thani talk 2014 february

Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH

Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994 FEBRUARY 2014

Thani Talk is generously Thani Talk is generously Thani Talk is generously Thani Talk is generously ssssppppoooonnnnssssoooorrrreeeedddd bbbbyyyy

Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

Contents: Highlights

Grapevine: p. 26-27 Recipes: p. 41 Restaurant: p. 49

Tour: Wat Bua Khwan, p. 3 Social: Happy Hour, p. 3 Cover Story: Travel Tales, p. 4-10 Feature: Elephant Lovers, p. 46

Events at a Glance:

Feb. 12: Buddhist Temple Tour, p. 3 Feb. 24: ESL Teacher Training, p. 2 Feb. 27: Mardi Gras Happy Hour, p. 3

Tantalizing Travel Tales: Aurora Borealis in Sweden, Bungee Jumping in NZ, Sun-kissed beaches of Thailand, Disneyland in Hong Kong

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1 page 26.5 x 19 cm. 2,500 baht

1/2 page 13 x 19 cm. 1,500 baht

1/4 page 13x 9 cm. 800 baht

• Rates per issue, discount for annual ad • Based on space availability. • 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

charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies. We host

monthly coffee mornings, an annual charity bazaar and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues.

Workshop Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014

NNR BOARD 2013-2014

Ad Rates

Chairperson Mare Harvey [email protected]

Vice Chairperson Charlotte Sanders 084-875-7655

Treasurer Val Mowat 081-849-1466

Activities/Tours Alexandra Ries

084-388-4457

NNR Socials Sarah Glaze 081-793-0806

Charity Socials and Volunteer Coordinator

Linda Feltham 091-095-0457

Advertisements Laura Sadowski

089-924-5306

[email protected]

Newsletter Editor Liz Lu (Co-editor) Monique Langer (Co-editor) Jennifer Bradley (Proofreader)

086-784-7171

[email protected]

Distribution Coordinator

Heather Powell

083-293-2169

Bazaar Committee: Carla Zeitune (Coordinator), Charlotte Sanders (Raffle Prizes), Mare Harvey (Sponsors), Tipwan Smagpong (Vendors).

Lots of Thai charity groups have asked for English language lessons. Lots of volunteers are interested in teaching English. So, NNR has organized an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher training workshop on Monday, February 24, at the Chaengwattana Community Church in Nichada. The class will be from 10 am until noon.

The teacher training workshop will be taught by Olga Steklova, who just retired from ISB as a teacher of EAL (English as an Additional Language). The workshop is open to all.

RSVP to Linda Feltham at [email protected]. Deadline is February 20.

Free Workshop for Volunteer English Teachers Monday, February 24

10 a.m. - Noon at

Chaengwattana Community Church

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NNR Social and Tour Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014

NNR February Happy Hour Social with a Touch of Mardi Gras!

NNR Tour: February 12

Due to ongoing political street protests, NNR Tours has postponed plans for an agricultural tour in favor of a destination just a 10-minute drive from Nichada.

Wat Bua Khwan, a charming neighborhood Buddhist temple off of Samakee Road, is perhaps the only Thai temple we know of that has up and down escalators serving its worship hall. Visitors also get the rare chance to see workers hand-decorating the elaborate exterior of the main temple building, which is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Come explore a neighborhood gem with NNR Tour leader Alexandra Ries. We will carpool to the temple in private cars, so if you can offer a driver and vehicle, please let Alexandra know.

After touring the temple grounds, we will walk down the soi to the Gaengba Thai restaurant for some delicious local cuisine.

Wat Bua Khwan: Our Neighborhood Buddhist Temple

Date: Wednesday, February 12 Time: 10 am to 1 pm

Meet in front of ISB Chevron Theatre RSVP: Alexandra Ries, at

[email protected]. When you RSVP, please provide your

cell phone number

This month we have decided to add a flavor of colorful carnival atmosphere and have some cocktail fun with our Happy Hour Social. Amy Sorensen has kindly volunteered to host our February Happy Hour at her home and promises to mix up some Hurricanes for us to experience a taste of Mardi Gras. Why not drop in and chill out, catch up with old friends and make some new ones over a glass of something cold and a few nibbles. If you are new to the neighborhood this is a great way to meet new people. If you have a mask that you would like to wear then feel free to enter into the carnival spirit, but it’s certainly not compulsory.

Date: Thursday, February 27 Time: 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm

Venue: Amy Sorensen’s House, 39/1002 Premier Place 2

Please bring a bottle and / or a plate of finger food to share. For more information call Sarah Glaze on 081-793-0806.

Liz Lu

Sarah Glaze

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Cover Story: Tantalizing Travel Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014

It all started with a travel article. My unsuspecting husband tore it out of a flight magazine because he knew I had always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights. He thought I might enjoy a story on the best places to view this spectacular feat of nature. He was very right. "We're going aren't we?" I whispered plaintively after reading it. "You didn't just bring this home to torture me right?" He was incredulous. "Why would we fly all the way to Europe when Asia is at our doorstep?" Many months of begging later, we found ourselves on the night-lit ski slopes of Are, Sweden (pronounced AW-ray). This is Sweden's premier ski resort and the one activity the whole family could agree on. While the conditions were icy, the weather was great and we enjoyed many après ski hot chocolates in front of a crackling fire. Are is not for beginners. There are few easy trails and lots of bouncy T-bars. However, the town is adorable with lots of charming restaurants serving up your favorite reindeer pizza and Swedish meatballs with lingonberries. Stockholm proved a stunningly beautiful surprise. This European city was spared during WWII, so all the enormous, intricate, old buildings still stand. The architecture is a joy to look at. The old city, Gamla Stan, bursts with tiny bakeries, eclectic book shops, colorful town houses and endless Viking souvenirs. We visited a cathedral that awed our children. We wandered through Skansen, an open air museum with houses and shops from the olden days. It's like a Swedish Sturbridge Vil-lage, with people in period dress performing tasks from that time. After taking in the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, the impressive Royal Armory and the Photografiska Museum, we spent a day at the amazing Vasa Museum. The Vasa was a mighty ship commissioned by King Gustavus Adolphos in 1626. The vessel sailed off on her maiden voyage and sank only 20 minutes later while still within the harbor. 330 years later she was raised and re-stored to perfect condition. Looking at her is like standing on a movie set. There is no question she inspired the "Pirates of the Caribbean" set designers.

