Sponsored Links

Archive for the ‘Asia’ category

« Older Entries

Travel Asia – A Popular Choice for Travelers

December 27th, 2009

The largest as well as the most populous continents in the world – Asia is a land of diversity with a multitude of geographies, cultures, and people. Occupying an area of about 9% of the total area of the earth’s surface, Asia is home to more than five billion people.


In other words, Asia consists of more than 60% of the world’s overall population. As a tourist destination, Asia boasts of a feast of attractions in the form of traditional cities, ancient monuments with superb architecture, museums and art galleries that throw light on the history of the place, incredible wild life, scenic mind blowing attractions, and attractions that are a blend of both east and west.


There are also a range of vibrant attractions, covering action packed beaches, bargain shopping areas, and exuberant nightclubs. Equally remarkable is the sumptuous cuisines available here, each of which is a representation of different cultures. In fact, the world’s majority of tourist attractions are found in Asia. Discussed further in this article are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Asia.


The continent of Asia is home to such incredible destinations as India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Philippines. Asia has such a great number of attractions that even a year is not enough to explore them all. For those who want to explore a range of rich culture and topography and at the same time interested in recreational pursuits, then one of the most suitable options would be to take a tour to India. Stunning beaches, gorgeous monuments, ancient temples, and lively cities, all sum up the attractions of India. Attractions, among many others, in India are Red Fort and Qutab Minar in Delhi, Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders, Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh, Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, and Kerala’s backwaters.


For those interested in exploring the pristine beauty as well as the ancient wonders, perhaps the greatest of all attractions in Asia would be China, which boasts of such lively destinations as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, all of with loads of mind blowing attractions. Most popular among the attractions in China are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Potala Palace, West Lake, and Mogao Grottos. Another much sought after tourist destination in Asia is Japan, which is acknowledged as the Land of the Rising Sun. It features attractions such as Nara Park, Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, Kin Osaki, Himeji Castle, and Takayama in Gifu. With attractions such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is also an incredible spot in Asia.


Popular countries in Asia also include the Kingdom of Thailand, which is probably the number one tourist destination in South-East Asia. What that set apart Thailand from other spots in Asia is its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning temples, gorgeous island destinations, stupendous monuments, healthy cuisines, and above all presence of amicable Thai people.


Just few among many of the attractions in Thailand are Bangkok, the capital city; Ayutthaya, which is much famed for its Gothic ruins; Chiang-Mai, bestowed with the title ‘Rose of the North,’ Krabi, which is a paradise for enjoying a range of water sport activities; and Pattaya, one of the best resorts in Asia. Also, a tourist spot in South-East Asia is Singapore, which is an island destination situated at the Malay Peninsula’s southern tip. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Discovery Center, Little India, and China Town, are some of the Singapore’s landmarks.


Southeast Asia also contains incredible destinations such as Indonesia – the largest archipelagic nation in the world; Malaysia, with attractions like Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya; Philippines, with more than 7000 islands; and Burma, which is the largest country in Southeast Asia. Other top places of interest in Asia are Sri Lanka – an island destination located off the southern tip of India; Afghanistan, with a rich as well as complex history; Maldives, which consists of more than 1,000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean; Uzbekistan, one of the most popular destinations in Central Asia; Kyrgyzstan, which is probably the most popular tourist spot in Central Asia; and Bangladesh, which has to its credit a number of ancient palaces, magnificent Buddhist shrines, and beautiful monuments.


In short, Asia is truly a dream destination for every traveler.

The Accor Group manages Hotels with the Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons, Ibis, Formule 1, Grand Mercure brands and offers services to corporate clients and public institutions: 23 million people in nearly 40 countries use a broad range of services engineered and managed by Accor Services.

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Young Girls Forced Into Living Nightmares

December 25th, 2009

For most young women in the free world, know they have the absolute right to choose their own partner, the only danger being that the marriage could end up in divorce. Yet for millions of women who live in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, the right to choose their own partner is not only a highly dangerous alternative, but it could threaten their lives. For these women the word ‘No’ is not an option. There are also instances where men are coerced into a forced marriage. This global horror of forced marriages, imposed by families, for the most part is grossly unreported.

It was revealed in a recent survey in England that around 3000 women are victims of forced marriages, in Britain alone. Once married these women have little or no rights.

Pakistan

Three girls were taken into the desert by Umrani tribesmen. They were punished and buried alive, as a deterrent for anyone else attempting to get married through their own choice.

The girls were grabbed at gun point, in the remote village of Bab Kot, by six men. They were then forced into a Land Cruiser jeep, that had the number plate of the Balochistan government. Taken to a field, they were beaten, shot and flung into a ditch. When the mother and aunty of the girls objected and tried to call a halt to the treatment, the two older women were also thrown into the ditch. Badly injured, the five women were buried alive and covered with mud and rocks, in what the relatives claimed to be ‘honour killings’.

The victim’s graves have not yet been found and very few of these murderers are apprehended or convicted.

