally standing in a city with what must be the most exotic name in the world. The name Kuala Lumpur is magical and makes one think of an ancient and exotic city. The history and the translation of the name, however, may lead to disappointment. The name is Malay and means "Muddy Convergence [of rivers]." A Glimpse of "Last Time" in Borneo "It shouldn't have come as a surprise to me that I was sitting next to someone whose great-grandparents used to eat people and preserve their skulls. The truth is that half of the world's people have ancestors who practiced cannibalism, maybe more. Still, as I sat there on the plane from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to Kuching on the island of Borneo (also part of Malaysia), it was a strange feeling." Join writer Robert Wilson as he shares with us his glimpse of Borneo (a fascinating blend of interesting foods and culture)... Brunei: The Abode of Peace In the continuation of our series on Southeast Asia, follow writer Robert Wilson as he journeys to Borneo, a country best known for its sultan who was the richest man in the world until overtaken by Bill Gates. Sukhotai, Birthplace of Thailand In the continuation of our series on Southeast Asia, follow writer Robert Wilson as he journeys to Thailand's birthplace, Sukhotai, as he learns a few lessons about blessings in disguise. A Thai Funeral For southeast Asian Buddhists, death has a different meaning than it has for westerners. I found that fact reflected in how they marked the end of one’s life, and it explained why funerals were not the weepy affairs they are in the west. At the same time, I also found that philosophy and religion don’t prevent people from having the same reactions to the death of a loved one that people everywhere have. The funerals I saw that marked the natural end of a long life could be almost cheerful events, while the ones that marked more tragic ends were less so. The first Thai funeral I attended fell somewhere in the middle. Into the Burmese Supernatural The people of Myanmar (Burma) are amazingly creative. Storytelling and storytelling competitions are a favorite past time in Myanmar. Not surprisingly, the Burmese supernatural is a rich wonderland of stories and legends. At the heart of these legends is a spirit known as a "nat." Shwedagon: Myanmar’s Holy Land It’s been said that as soon as you leave the airport in Yangon, the capitol of Myanmar (Burma), you know you’re in a different place. I remembered that as I started my vacation from my job in Thailand at Yangon’s Mengaladon International airport. I didn’t even have to leave the airport lobby. As soon as I reached the arrivals lounge I noticed the men in skirts.

Archive List Jade Dragon About Us Contact Us Table of Contents Home