Chasing the Northern Lights

Neighbors are the best “TripAdvisors”! Want to fine-tune your bucket list of things to do and places to go? Well, we’re happy to help. We’ve invited four Thani Talk readers to share first-hand accounts of their awesome winter holidays. Brace yourself for some excellent, vicarious adventures!

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For the final days of our trip we flew to Kiruna, over 100 km inside the Arctic Circle. My husband provided hourly updates of the Aurora Forecast. We learned all about solar wind and auroral ovals. The Bz* was bad but the Kp** was good. The solar flares that exploded 2 days ago should be here tonight but it's going to be cloudy. Such an emotional roller coaster! Luckily we were phenomenally distracted by snowmobiling, dog sledding and ice sculpting. We capped it off with a night at the famous Ice Hotel where every room has a unique theme that is masterfully sculpted in ice, even your bed! We had a ball. We also got fat. The Swedes take their bread seriously and it's the best I've ever had the pleasure to gorge on. Finally the big night came. We donned 5 layers of thermal under-wear and Eskimo overalls and rode the chairlift up to the Abisko Sky Station. The reason I chose Abisko National Park is because the article said it was among the best viewing spots in the world. Something about the giant lake in the park keeps the clouds away. There's no light inter-ference because you're 1,000 miles from anywhere, which is critical.

This is where Aurora hunters maximize their chances. We were blessed. The Sky was literally spangled with stars, painted over with bright green and purple stripes that danced above our heads. Unforgettable, celestial magic. Laura Shepard

*The Bz is a measure of the Earth's magnetic field. As a whole the earth's magnetic field points

north. This cancels out much of the incoming solar blasts, which have a southward pointing mag-

netic field. When the Earth's magnetic field shifts southward it's like allowing the solar wind to come

in and be seen, thus great aurora displays. It's measured as negative or positive.

**The Kp index is a scale of 0-9 that represents the level of solar or geomagnetic activity. The

higher the number, the further south the aurora is visible. The days we saw the Lights, the Kp index

was between 4 and 5 which is great. It was right overhead for our location. Had it been a Kp of 2,

the Lights would have only been visible on the horizon.

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One of the many perks of living in Thailand is you can

guarantee your friends from home are going to visit you,

but with the cost of flights, you want to make their stay

memorable. No pressure then as the tour guide. So where

do you start when your hard-working friends want to

relax on white deserted sandy beaches away from the

maddening crowd. I have to say I think Koh Kood is one of

Thailand’s few unspoiled islands.

Koh Kood (Koh Kut ) is a small island, southeast of Koh

Chang , towards Cambodia. The nearest Airport is Trat and

most hotels run a shuttle to the pier and then a speedboat

to Koh Kood, for a fee. There is a local ferry that departs

each day at noon. We chose to drive down in just over 4

hours, on relatively good roads the whole way.

Koh Kood offers everything for the confessed beach slob

to the trekking, diving and adventure junky. The island is

mountainous with a few roads accessing the rainforest

interior and its beautiful waterfalls. There are mopeds for hire or for larger parties a

song-taew, to get you around the island. Be prepared to pay 2,500 baht for the day. Transport

is not cheap but that was the only complaint I had all holiday.

The coastline is full of hidden coves

and deserted beaches to explore.

Remember to take your shoes as once

you land your craft, it is hard not to

wonder off over the rocks and into the

interior. You never know, you may

stumble across a little beach bar, as we

did.

For those who love to be under the

water, snorkeling straight off the beach

was amazing. The water was crystal

clear and it offered up an abundance of

fish. If you like to dive there are several

dive schools offering snorkeling and diving day trips at reasonable prices.

The whole feel of the island is relaxed and quiet. Accommodation is really varied from 5 star

resorts to huts on the beach and even a small camping hostel. One thing I noticed, when we

journeyed to Koh Kood, it was hard to spot any accommodation along the west coast. There

were no high rises to be seen, and buildings merged aesthetically into the hills.

On the eating front, small restaurant’s can be found dotted all over. We stumbled across an

amazing Italian restaurant serving fresh very authentic dishes.

Koh Kood, Thailand

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Elizabeth Sinker

The island takes revenue from fishing as well as tourist; and the small fishing village of Ao Salad is

worth a visit. There were plenty of fishing trips on offer, even night squid fishing.

We will be back, as this little island delivered everything we could have asked for, but be warned,

Cambodia is laying claim to the east coast of the island and if that happens then there is talk of

Casino’s being built. So this tranquil oasis will possibly be gone in the near future.

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During Christmas break my husband, 13yr and 8yr old sons, and I decided to explore the beautiful land of New Zealand. To plan our trip we used a travel agent, Experience New Zealand, who had come highly recommended from several friends. To begin our adventure we flew from Bangkok via Thai Airways into Auckland New Zealand and then caught a domestic flight with Jet Star into Queenstown. Queenstown is a resort town in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Queenstown is built around Lake Wakatipu with spectacular views of the nearby mountains and much like the rest of New Zealand it is an adventure seekers paradise. Summer activities consist of jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, hiking, skydiving, and almost any outdoor activity you could desire. There are also many tours via helicopter, small plane, and bus to the natural attractions in the South Island. Our travel agent was great in offering plenty of options suitable to our interests and the age range in our family. One specific part of our trip which came highly recommended was a trip to Milford Sound. This trip consists of a taking a small plane over The Great Divide with its glaciers and peaks to land in Milford Sound. During the flight the mountains and glaciers around us were stunning; we flew close enough to almost reach out and touch them. Mitre Peak is an iconic mountain in the South of New Zealand. It is one of the most photographed peaks in the country. Once we landed we didn’t stay on land long- instead we set sail on a catamaran through the sound to the Tasman Sea. Gorgeous! A must see in Queenstown, which the whole family enjoyed was the Skyline Gondola. This gondola takes you to the top of Bob's Peak which then has a Zip-trek Ecotour, a six zip-line course, to the bottom. The whole family really enjoyed the zip-lines and most, not all, even managed a trick or two including going upside down. Also at the top is a luge ride around a track, fun for the entire family. Or, if you are feeling really brave they have bungee jumping as well as paragliding. If you travel all the way to New Zealand one other thing that you must take part in is the thrill of jet boating, which they say was invented there. There are many options for the jet boating but some are actually weather dependent. For us the bus ride to Skippers Canyon was just about as exciting as the jet boating. The entire journey through Skipper Canyon was on narrow, winding roads. The views were stunning but the edge of the road overlooking the canyon were thrilling to say the least.