It is believed hundreds of women are killed by male relatives every year, throughout Pakistan, for taking the bold step of trying to resolve their own future. In 2005 it is reported that 174 women were victims, 270 in 2006 and 280 in 2007. The figure stood at 107 in just the first five months of 2008.

Bangladesh Doctor Held Captive

A British trained doctor, Humayra Abedin, aged 32, who has been a resident in Britain for the past six years, was held captive by her family, in an effort to force her to go through with a marriage to a complete stranger. Humaya returned to Bangladesh when her family said her mother was gravely ill. Manhandled on her arrival and her travel documents and credit cards taken from her, Humayra was locked in a room and constantly looked over by four or five guards. Injected with what she believed were mood stabilizers and anti-psychotic drugs, Humayra was forced against her will, to go through the procedure of a marriage ceremony.

Humayra came under the ruling of the recent Forced Marriage Act, as she was a resident of Britain. A sympathetic Bangladesh court ruled that Humayra was being held against her will and she should be set free. After four months in captivity, Humayra returned safely to Britain.

The British High Commission in Dhaka reports that it aided 56 forced marriage cases between the months of April 2007 and March 2008.

Saudi Arabia:

A Saudi Arabian girl, aged eight years, was married off by her father, to a 58 year-old man. The young girl could not apply to divorce her husband until she reached puberty, a judge ruled. The girl still resides with her mother and the estranged father set a verbal condition that the marriage would not be consummated until the child reached 18 years of age. However, there is absolutely no guarantee this will be honoured.

The number of how many pre-adolescents have been forced into arranged marriages is uncertain, but the number is thought to be considerable.

Turkey:

A 23 year old woman was shot three times in the head, by her brother, when she dared to divorce the man her parents had forced her to marry.

India:

Girls as young as eight years of age are married off by their family, in India.

Education is having only limited success in breaking down these customs and traditions, as the victims are totally emotionally, socially and economically dependent on the family. It also needs legislation and most countries do not have a ruling on forced marriages.

Dr Wendy Stenberg-Tendys and her husband are CEO’s a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://youmesupport. org” title=”YouMe Support Foundation”>YouMe Support Foundation of YouMe Support Foundation. They supply high school education grants to kids who will never go to high school without outside assistance. You can be part of this exciting project that could also completely change your life. Take a few minutes to look at onClick=”javascript:pageTracker. _trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://winaresort. com”title”>Win A Resort

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Cell Phones and Cell Phone Features You Cannot Live Without

December 23rd, 2009

It was not that long ago that cell phones were a luxury, not a necessity. Anyone over the age of 30 will remember the days when wireless phones were big and bulky with average reception and limited coverage at best. As hard as it is to imagine now, cell phones of yesterday had one function and one function only – to make and receive calls.

How times change…. Even the most basic cell phones of 2007 pack more computing and navigational power than was used on early NASA space missions!

And as you would expect, business people have become emotionally attached to their personal cell phones and wireless technological devices. So much so that there are now specialists treating addictions to advanced wireless devices such as the Blackberry and other e-mail capable “smart” phones. Studies have shown that addictions to cell phones and wireless Blackberry e-mail are as powerful as heroin addiction!

We have tracked down some of the latest cell phones and features that eventually you may not be able to live without. If you suffer from cell phone or PDA addictions, this list may make it that much harder to kick the habit.

Wi-Fi Cell Phones

If you have ever had a call “drop out” for a brief period of time, you will appreciate the introduction of the Wi-Fi cell phone. This handy device can automatically switch between conventional cellular and Wi-Fi VoIP modes – even during the course of normal conversation.

Dense urban areas that contain large buildings made of concrete and steel continue to pose problems for conventional cellular signals. These structures have a tendency to block the radio frequencies needed to maintain wireless call connection to a “repeater” – the device that picks up your signal and makes the call possible. If a phone is near the limit of a repeater’s range and the user walks from the outdoors to indoors, the call can easily be dropped out of the network.

The Wi-Fi cell phone eliminates this dropout by automatically and seamlessly connecting to the closest Wi-Fi hotspot. With Wi-Fi becoming more and more popular and widespread, look for many more handsets to carry this feature in the near future.

The Breathalyzer-Enabled Cell Phone

You have been out celebrating a new promotion with colleagues and business associates. No longer do you have to wonder whether or not you have had one too many to drive home. Introducing: The Breathalyzer Cell Phone.

The breathalyzer cellular phone is a handset that is equipped with a built-in device for detecting ethyl alcohol vapor on the breath. The Korean company LG manufactures a breathalyzer cell phone (LP4100) that is already in use by thousands of Korean customers.

Many predict this feature will be integrated into more handsets from a variety of companies sooner than later. The breathalyzer wireless phone is especially handy for the college-age crowd or for the business person who is required to constantly entertain clients or prospective clients. The breathalyzer cell phone will undoubtedly save lives as its use becomes more popular.

GPS-Enabled Cell Phones

GPS (global positioning system) navigation technology has started to be offered by wireless companies to help guide users to any address they wish to find. The newly equipped GPS phones are even able to give verbal directions in response to an address that is entered into the handset.

Practical uses for this technology are vast for both business and personal use. For salespeople, or for those whose jobs require them to travel to multiple destinations in one day, the feature could become highly addictive. On a personal level, keeping track of teens is as easy as handing them a cell phone.

There is one company that offers a service that allows users to form networks so that anyone in the network can alert everyone else in that network as to their current location. Eventually, GPS will be standard for all cell phones and wireless devices.

The “Screaming” Cell Phone

The screaming cell phone is a feature that allows for the cell phone handset to emit a noise similar to a human scream in the event that the phone is lost or stolen. Once reported, a system administrator can begin to render the scream through the use of a “kill switch”. Once the noise begins, the device becomes inoperable and all stored data is subsequently erased.

Although “screaming technology” does not prevent the theft itself or even the return of the handset, it does keep sensitive cell phone data out of the hands of the thief. As one would expect, it makes the perpetrator of the crime extremely conspicuous as well. This technology can be used with any portable device: cell phone, Blackberry, PDA, pager and even a notebook computer.

Personal Handyphone

Want a phone that will function as both a wireless and landline device? If so, the Personal Handyphone is for you. The only drawback is that you need to live in Asia to use it.

Developed over 10 years ago in Japan, the personal Handyphone now boasts over 70 million users. The device is simple: a lightweight and portable wireless telephone that functions as a cordless phone in the home and wireless mobile phone everywhere else. It can now handle voice, fax and even video signals.

Apple Iphone

Due out in June, 2007, the Apple IPhone may change the cell phone landscape forever. Navigation is as simple as flicking your finger across the screen. Of course the phone comes with Ipod functions and internet browsing capabilities. The ease of use of this phone is vintage Apple, a company that seems to make everything incrediby easy.

Critics say the Iphone will not live up to the hype it has created over the last six months. Maybe so, but Cingular, the contracted carrier for Iphone service, has already received millions of inquiries about the new phone. If the Iphone is as popular as the Ipod, Apple will force other cell phone manufacturers to follow their lead. Be prepared to spend some money if you plan on buying one. The Iphone is slated to carry a hefty price tag ($499-599) – (but is it ever a cool phone!) The Apple Iphone may be the one phone that you simply cannot live without.

Karen Thatcher is CEO of TelCon Associates, Inc. , a 35-year old telecommunications consulting and bill management firm. To learn more about how you can reduce and control corporate telecom expenses more effectively, visit http://www. telconassociates. com

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Getting Married with Asian Girls and Asian Wives in Asia

December 19th, 2009

To marry an Asian wife of the Asian sites of dating on the Internet is really simple. You must prepare a profile by writing that which you want to say about you. You can say things like your career, interests, pastime, tastes, aversions, and others. After you are registered with a personal advertisement with any Asian service of dating, you can come into contact with other Asian women or girls. The Asian ladies can be also registered with their advertisements of personnel and contact the American single men. The males and the females can launch a message. It does not import at which old point you are, you can find your beautiful companion of the life on line for free. You should start to seek your other half in this moment. The interaction with the Asian ladies and the American men is the first stage to begin the process of dating.

The process of silent partner takes approximately 1 year so that a foreign bride comes to the United States. The majority of the American men who married with the Asian girls are older than their wives much. These men are not rich also but they are not poor. They are interested by the bride Asian because of their beautiful thin figure and without jolt color of the sexy skin. The Asian girls are beautiful and sexy that all the Western men like them. All the times that you saw an Asian lady on the street, you obtained to say which . When these Asian females come to America, they always keep their traditional habit. They respect their husband and let their men carry out the family. They is marvelous about the pretty characteristics about the Asian ladies who live in America.

The marriage with the Asian women require you to travel in the country where they live. It is too difficult that an unmarried Asian woman visits the United States because of the rules of immigration in America. The Asian countries in the process of development such as Thailand, China, Philippines, Kampuchea, they must pass the process while applying so that a visa comes visiting the United States. Consequently, the single American types travel in any specific country to Asia to visit their special somebody and to marry them if they like. It is the manner that functions so that a foreign man marries an Asian bride. After they marry their wives, they finance their bride in America and live there fortunately. The majority of the Asian girls are happy when they come to the United States.

To date the Asian women and girls on Internet was popular for the Western single men who seek the Asian ladies. Because you know that the Asian ladies are the best women on the ground to be married with. They are small and thin. Each single man loves the thin girls. Not only this, their characteristics are excellent about honesty and of fidelity with regard to their husbands and the elder ones. The Asian services of dating are the means of finding girls because the single Western men or the American men do not pay any fee to find this special somebody. A single man American can marry with any Asian lady which lives in Asia such as Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Kampuchea, Vietnam, and others.