New Zealand: Adventure Seeker’s Paradise!


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Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Cover Story: Tantalizing Travel

Christine McCarthy

We also travelled to TeAnau on the South Island to visit the glow worm caves. The tour led us into pitch black caves the ceiling of which were dotted like stars on the sky with these tiny little bugs called glow worms. Glow worms are unique to New Zealand. Glow-worms are the larvae of a species of fly called a fungal gnat and they draw many visitors in caves throughout the South Island. From Te Anau we drove to a quaint town called Wanaka. Wanaka is a resort town with many outdoor activities. The town is situated on lake Wanaka and is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. This town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is less commercialized then Queenstown. Here we enjoyed fishing and a boat tour of the surrounding lakes and islands. From there we followed the Haast Pass which cuts through the Southern Alps and continued on to Franz Josef, which is a 12 km long glacier located in Westland tai Poutini National Park. Here we enjoyed a thrilling heli-hike on the glacier which was a once in a lifetime experience for us. Equipped with snow clothes and ice crampons we had a wonderful tour of the glacier face and caves. Definitely an experience we will never forget. We then drove up the West Coast to another small resort town called Punakaiki. This area is a very popular tourist attraction for its famous pancake rocks. The pancake rocks are limestone formations where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes during high tides. The pancake layering of the limestone is really something to see. There certainly is much more to see in New Zealand but that is where our adventure ends. Exhausted from the trip we made our way back to beautiful Thailand and Nichada to rest from our vacation. If New Zealand is not in your travel plans, it should be!

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Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Cover Story: Tantalizing Travel

Magic Kingdom in Asia Disneyland Hong Kong Only 3 hours Away

Hong Kong is a perfect getaway for families. It is a 3-hour plane ride via Air Asia to an English-speaking metropolis. Everyone speaks English, and all signs are written in English, making public transportation very easy. Disneyland Hong Kong is a short trip from the airport. You can take a taxi for 150 Hong Kong dollars (about 635 baht) or take the train. We opted for the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel due to its proximity and its shuttle bus service to and from the park. If you do stay in the Disney Hotel, I recommend splurging for a Club room. It is a bit more expensive but well worth it. You receive free breakfast (with added touches like Mickey Mouse waffles and muffins), juice, sodas and fruit for a day snack, and then a few nibbles around dinner time with free beer and wine for the parents. For Club room patrons they have a private balcony to

watch the fireworks and even have a bedtime story. Mickey or Minnie will stop by in pajamas for a great photo op. The park worked out well for my family of five. We have three kids, aged 8, 7 and 3 years old. The park is not enormous but perfect for my younger child. We could have used two days to do everything in the park with my three year old, but older kids could have torn through the park in a day easily. There are only two roller coasters: Space Mountain and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. The rest of the rides are geared toward smaller children.

I found it quite easy to find Disney characters in the park as they were in certain spots throughout the day. There is also an option for a character dinner located in the Enchanted Garden at the Disneyland Hotel. It is quite pricey but well worth it, in my opinion. They had an enormous buffet with every food, and a dessert buffet with two chocolate fountains (white and milk chocolate). The four main characters, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto, came to each table and greeted the children, providing plenty of time for photo ops! For my family, it was worth every Hong Kong dollar!

Lisa Widmer

Additional photos by Sara Reid

To Hong Kong and Beyond!

Minnie cookies!

Fireworks show

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Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Charity Reports

Charity Report: How NNR Has Used Your Donations

NNR donated Nutrini food supplements to the Baan Ratchawadee Home for Girls to improve the quality of the lives of 44 girls with cerebral palsy, a motion disorder which limits their movement so they usually lie in bed and need total care. To feed the girls, about 2 cans of Nutrini powder were used daily. This food supplement powder was either mixed with their rice or given in milk form for those who cannot take solids easily. Compared to other milks or supplements the Nutrini satisfied the girls more, helping them feel “full” and fall asleep.

After having Nutrini supplement for one month, the girls no longer had dry, yellow complexions. The number of skin wounds were reduced to the extent that there were no new cases even among those who were vulnerable to pressure sores.

Equipment for Handicapped Children

Laura Shepard

In a collaborative effort between Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) and the American Women’s Club (AWC), custom-designed feeding chairs were purchased for disabled girls at the Baan Ratchawadee Home for Girls. NNR donated 21,000 baht and the American Women’s Club contributed 18,000 baht. In all we donated an extra tall feeder chair, two head rests that would elongate two existing chairs, and 3 tip tables. These tables are perfect for feeding and also for doing puzzles or coloring since the girls have trouble focusing visually. These items were specifically requested by CCD (Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities) volunteers who work with the girls on a daily basis. The woman in the white blouse is Khun Supanee from "Kit for Life." She constructed each piece herself and it's her company that we hired to make all this custom equipment. She is extremely skilled and was able to come up with ways to create exactly what was needed.

Food Supplements for girls with cerebral palsy

Most girls have gained 1-3 kg. after eating Nutrini. The rate of pneumonia was reduced, probably because the girls were healthier and stronger overall.

The contentment and health of these now less vulnerable girls is a result of a NNR donation making a nurse’s dream experiment possible. The goal was to increase weight and reduce the rate of pressure sores. The results met the goals and ended up with even more positive changes. A special thanks to NNR and CCD volunteers who continue to feed Nutrini bottled mix 2-3 times a week to 13 of the girls who are most at risk. To maintain the gains made, the nursing and care giving team at Ban Rachawadee Ying will be given another large batch of Nutrini powder early in 2014. Thanks again NNR.