Find Asian dating site With Asian girls online Find Asian women for free Please visit us today to find single Asian mail order brides online Thousands of single Asian girls waiting online to seek men Meet your other half today is easy and simple

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Poker Tv Asia, Hong Kong Poker House, Hong Kong Poker League

December 17th, 2009

Poker TV Asia is a free online Poker resource. It offers free video clips that cover major events from around the world. Check out a sample clip:

http://pokertvasia.com/1/videos/642/APPT-2008-Tournament-Of-Champions-Part-1.html

Also be sure to check out: www.hkph.com.hk

Be sure to look up: www.hkpokerleague.com

Also: www.cppa.com.hk

Poker in Hong Kong is growing, make sure to get in on all the action!

Hong Kong Poker House: “TheHong Kong Poker Houseis thefirst clubto provide all you need to play the thrillinggame of pokerin a comfortable and stylish environment. Our club offers plenty of services includingfood,drinksandgreat music, all to complement your poker experience.
We are located onHollywood Roadright in the heart ofLan Kwai Fongwhere all the nightlife action and fun takes place in HK. With this innovative alternative, poker fans and followers including “hongkongneses” and expatriates are just minutes away from the poker tables without having to venture on a two hour round trip to Macau to be part of the poker scene.

TheHong Kong Poker Houseoffers six high quality full sized tables, customized poker chips, cards, accessories and anything needed for a real poker experience. For all those just looking for American atmosphere, there is a great deal of alternatives offered including atrendy bar space,restaurantand aDJ Boothplaying lounge style music. The modern facility is filled with plasma TV’s and projection screens constantly showing poker shows and football games as well asbeautiful well trained dealersthat are ready to welcome players in the action.”

The Hong Kong Poker League: “

TheHong Kong Poker League,formed in February of 2007, hosts Free Live Texas Hold’em Tournaments at your favorite locations throughout Hong Kong allowing you to learn the game, test your poker skills against others in your area, sharpen the skills you have already mastered, and enjoy the “Poker Night” food and drink specials at participating venues.

TheHKPLwas created byPoker Enthusiasts,who love to play tournament style poker, but without any risk. Players earn points just for playing and more points for winning. Player points can be accumulated for prizes including entries into worldwide known poker tournaments such as theWPT,APT,APPTand of course theWSOP.

Each season is comprised of up to 10 weeks of regular tournaments with a 1 week Poker League Championship. Venues can sign up at any point in the season and still qualify players for the Final Championship of the year.
Each tournament is comprised of 10 to hundreds of players, where they are playing until there is one person left standing. In each tournament, the top 10 players will receive points based on where they finish and how many players competed in that tournament.

We encourage players of all levels of ability to come and join our league and especially people who have never played before who may have watched it on the TV and would like to have a game without losing any money. We have experienced poker players who “can teach newcomers the rules and how to play. Before long you could be earning league points, which could ultimately lead to you becoming theHK Poker League Championand a chance to win a host of great prizes and poker related opportunities along the way.

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Hot Spots For Property Investment In Asia

December 13th, 2009

There is an increasing prevalence of hot spots for foreign investments in Asia. Lot of countries in the region have completely removed their unnecessary restrictions on foreign investors. This has attracted more investment in the property market as well. As a result there was a real boom in the property section of the market in 2007. There was a steady increase in the average occupancy rate of office and residential buildings. The governments in the region have also become alert and have awarded business park sites and industrial sites. In the present circumstances an understanding of the various investment opportunities across Asia will be extremely helpful to you.


Thailand has been a tricky destination for tourists around the world. It is exotic island home to some of the best investment opportunities available in Asia. The influx of travelers from UK has increased as a consequence of budget airlines and consistent backup of expats who live in places like Singapore and Hong Kong. Investors can expect excellent returns from Thai beach property over the next couple of years. Thailand promises to be a profitable investment market for a good part of the next decade.


Seychelles islands are home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Development has been given top priority in recent years and new laws which attract the investors have been formulated. A man-made island Eden has been constructed and this can be considered another foot forward in creating reliable investment opportunities.


Cambodia is trying to forget its disturbing past and focus on building a happy and prosperous nation. Cambodia is blessed with tropical climates, thick vegetation and enticing beaches. If it makes the right moves there is a lot of space for investment with Cambodia having a turbulent past. Japan recently had some problems in their economy, but they are fighting back quite strongly. Clever investors will realize that Japan is a viable investment option now. Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya are places where prices and demand are predicted to rise considerably over the next three years.


With an economy progressing at nearly double-digit numbers, Vietnam is also starting to face shortages in manpower, like China and India. The country’s is all set to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the end of 2006, coupled with its pro-business policies, looks set to be blessed with more investments in the days ahead.


The Philippines has offered some really profitable Asian property investment opportunities. The Philippines is treasured place when it comes to buying property, specifically in the capital city of Manila. They have got good ability to handle English and the business system is quite contemporary. Procuring an apartment and lending it to the workers seems to be the right choice if you are planning to invest in the Philippines. Boracay Island, the Philippine beach property is expected to progress at around 18 per cent per annum across the next few years.


Even though the political atmosphere in Sri Lanka is slightly troublesome there are some compelling attractions in Sri Lanka which has made it a hotspot for tourists the world over. The shrewd investor will find that Sri Lanka is a decent option when it comes to property investment. The major problem for the investors has been the huge taxes they had to pay, even though the inconvenience can be avoided to a certain extent.


There is no shortage of hot spots for foreign investments in Asia. If you are ready to research the market seriously, there are mouth-watering investment opportunities await you.

Gregory Smyth is an independent author providing assessment and comments on leading International Property Consultants in Asia and Greater China, especially CB Richard Ellis.

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

“experiences From ‘the Flow’ (7) – Living Well? Farangs and Finance: the Myth”

December 9th, 2009

??Prosperity: The eternal flow of all that??s good in life??

By Carl ??J.C.? Pantejo, Copyright January 2008

(Author ??My Friend Yu ?? The Prosperity Mentor,? Copyright August 2007. Pantejo – Y.N. Vurce Publishing.)

*Below is the seventh episode in a series of real life events experienced by the author. The only deviations from the truth may be the names of people and places. These stories are also incorporated in ??My Friend Yu ?? the Prosperity Mentor: Book II,? Pantejo – Y.N. Vurce Publishing. Release Date: 2008.

- The Myth of Farang Finances -

There is an unwritten rule about the cost of anything in Thailand: There is a Thai price and a Farang price. Since Thai people believe that ??all Farangs are rich,? the Farang price of everything is much higher (sometimes triple!).

Of course, this is a myth.

But why do Thai people believe all Farangs are rich (including the ??poor? Farang English teachers)? Many reasons. But all of them can be placed into three broad areas: Tourism, Currency, and Standard of Living.

- The Tourist Syndrome -

Like most of Asia, Thailand attracts tourists from around the world.

Prospective vacationers plan and save all year for their holidays in the tropics. The warm, sunny weather; lush, green landscapes; exotic cultures, and beautiful, friendly people are but a few of the many reasons why millions of tourists flock to Thailand.

While on vacation, most of the tourists, out of ignorance OR intention, willingly spend what the local Thai people consider ??small fortunes.?

Wallets and pocketbooks are opened more freely when on holiday.

Consequently, especially in the big, major cities and tourist hotspots of Thailand, most Thai people believe that Farangs are rich because all they see are free-spending tourists.

What the Thai people don??t realize is that the majority of the ??rich? Farangs work like dogs all year ??round in order to spend a lot of money during their short visits in their country; having a great time playing out their individual, celebrity fantasies.

- ??A Farang in Thai??s Clothing? (The Double-Edged Sword) -

Tourists and ex-pats alike enjoy the overshadowing strength of their home currency against the Thai baht. For example, one USD = 33-35 Thai Baht. This situation makes things seem ridiculously cheap.

Food, accommodations, and all vices known to man are easily obtained for obscenely low prices. And, of course, the longer a Farang stays in Thailand, the more he/she learns how to buy things that are closer to the local Thai price.

Case in point: I??ve been in Thailand for about two years now. I take advantage of my Asian appearance as much as possible by keeping my mouth shut and letting my Thai friends do all the haggling.

All vendors assume that I am a local Thai (until I begin speaking). I don??t say a word until the transactions are complete. This ??mum??s the word,? habit of silence normally saves me between 30-50% at all the local markets, restaurants, pubs, hotels, tourists attractions etc.

It??s frustrating to my non-Asian, Farang friends (especially the ones who have been in Thailand longer than me AND speak fluent Thai) whenever we??re out together. Everyone, from the hotel receptionist to the taxi driver, speaks to me in Thai and assumes that I will translate what they say for them.

And of course, prices for me are automatically lower.

When we??re out bar hopping or singing karaoke, the women we meet see me as a rare catch, indeed; a ??double bonus? ?? not only am I a ??rich? Farang, my Thai appearance is easily presentable to friends and family; something supremely important in Thailand.

Don??t get me wrong.

Yes, there are many advantages to being a Farang AND looking Thai; but there are disadvantages too. It??s a double-edged sword cutting both ways. For example, I??m an English teacher. English teachers in Thailand are supposed to look like Farangs (i.e., white skin, tall, brown or blond hair, light colored eyes, etc.).

Many times during my stay in Thailand I??ve been turned down for a job because I ??look too Thai.?

Once I applied for a teaching position at an International School where a lot of my Farang friends worked. They had bachelor degrees. I have a master??s degree and was enthusiastically welcomed by the Hiring Director.

But then a co-owner of the school saw me and instantly told the Hiring Director to offer me a position WITH HALF THE NORMAL FARANG SALARY! In other words, even though I had more education, qualifications, and experience than my co-Farang friends, the co-owner thought I ??looked too Thai? to garner the normal Farang pay.

I don??t blame the co-owner. You see, the parents of English students pay a premium for English classes and want ??Real Farangs? teaching the class!

If the parents don??t like any teacher, only one of two things can happen: 1) The teacher is excused (which is the norm) or 2) The parent takes the student elsewhere for English classes taught by ??Real Farang? teachers (which doesn??t happen often).

- Culture Shock and Living Comfortably: Farang Style -

Let??s face it, visiting a place for a vacation versus living in that place are two very different things.