Dorothy Klynstra

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Anju Bhatia and I took a load of sports equipment, school supplies, and toiletries to the girl's shelter on Dec.19, 2013. The Shelter is a refuge for girls aged 5-20 who have been abused, trafficked, or exploited in some other way. The shelter is on Koh Kret Island so we had to take everything by boat. It was quite funny to watch a basketball hoop being loaded onto a small boat to cross the river. The staff were very helpful and everything made it ok. The shelter is looking for dedicated volunteers who might want to come to teach English, or engage socially with the girls. If you are interested please contact Linda Feltham at [email protected]. I would like to say a special thank you to Ginger and Scott Duval for donating the basketball hoop, and Linda Feltham and Patrick Callens for donating the rest of the sports equipment. I would also like to thank Angela at I-Care Thailand for helping to facilitate the visit.

Sports Equipment and hygiene products for Girls’ Kredtrakarn Shelter

Sports Equipment for Baan Poomwaet Boys Home

Mare Harvey

350 pillows and 700 pillow cases to Nonthaburi Home for the Destitute

In a joint project with the Elder Care Club at ISB, NNR donated part of the funds needed to purchase the much-needed pillows and pillow cases for 350 residents at the homeless shelter. When the students and NNR representatives presented the pillows in December, the teenagers also danced and sang to entertain the elderly residents. They also personally delivered pillows to the less mobile residents in the five dormitories. NNR is continuing its collaboration with the teens, who have volunteered to help sell crafts for the Shelter in the community.

Liz Lu

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Khun Toom, head of Nichada Security, hosted a Children's Day Party for the worker's camp located at the edge of Nichada. About 100 families live in the camp, and there are about 100 children. Children's Day is celebrated all across Thailand. The NNR donated money to help Khun Toom buy toys and savory and sweet snacks for the children. The NNR also arranged to have children from Thanksgiving Home, a recipient of NNR donations, come to perform a magic show for all the kids. There were lots of smiles all around. A big thanks to Khun Toom and his team for helping those less fortunate in our community. The worker's camp is home to many of the construction workers that we see everyday in Nichada. Some Nichada employees also live in the camp. Thanks also to Dylan Harvey, and the Duval and Powell families for coming to the party to give out the snacks. Also contributing financially to the party were the Chaengwattana Community Church, and two Nichada families who wish to remain anonymous. I feel very honored to live in such a giving community. The families in the camp were very grateful for the party.

CHILDREN'S DAY PARTY FOR WORKER'S CAMP

Mare Harvey

(Above lt) Volunteer Dylan Harvey and in striped shirt, Khun Toom, head of Nichada security

Volunteers at workers camp party pause for group photo

Library Renovation for Women’s Vocational Training Center

Renovation is almost done. Vocational students are looking forward to the refurbished facility for learning resources.

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Yesterday Once Again & Once Upon a Time furniture store Thank you, Khun Hui, for your support and donation of a Chinese suitcase

to the NNR Charity Bazaar raffle.

NNR thanks EVERYONE who generously donated prizes to the bazaar.!

Holiday Party for more than 500 children at the YMCA

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What an amazing event this year’s festive soiree was and a wonderful evening was had by all on so many different levels. Not only was this a spectacular and fun social event, it was also a charity fund raiser for the Kharma Foundation. There was a great turnout from across the Nichada community and beyond, and, at a guess, there were over 200 people there at one stage in the evening. Gill and Vic are consummate hosts, once again opening up their beautiful home to welcome us all in true festive style. Gill's eye for detail never ceases to amaze. From the winter wonderland scenes complete with a nutcracker and snowmen as you arrived, the nativity scene, the stunning flower arrangements throughout the house and the Christmas decorations for the first-timer are just jaw dropping. The food was delicious and wonderfully varied; from their signature crab cakes and late night fish and chips to the sushi bar and the melt in the mouth roasts from The Mandarin Oriental hotel. The entertainment was also perfectly arranged for this special Christmas party. We had Santa Bill who is the best Santa in town with the voice of an angel which he used to serenade people whilst dining. The band, Superbad, were excellent as ever and had people up and dancing under the stars and twisting by the pool. We also heard some songs from Georgia, amazingly talented for such a young girl. Musical talent obviously runs in the family as she was accompanied by her Dad, Mike from the band on his guitar. One of my favourite fun parts of the evening was the communal rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas led by Santa Bill with everyone joining in within their groups according to their specific day. It proved to be a great fun ice breaker and it was lovely to see everyone enter into the spirit of the occasion with both song and dance! Thanks to our team on the door, Anna and Nicholas, for all their hard work and effort in meeting and greeting all the guests, selling raffle tickets and taking donations. Thank you also to everyone who attended and made such generous donations, I hope your arms weren’t twisted too far! Most of all a Huge Thank You to Gill and Vic for once again opening their beautiful home, for laying on the most wonderful seasonal party and for extending their kind and generous hospitality to the whole Nichada community. I am delighted to announce that we raised a whopping 207, 510 baht on the night for the Kharma Foundation – amazing! On top of which, some friends of Gill and Vic’s, who could not make it on the night, donated a further 100,000 baht to make a grand total of 307,510 baht. Outstanding! Gill and Vic feel that Christmas is the perfect time of year to reflect on our blessings and to give back to those less fortunate than ourselves. Although there are of course so many worthy causes here in Thailand, Gill and Vic are especially keen to seek out and help grass root causes. Every baht raised on the night will be going directly to the Kharma Foundation and it will be invested where it is needed most in building a new school. All monies raised on the night will go to Khun Nion's latest project to help under privileged children in the Mae Hong Son district of Thailand. If you wish to know more about this extremely worthy cause please visit kharmafoundation.com.

Sarah Glaze

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Charity Spotlight: Festive Soiree

Festive Soirée Raises Baht 307,510 for Kharma Foundation Thank You to Our Hosts, Gill and Vic Adams!

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Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Charity Spotlight: Kharma Foundation

Overwhelmed is the good word if I think of the support you have given to the Kharma Foundation.

Born seven years ago on a sickbed in a Thai hospital was the idea to do some good for children in poverty, never realizing a few years later we are actually building little school buildings and have a great support from all over the world.

This year we want to build a Kindergarten for the school of Baan Huai Grataai. We also want to make this school more nutrition independent by creating a chicken and pig house, a mushroom house, but also think of the children’s fun by donating a playground. The school is in an isolated area far from the known world. And of course we are looking to donate the goods they need the most: food, clothing, beds and bedding, school material and sports equipment.