In spite of having an Asian heritage and passing for a local in any Asian country, I (like all ex-pats) still suffered a severe culture shock when I decided to live in Asia.

Anyone who has ever lived in Asia can empathize.

Things are rarely on time. Asians, with a seemingly perverse delight, are notorious for keeping Farangs waiting; or worse, not showing up at all. No advance notice of cancellation. No remorse if you should happen to bump into them afterwards.

There is a saying amongst us Farangs in Thailand, ??If you and an Asian agree in the morning to meet at 4:00 PM, the next question should be: What week??

And what Westerners consider as ??basic and normal? is considered ??luxurious? by most Asians.

Clean, continuous water is not a guarantee. I??ve lived in many places in Asia where the water spouts go dry for hours everyday. The smart thing to do is to keep a large trash bin full of water at all times in the bathroom. That way, even if the running water runs out, one can flush the toilet (a Western, seated-style toilet or an Asian, squatting style porcelain ??foot bowl?) and at least take a bath.

Uninterrupted, non-spiking electricity is rare. ??Brown Outs? happen frequently. Every household is equipped with candles and flashlights for such occasions.

The locals just take it in stride and entertain themselves with the old art of conversation; or, if one is lucky, the even older (and more fun) art of sex. But most Farangs are ??forced? to ??relax? and go with the flow ?? even if hours of computer work have just vaporized into ether!

When brownouts occur, people scramble to turn all appliances off (in preparation for the power surges that occur when the power is finally restored). Televisions, computers, and stereos routinely become irreparably damaged from such surges.

These ??little annoyances? tend to accumulate.

Finding real napkins vice toilet paper at restaurants becomes a treat. Some semblance of sanitary conditions in restaurants and other public places (meaning: food minus the flies or the smell of sewage – ??Ahhh?the mist of piss and the aroma of dog excrement?) makes one feel like a VIP!

Good roads, roads that don??t threaten to fling you off your motorcycle with every pothole, makes the ??driving war? a little more tolerable.

Honest (or at least semi-honest) businessmen and policemen would also be nice now and then ?? and the list goes on and on?

All the above reasons steer most Farangs towards obtaining a standard of living they consider ??normal? by Western standards; but is nonetheless, a standard that appears quite lavish to the local Thai people.

Naturally gravitating to living areas that more closely match their usual standard of living; Farangs look for cleanliness, convenience, and comfort. This translates into apartments, condominiums, and townhouses that can cost triple the normal Thai person??s monthly salary.

Luckily, since qualified Farangs are in short supply, Farang salaries in Thailand tend to be just enough to support a somewhat ??tolerable? standard of living for a Farang; a living standard that seems totally extravagant by Thai standards.

Not accustomed to (or unwilling to acclimate to) the heat, Farangs seek out places that have air-conditioning. Most locals cannot (or will not) ??waste? their money on expensive aircon units and their accompanying high electricity bills; perfectly satisfied with one or two electric fans.

Farangs routinely enjoy eating at restaurants, especially restaurants that are clean and offer a variety of Thai and foreign cuisines. Local Thai??s either cook at home or eat at one of the many street food stands; thinking that eating at a restaurant is another extravagance reserved only for special occasions.

As soon as a Farang can afford it, he/she buys a car (or at least a motorcycle); whereas the bulk of Thai people use cheap, public transportation (bus, train, subway, or motorbike taxis). Traveling by taxi is considered expensive and used mostly by Farangs and richer Thai??s.

All of this (free-spending tourists, currency power, and luxurious living) reinforces the Thai myth that ALL FARANGS MUST BE RICH!

?Continued in ??Experiences from ??The Flow?? (7) – Living Well? Farangs and Finance: The Reality, Stupidity, and Hard Knocks.?

??Until next time, find ??The Flow?? and jump in!?

Your Friend in this Intrepid Journey called Life,

Carl ??J.C.? Pantejo

Note: If you want to read more about overcoming heartbreak, unconditional love, exorcising past personal demons, and the Illusive Secret of Happiness, please read the following articles:

??Experiences from ??The Flow??: From Heartbreak to Happiness?

??Experiences from ??The Flow?? (2): Coincidence or Synchronicity: FROM RELAPSE TO MIRACLES…?

??Experiences from ??The Flow?? (3): LOST AND FOUND – Kindred Spirits and Mistakes made in Haste.?

??Experiences from ??The Flow?? (4): LOST AND FOUND ?? Meant to Be??

??Experiences from ??The Flow?? (5): ??The Stray?

??Experiences from ??The Flow?? (6): ??New Beginnings, Old Endings?

??How Dare She! Out of Desperation I Learned How to Forgive?

??Remember Who You Are!?

??Need to Heal Your Broken Heart? Read on. Overcome Heartbreak and Learn the Illusive Secret of Happiness.?

(By Carl ??J.C.? Pantejo and published internet-wide, keyword: [title of article] or ??Carl Pantejo?)