We live with these wise words: “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abun-dance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

Thank you for your support. May Buddha, God or Allah bless you all!

What is the Kharma Foundation?

Martin Haasbroek and Nion Sunpawishu

Founders, Kharma Foundtion

Soiree Highlights

Hosts Gill and Vic Adams

Donations being used for: Kindergarten building, mushroom house, fishpond with catfish, 8 pigs and pig house, 50 chickens and chicken house, playground, wheelchair, diesel power generator, 14 bunk beds, & more.

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Community Bulletin Board Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014

Yoga Class with Napisa Mon: 8:45-10:15am, Energize and Restore, All Levels Wed: 7:45-9:15am, Strength and Smiles, Level 2 Wed: 10:00-11:00am, Prenatal Yoga Wed: 7:45-9:00pm, Evening Yoga, Level 1-2 Friday 7:45-9:15am, Back and Core Yoga, Level 1-2 @Studio Above Starbuck's Napisa C. Pant 086-975-7187 [email protected]

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 [email protected]. 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 02-987-9677 Email: [email protected] 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, www.DavidLynchFoundation.org

Bollywood Dance Class-(Beginners/Advanced Bollywood dance is a fusion of Western, Eastern and Latin dance with traditional classical Indian dance styles. It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s fun... and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance -this is for you! Classes: Bollywood for Beginners– NEW!: Monday OR Thursday 9:30-10:30am Advanced: Tuesday 10am OR Wednesday OR Friday 9:30-10:30am All classes held at Regent Dance Studio, Nichada Thani. For further information, contact Irit: 0860044840 or [email protected]

This Space Available

Advertise your business here.

Contact: [email protected]

Kundalini Yoga Do kriyas to strengthen your body! Chant mantras and let’s meditate to enlarge our consciousness. That is what we do in Kundalini Yoga. The Yoga of Awareness! All levels are welcome. Only ex-perience is going into the heart! Have a try! Start: Tuesdays, except school-holidays 9.00-10.30am Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks Instructor: Kerstin Wild–Kamalpreet Kaur at: 08 6372 9750 [email protected] Please contact me for more information!

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Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Charity Spotlight: Donations

As many of you are already aware, there’s a local thrift shop, the White Elephant, where items donated by the community are then sold and the proceeds are used for charity.

In the past, the White Elephant (WE) has donated and supported many different charities. This year, one of the primary goals of WE, is to make a significant improvement for one organization; while still supporting several smaller organizations.

Through many communications, WE is embarking on a large project for the Nonthaburi Reception Home for the Destitute, a shelter housing about 350 residents, of which most are elderly. Many of the residents cannot walk up and down stairs and the facility is currently not equipped with ramps or elevators so residents need to be carried. WE has pledged to fully fund the building of a handicap ramp in the amount of 175,000 baht. WE has also slated 30,000 baht to improve the home’s bathroom facilities and 6,000 baht for holiday gifts to volunteer workers at the home. WE is proud to be able to help the shelter in a meaningful and hopefully ongoing way.

WE continues to support other organizations as well, including 50,000 baht to the Philippines and 42,000 baht to the Thanksgiving Home for tuition and books.

Previous donations this year include a donation of sports equipment to Prasart Isalam School in the amount of 26,524 baht; 60,000 baht to the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer used to purchase two special chairs for women who are receiving chemotherapy; and 20,000 baht for the Thung Khanang Shelter for land mine victims at the Thai - Cambodian border.

Thank you to our generous community for all of your many donations— please keep them coming! It would not be possible without you!

We welcome volunteers. We are in need of people who can work a 2 hour shift or more on a regular basis. Please come by the store and check it out.

White Elephant Shop Makes a Difference

Jenn Bradley

The White Elephant Thrift Shop Oasis Plaza, 2nd floor (near Bewitched)

Tuesday-Friday 10-2 Saturday 10-12

You can get there on your golf cart!

Access ramp for handicapped at the

Nonthaburi Reception Home

for the Destitute.

Chairs for chemotherapy patients

Aid for landmine victims

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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 [email protected].

Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014

RECYCLING: Batteries, Printer Cartridges, & Even Cell Phones

If you feel guilty tossing used batteries in the trash, there’s good news. You can dispose of them safely at a recycling point next to ISB’s high school cafeteria. Located in the narrow hallway leading to the restrooms, a variety of recycling containers await you. From batteries to aluminum cans and can tabs, to ink jet cartridges and yes, even broken cell phones, there’s a receptacle that’s just right. So please do your part for the environment and recycle safely.

Key & Shoe Repairs: While-You-Shop Service

Liz Lu

Most shopping centers have key-making and shoe repair kiosks so that you can drop off a key or shoe order, go window-shopping for 15 minutes (keys) half an hour (new heels), or half a day (new soles) and return to pick them up when you’re ready to go. Copying keys cost about 30 baht, new heels are often 60 to 100 baht, and new soles, especially if stitching is required, may run several hundred baht. The kiosks are often located near parking areas at basement level (Central Chidlom) or ground level (Mall Ngamwongwan). At Central Rathanathibet, the shoe kiosk is on the ground floor near Tops Supermarket. Liz Lu

27

Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014

Handy List of Utility Service Providers Need to call one of your utility service providers? Here is a list of providers, along with the number to dial for assistance in English:

AIS 1175 (2 for English) DTAC 1678 (77 for English) True Online 1686 (9 for English) True Visions 02-725-2525 (9 for English) To contact the following providers it’s best to have a Thai speaker and/or a lot of patience:

Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) 1130 Metropolitan Water Authority (MWA) 1125 Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT) 02-240-0701

Monique Langer

For those looking to avoid the downtown gridlock, the Chao Phraya Express Boat is a great way to get into town. With several stops along the Chao Phraya River, the Express Boat makes for a scenic and relatively quick way to get to several river-bound stops.

At only 15 baht per trip, the boat is a great bargain. The “green flag” boat is the closest to Nichada with a stop at the Pakkret Pier. However, that boat only runs during the commute hours of 6:10-8:10am (departing Pakkret) and 4:05 to 6:05pm (departing Sathorn - last stop).

The “orange flag” boat has more options for departures and arrivals, but leaves from Nonthaburi pier, which is slightly further out from Nichada. I recently took the boat from Nonthaburi pier to Oriental pier and was there in about an hour.

From the boat, you can access Wat Pho (Tien pier), Chinatown (Rajawongse pier), and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Oriental pier). The end of the line is Sathorn, which will put you right at the Saphan Taksin BTS station. Make sure you’re on time when boarding and de-boarding -- the boat waits for no one! Visit http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/home for schedule and route information.

Monique Langer

Chao Phraya Express Boat Offers Convenience, Value

30

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

[email protected]

www.bangkoktherapy.com

Carl Janowitz

Marriage and Family Therapist First Tower

Sukhumvit 1/1 (Behind Bumrungrad)

When Life gets

Overwhelming

Reach Out for Help…

31

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Community News

Nichada’s ‘Secret Garden’ Night Market Fun for All

The evening of Saturday, January 18, marked Nichada’s inaugural Secret Garden Night Market. Located near the new Villa, the night market was very well-attended by residents of all ages. With everything from shopping to delicious food to live entertainment and more, the market promises to deliver monthly family-friendly entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment. Future Secret Garden night markets are scheduled for February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 and June 7.

The boys of the Baan Poomwaet Boys Home, one of NNR’s sponsored charities, were

selling hand-made goods at their booth near the entrance.

The Nichada Thani mascots welcome all to the night market.

Kids jumped in the bounce house until well into the evening.

A live band performing old favorites and new hits.

33

Around Nonthaburi and Beyond

Chaengwattana Community Church Sunday Service- 9:30am Tues/Wed evenings: Life Groups- Encouraging Wed-Wed 9:30am: Encouraging Women Youth Group (high school) Sunday 6:30pm Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm http://www.cccthailand.org Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred. English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Faith Formation Religious Ed/CCD) Classes [email protected]

CCT - Club Canada Thailand Open to all nationalities. Monthly tours, book group, Lunch Bunch, and other social events. 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; [email protected]

ANZWG -Australia/New Zealand Women’s Group Monthly Coffee Mornings, Tours, Newsletter & Activities www.anzwg-bangkok.org

AWC—American Women’s Club of Thailand Monthly Luncheon, Activities and Coffee Morning. Contact: 02-712-3380/1 [email protected]; www.awcthailand.org

Events: Concerts

Clubs: International

Nichada Tennis Leagues Tuesday-Intermediate League Mary McCarty: [email protected] Friday 7:30-9:30- Intermediate/Advanced League Ann McVey: [email protected]

Clubs: Hobbies

Nonthaburi Needlers: Meets Tuesday mornings. Open to quilters, needlers, knitters and all who love needle art. Contact Charlotte Sanders at: [email protected]

Synagogue Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22 Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245

Mosque Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque 8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Neighborhood mosque just outside of Nichada Thani.

Buddhist Temple Wat Bua Khwan (วดับวัขวญั)

1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Muang, Nonthaburi 02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and funeral services. 15 minutes from Nichada. Go via Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the expressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan.

Worship Venues

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014

Thaiticketmajor—-www.thaiticketmajor.com

Events: Shopping, Impact Arena

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road, Pakkret, Nonthaburi. Church service in English begins at 11 a.m. All are welcome!

Clubs: Sports

Adult Volleyball League: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (and some Mondays) playing friendly matches in ISB’s Rajendra Hall. Contact Pat Sethbhakdi: [email protected]

Men’s Softball League: Slo-pitch men’s softball. League runs from No-vember to May. Contact: Troy Regis at:([email protected])

Bangkok Expo February 15-23 Furniture, fashion, beauty, food and wedding 53rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair February 15-March 1

Avril Lavigne: Live in Bangkok February 11, 8:30 pm Impact Arena

34

When I heard that NNR’s December tour will be a flower arranging workshop in Nichada Park, it was exciting news for me. I had thought that traditional Thai flower arrangement is very complex. But after going through the workshop, it became clear that it is an art form that requires passion, and it’s also relaxing and fun. Our trainers, Khun Pichada, Khun Chalam and Khun Hart, were wonderful teachers. We used different types of flowers such as marigold, love flower, (Dokmai Rak inThai), Buddha flower (Pull in Thai), white jampi (which smells like jasmine), toey orchid (lemon colour with good aroma), golden pandanus leaves, betel, globe amaranth (its Thai name translates into “bachelor button everlasting”). It was hands-on training. Once we finished arranging the flowers, it became a temple shape. Thanks a lot to Asian Tigers for sponsoring the workshop. Special thanks to our friend and hostess Karen Mitchell, who provided her house as the venue for this workshop. Big thanks also go to NNR tour leader Alexandra Ries who organized the event. This year-end NNR tour in Nichada Thani was a fun and obviously amazing get-together for us.

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Tour Tales

Jesmin Tarana

Flower Arranging Workshop Delights All

Thank you to Sponsor Asian Tigers, and Hostess Karen Mitchell

Flower arrangement = cliche'? NOT REALLY! Now I know Thai style flower bouquet has so much precious meaning. Thanks for Alexandra who organized this NNR tour for us.

Young-Mee Won

It's a great way to meet new or old friends while relaxing oneself. For some it's also a great opportunity to discover new talents and develop new hobbies! I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop! Thanks for organizing the workshop and also a big thanks to Karen !

Tao Yu

Hostess Karen Mitchell (lt) and guests

Our wonderful flower-arranging teachers

38

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 January Social Recap

On January 24 we held our Coffee Social with a White Elephant Gift Exchange game. I would like to thank Charlotte Sanders for inviting us into her beautiful home and for making everyone feel so welcome. It was a small but very friendly gathering and was the perfect opportunity to catch up after the Christmas holidays. We also got to meet and chat to some newcomers. Thank you to our wonderful hostess and all who attended!

Sarah Glaze

Lovely way to for a newly arrived person

to meet the "local" ladies. The White

Elephant game is a great ice-breaker.