Pantejo@ynvurcepublishing.com

About the Author:


He is a retired U.S. Military veteran. Believing that school was too boring, he dropped out of High School early; only to earn an A.A., B.S., and MBA in less than 4 years much later in life while working full-time as a Navy/Marine Corps Medic. In spite of a fear of heights and deep water, he free-fall parachuted out of airplanes and performed diving ops in very deep, open ocean water. He went to Thailand 1 year ago for a weeks vacation, fell into a teaching job, and has never left!


Carl J.C. Pantejo
Pantejo@ynvurcepublishing.com

Founder, Y.N. Vurce Publishing
http://www.ynvurcepublishing.com

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Asia Family Holiday Guide

December 7th, 2009

If you are planning to holiday in Asia with your young family, here are some tips and recommendations to make your Asian holiday that much more enjoyable.

Be it relaxing in heavenly Bali villas, or hiking in Kuta Kinabalu, or enjoying Disney World in Tokyo, Asia offers a huge variety of holiday destinations for those with younger children.

However, as rewarding as it is, traveling with the younger ones in Asia is not always an easy sail.

Here are some insights gained traveling across Asia with children in tow, over the past 10 years.

Getting There and Back

It is more than likely that you will be taking a commercial flight to Asia.

Here is the first word of caution. As far as traveling with the young ones is concerned, not all airlines are created equal. No, I don’t mean the level of service you can expect, as this seems to be of quite a high level whichever Asian based major airline you choose. In our experience, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Emirates all offer great service when you are traveling with kids.

However, the big difference comes in how much different carriers choose to charge for the younger ones. Some carriers, for example, charge 10 percent of an adult fare, for infants, traveling on your lap, without a seat. At first, this may sound like a fair deal. However, if you consider the fact that this 10 percent is calculated as a percentage of a -Full Published Adult Fare- price, you may find that you are paying as much for your infant’s air fare, as you are for your own discounted fare! The good news is, not all airlines use this pricing policy, and if you shop around, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars even before you leave home!

Also, do keep in mind, that many airlines will offer special -Child Meals-. Some, such as Singapore Airlines, do also offer different menus for different age groups.

Similarly, for toddlers and older kids, it is worth checking what is on offer in terms of flight entertainment. Some airlines will have dedicated children’s cartoon channels, with a large selection of entertainment options, whilst others may not. If you are traveling long-haul, this alone could make a huge difference to how well your Asian holiday kicks off.

Transportation on the Ground

The quality and safety of ground transportation varies immensely from one Asian Country to the other. However, as a general rule of thumb, do not expect taxis to provide child safety seats, and in many parts of Asia, even rental cars may not have the child safety seat option.

The good news is, across most of Asia, metered taxis are plentiful, and relatively well maintained, with working seat belts. When you are in Singapore, you can expect (or even demand); fully functioning seat belts both at the front and back passenger seats. In other parts of the region, you may find that seat belts have been removed, on purpose, because they get in the way’.

So, if you are adamant that you would like child safety seats whilst holidaying in Asia, you may consider bringing your own, or picking one up, when you land at your destination.

Probably with the exception of Japan, Korea and Taiwan, facilities on local train services are of a variable quality, and unless you are going for gold, and staying on the Palace on Wheels in India, or a special First Class trip between Beijing and Shanghai, you may want to plan well, and take all your essentials on board with you.

Food Matters

Whilst most westerners find Asian food (especially South Asian, or South East Asian food), quite spicy, this is not necessarily an issue when traveling with the younger ones. Most hotels and restaurants will prepare food for the little ones separately, without the spices. Also, if in doubt, plain noodles, or plain rice with some vegetables on the side is always readily available as a good stop gap ration. Depending on how off the beaten track you decide to travel, you are more than likely to find, old favourites such as fish-fingers, chicken nuggets, and hamburgers in most parts of Asia.

One word of caution on the food front is the liberal use of MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) in Asian cooking. This food additive is also used in the west (mostly packaged crisps/chips), and in principle is no more harmful than many of the E numbers we may consume daily. However, in many Asian countries MSG is used very liberally, especially in soups and food with sauces. In China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, to name a few countries, you can expect that your soups and sauces will contain MSG by default. Many parents who live and travel in Asia complain that excessive MSG causes dehydration, lethargy, and mood swings with some younger children (and many adults are also found to be sensitive to excessive MSG). If concerned, request for your food to be prepared without any MSG, or choose MSG-free restaurants, increasingly available across the region.

Bare Necessities

In general, availability and the condition of public toilets in Asia leave much to be desired. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Singapore and Japan for example, typically provide some of the cleanest public conveniences to be found anywhere in the world. Also, in each country, there are certain locations, such as hotels and airports where hygiene standards are going to be at international levels. However, it is good practice to always carry your own tissues, and wet wipes with you when traveling in Asia. Also, to address this problem, in many Asian cities, you can also find special antiseptic wet-wipes, which are very handy when dealing with some of the lesser public conveniences.