Veronica Leaney (Five weeks in Thailand)

The January coffee social was a great way to

meet new people and reconnect after the

holidays. Charlotte opened up her beautiful

home and it was a blast doing the White

Elephant gift exchange. Everyone left with a

taste of good food and something new – the

bathing-suit clad lady pot holder was really

something. Thanks to all for providing

information on the many opportunities to

volunteer and contribute to the local area

(specifically the White Elephant Thrift store at

Oasis and working with the Breast Cancer

Support group in Bangkok).

Lee Derr

A White Elephant Poem

White Elephant gift exchange,

Keep your gift or state: “Revenge!”

Open the gift, close it, hide it

As another pair of hands might get it!

A black feather boa and a bag in my hand

Next minute they turn into sand.

Instead there is a soap and a lavender sack

Wrapped in a small yellow pack!

It’s fun and it’s fast and it’s for a good cause

Like my gift? Well, I like yours!

Sanya Stanley

It was a great opportunity to share

holiday travel stories. I got tips on

visiting Vietnam and Australia. There

was a very informative presentation

from Renee about the White Elephant

store in Oasis. The food was excellent, a

good variety of both sweet and savory.

Karen Johnston

January Coffee Social: White Elephant Gift Exchange

41

Mardi Gras Recipe: Easy Shrimp Étouffée

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Recipe Corner: Mardi Gras

If you have a favorite holiday or everyday recipe you would like to share, please contact us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

Mardi Gras is a big deal in many Southern states in the US, and especially in my home state of Louisiana. Mardi Gras is of French and Catholic origin, and while it’s popular throughout the US, it is celebrated famously in New Orleans, Louisiana. The exact date of Mardi Gras Day changes every year based on the Lenten season of the Catholic Church. This year, it falls on Tuesday, March 4. In the US, Mardi Gras Day is also called “Fat Tuesday,” which is the final day of Mardi Gras season. This day is always the day before Ash Wednesday, which kicks off Lent and traditions of fasting. So Mardi Gras season is a time of celebrations, indulgence in rich foods - among other vices! - in preparation for the Lenten season, a time of ‘cutting back,’ which runs from Ash Wednesday until Easter. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is most well known for parades of elaborate floats, marching bands, and revelers who come out to catch the throws of beads, plastic cups, toys and trinkets! In New Orleans, one of the most common local dishes we cook is Crawfish Étouffée (pronounced "ay-too-fay"). Here in Thailand, we modify the recipe to swap the crawfish out for shrimp. And voilà! It's Shrimp Étouffée. So how does this tie into Mardi Gras? ‘Crawfish season’ is often starting during Mardi Gras time and therefore overlaps some of Mardi Gras season. A personal favorite time of year in New Orleans is when the two seasons overlap! Crawfish boils are the most common way to eat crawfish - by the pot full! So it is not same-same but when living abroad, this recipe still serves as a little taste of home.

EASY SHRIMP ÉTOUFFÉE 1 cup butter 1 cup chopped green onions 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1 kilo shrimp 2 cups broth of choice (seafood, chicken, etc) Salt Cayenne pepper 1 tsp cornstarch Peel & de-vein shrimp, set aside. Melt butter in large skillet. Sauté green onions and celery for 10 minutes until tender. Add parsley, shrimp, broth, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper (can add more to personal taste). Bring to a boil, cook minutes or until shrimp are pink. Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and add to sauce. Serve over rice, garnish with lemon slices. Bon appétit!

Sheri Gros

42

Source: Allfunnystuff.com

Why Diets Don’t Work

44

Reminders for living in the Nichada Thani Community. The rules state: • Drivers of golf carts must be over 15 (ISB requires students to be 16 and have a valid drivers license) • Drivers must be 18 or older to operate a motorcycle. • Due to the width of the roads, passing is prohibited • Bike lanes are reserved for pedal bikes only • Parents dropping off children must enter the ISB gate, stopping at the crosswalks is prohibited • In addition to the Nichada Thani traffic guard who patrols the community, parents, teachers, and Nichada Thani employees have the responsibly to report violations to the appropriate school administrator and the Nichada Thani Customer Relations Office.

Nichada’s handbook outlines all vehicle regulations and fines and a copy is available at the Nichada office or by contacting the Customer Relations Office for an on-line copy.

Lee Derr

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Community

Road Safety Tips

* Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle * Use locks after parking bicycles * Wear white or bright-colored clothing, reflective vests or use flashing lights to stay visible to passing cars. You can also add reflective tape to your backpack if you're wearing one. * Do not wear lose clothing or pants that may get caught in the bicycle chain or spokes. If pant legs are too loose, place a rubber band around pant legs. When you reach your destination, simply slip rubber band around your ankles, under the pants. * Ride in the direction of the traffic. Riding against traffic on the wrong side of the road is illegal and increases a cyclist's risk dramatically because motorists making turns may not check traffic for wrong-way cyclists. * Do not use earphones to listen to music while riding your bike. You need to be on maximum alert for sounds and traffic around you at all times.

Bike Safety

Some Info adapted from WikiHow

46

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Feature

(Below) The Phajaan

Elephants, the impressive and magnificent grey giants, have become a huge part of the Thai tourist

industry, and are one of the “must-sees” for people visiting the country. Understandably, most

people jump at the occasion to interact with them, whether it may be riding, feeding or petting

them. Although elephant rides are most popular, there are many other forms of elephant tourism

such as shows, festivals, and circuses that are also common. Despite the fact that most people

consider these seemingly innocent activities fun, they are often unaware of the terrible

consequences such activities have on elephants.

The Phajaan is the training method

elephants undergo in order to be a part of

the tourism industry. This generally

accepted and widely used method of

training is incredibly abusive and stressful

for the animal. As babies, the elephants are

stripped from their mothers and put in

confined spaces. Then, they are ritualisti-

cally beaten with sharp sticks, such as

bamboo riddled with sharp nails, as well

as starved and deprived of sleep. This

horrible practice continues until the

elephant’s spirit is crushed and has

become completely submissive to humans.

Elephants, which are highly intelligent

animals, can be traumatized by this

experience, leaving permanent emotional

scars. As if this already wasn’t bad enough, elephants used for rides are often worked every day

without rest, chafed and sore from the uncomfortable saddles unfit for their spine.

Sadly, most elephants involved in elephant tourism live this reality, and lead a very poor quality of

life, resulting in physical and mental illness, and often, premature death. Unfortunately, most

tourists are unaware of the terrible treatment the elephants they are so keen to interact with,

receive, and unknowingly perpetuate these practices.

The Tragedy Behind Elephant Tourism

(Above) Chained elephant

(Rt.) Baby elephant being loaded with tourists

47

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Feature

Olwenn Fruchart

How You Can Help Elephants

Street Elephants

It is illegal to have elephants walking the streets of

Bangkok, and yet, there are currently more than 100

elephants in the Thai capital used for begging. These

elephants suffer from extremely harsh treatment, both

physically and psychologically. Poor nutrition, injured

feet, lung damage, hearing impairment and skin

damage are only some of the consequences which

living on the street brings to elephants.

These highly intelligent animals are being misused and

treated with the utmost cruelty, and it is vital for this

practice to be stopped. Although it is a big problem to

tackle, there are several small things we can do to help.

A baby elephant far too young to be

separated from its mother.

Alternative: Elephant Sanctuaries

Thankfully, for elephants, not all hope is lost.

The answer comes in the form of elephant

sanctuaries. North of Chiang Mai, the 250-acre

Elephant Nature Park rescues and rehabilitates

elephants that have been victims of cruel

treatment.

The park provides a natural and peaceful

environment for disabled, orphaned, blind, and

rescued elephants of all ages. The park gives

tourists the unique opportunity to work hands

on with the elephants and to take part in their

healing by bathing or feeding them. Instead of participating in the harsh treatment that

unfortunately surrounds most elephants, the park encourages the positive type of elephant

tourism, where tourists can interact with the animal in an environment of love, respect and hope.

So, whether you’re looking for new family activities for an upcoming trip or recommending

adventures in Thailand for foreigners, make sure to enlighten them about the true story behind

elephant tourism and what they can do to help their plight.

Boycott. Despite how pitiful the animals look, paying to feed them will only encourage the

practice of begging. If there is less demand for feeding street elephants, the owners will have

to make different choices–perhaps looking to sell their elephants to sanctuaries.

Donate to organizations or sanctuaries that help take care of mistreated elephants. Although

doing this won’t put the problem to an end, sanctuaries take care of elephants that have been

saved from the streets, and giving money helps participate in these

elephants’ healing.

Educate those around you. Getting enough people to be aware of the terrible

treatment elephants on the street face is one of the most important steps to getting rid of this

problem permanently.

49

Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014Thani Talk ~February 2014 Restaurant Review

Another gem in the eating world that Bangkok has to offer, Roast Coffee & Eatery has been open for a few years and offers what they describe as “comfort food,” serious coffee and a passion for excellent, fresh, organic fare. This eco-friendly establishment says ‘quality’ – both in terms of the food they produce and the service that goes with it. The atmosphere in this chill, urban setting is relaxed and yet has a vibe that is often found in eateries that have somehow found the secret of getting it ‘right’. The floor to ceiling windows, urban yet countrified décor, and sophisticated overlay ensure that most people will feel very comfortable here. It is simply a great place to chat, to eat and to enjoy. The “comfort food” is

definitely “comfort food with sophistication,” and is created with a great deal of thought and passion from the team who both created the concept of Roast, and also the team who operate it on a daily basis. Ingredients are fresh, combinations creative, and prices are good. The menu is charmingly presented in newspaper style, and features interesting background about what is happening behind the scenes.

Breakfast and brunch are a big thing here, and range from 180 to 420 baht (e.g., basil & goat cheese frittatas/cassoulet). Lunch is in the same price range as breakfast and offers delicious favorites. Dinners range from 180 baht (New England clam chowder) to 1290 baht (herb roasted beef tenderloin). Yummy desserts will

set you back 150 to 240 baht (e.g., Choccy soufflé with Grandmarnier sauce). Their famous drinks (e.g., Strawberry honey iced tea and lychee & orange smoothie) are served in cute glass jars, and coffees need a separate paragraph, as the eatery’s name would suggest! Take your friends, your partners, your teenagers. It is a great place to hang out and enjoy yummy food!

Sally Elliott

Roast Coffee & Eatery ‘Comfort Food’ with Sophistication

Roast Coffee & Eatery SeenSpace, 2nd Floor

Thonglor 13 Tel: 02-185-2865 www.roastbkk.com

Mon – Thurs: 10am – 11pm Fri – Sat: 9am – 11pm Sun: 9am – 10pm

50

Providing high quality custom tailoring for more than 45 years,

Raja’s Fashions has been featured in Men's Vogue Magazine,

International Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune,

Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide,

D

Providing high quality custom tailoring for more than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in

Men's Vogue Magazine, International Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide, The Washington Post, Vivre A Bangkok, Conde Nast Magazine and many other travel magazines.

DELIVERY RESTAURANTS PHONE

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 02-962-2850

McDonald’s 1711 Milano’s @ Pro Club 02-582-1555

Mr. Enzo’s 02-960-0412

New York Diner 081-624-2099

NICC Club 02-960-4326

Olive Restaurant 02-960-3286

Que Pasa 02-960-3821

Sapna (Indian and Afghan food delivery) 02-960-3141

Scoozi 02-715-8555

Subway 02-960-3232

Sudhathai 02-583-2694

Slider Shack 086-773-4140

BUSINESS PHONE

Bamboo Spa 02-583-9871

Bank Krungsri 02-582-2669

Bumrungrad Family Clinic 02-960-4216

Clark Hatch Fitness Center 02-960-4326 / 27 Crystal Holiday Travel 02-960-4469 Gain Florist 081-644-0590

Hair By Jib 02-960-3783 Happy Teeth Dental Clinic 02-960-3988 Great Massage 02-960-3691

ISB 02-963-5800

Le Studio Hair 084-022-9928

Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300

Pandit Carpets 081-828-2562 Panipa 02-960-3934 Pum’s Salon 02-583-7117 Rex Pharmacy 02-960-4001 Rose Marie Academy 02-960-3663 Shawn Carpets 090-564-8927 Smile Beauty 081-828-1637 Starbucks 02-967-9686 Twist 02-911-6839 Villa Market 02 -584-5444

Wash-N-Dry 085-945-4132

4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming 02-960-4189

thani talk 2014 february

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