It is also worth noting that, restaurants/coffee-shops do not always provide their own toilets for guest use, and more than likely share facilities with other establishments. This is true for even larger malls, and good quality restaurants in hygiene conscious Singapore. So, the old trick of, grabbing an unwanted cup of coffee or a drink at a restaurant, just to be able to use the facilities is not always a solution in Asia.

Similarly, availability of baby changing rooms varies immensely across the region. In Singapore, and Hong Kong for example, changing facilities are readily available in most shopping malls, one almost on each floor. However, when you are off the beaten track, even some good quality hotels may not provide child changing facilities.

Breast Feeding in Public

As a general rule of thumb, if you decided to breast feed in public, regardless of how discrete you are being, expect to be stared at. The good news is, across most of the region, this is no more sinister than surprise and interest on the part of the locals. If in doubt, you may want to retreat to a quiet corner, back of a restaurant, or baby changing facilities.

My Child is a Model!

If your children are under four or five years old, and/or blonde or with naturally curly hair, expect to be approached in parts of Asia by total strangers wanting to take photos of your child!

Again, there is nothing sinister about this request. They just want to capture the -cute factor- and share this amazing image with their friends and families.

You will typically be approached by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese ladies, who will want to pose with your child, and take each other’s photos. However, there seems to be no age or gender limit to this interest, over the years, our little ones have been photographed by business people in suits, restaurant chefs, and the odd octogenarian in small villages.

Asia’s Love for Children

One thing is for sure. Wherever you go to in Asia with your young family, you will find the locals ever helpful and highly interactive with your little ones. Asian’s love children, they love their own children, and also the children of foreign tourists.

My advice is, make the most of this, and allow your children to interact with the local population, be it your villa team at your rental Bali villa, or a chef in a Chinese restaurant, or the old lady selling flower garlands outside a temple in Thailand!

Most important of all, don’t feel like you have to wait till the kids are older before you can visit Asia. Have a go; both you and the children will love this colourful part of the world.

Enjoy your Asian holiday.

Many happy returns…

Joanna M Lawson is an independent travel writer based in SE Asia. Ms Lawsons’ articles about Bali Villas and Bali Rental Villas can be found at, Bali Villas Tips. To reuse this article you are required to link to the site above.

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Introduction To Traveling In Asia

December 5th, 2009

If you forecast to feast in Asia with your offspring family, here are some tips and recommendations to make your Asian feast that much more enjoyable.

Be it relaxing in lovely Bali villas, or hiking in Kuta Kinabalu, or enjoying Disney World in Tokyo, Asia offers a gigantic category of festival destinations for those with younger children.

However, as rewarding as it is, wandering with the younger ones in Asia is not forever an easy sail.

Here are some insights gained itinerant across Asia with children in tow, over the former 10 being.

Getting There and Back It is more than probable that you will be pleasing a commercial journey to Asia.

Here is the first word of caution. As far as nomadic with the little ones is fretful, not all airlines are formed equate. No, I don’t mean the stage of ritual you can insist, as this seems to be of fairly a high raze whichever Asian based chief airline you select. In our experience, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Emirates all treaty great mass when you are nomadic with kids.

However, the big difference comes in how much different carriers prefer to rate for the younger ones. Some carriers, for example, charge 10 percent of an adult fare, for infants, roaming on your lap, lacking a seat. At first, this may sound like a average deal. However, if you ponder the truth that this 10 percent is calculated as a percentage of a -Full Published Adult Fare- outlay, you may find that you are paying as much for your infant’s air fare, as you are for your own discounted fare! The good reports is, not all airlines use this pricing procedure, and if you store around, you can rescue manually hundreds of dollars even before you defer home!

Also, do keep in object, that many airlines will propose unique -Child Meals-. Some, such as Singapore Airlines, do also propose different menus for different age groups.

Similarly, for toddlers and adult kids, it merit checking what is on propose in language of departure entertainment. Some airlines will have keen children’s cartoon channels, with a large mixture of entertainment options, while others may not. If you are roving long-heave, this unaided could make a colossal difference to how well your Asian holiday kicks off.

Transportation on the Ground The value and shelter of ground transportation varies immensely from one Asian Country to the other. However, as a common lead of thumb, do not think taxis to bestow offspring security seats, and in many parts of Asia, even charge cars may not have the infant shelter seat decision.

The good reports is, across most of Asia, metered taxis are plentiful, and relatively well maintained, with effective seat belts. When you are in Singapore, you can require (or even demand); wholly functioning seat belts both at the front and back passenger seats. In other parts of the district, you may find that seat belts have been removed, on principle, because ‘they get in the way’.

So, if you are adamant that you would like infant safety seats while holidaying in Asia, you may ponder bringing your own, or option one up, when you land at your destination.

Probably with the exemption of Japan, Korea and Taiwan, facilities on community string military are of an alterable value, and except you are open for gold, and staying on the Palace on Wheels in India, or a singular First Class tour between Beijing and Shanghai, you may want to plan well, and take all your essentials on enter with you.

Food Matters While most westerners find Asian food (especially South Asian, or South East Asian food), rather piquant, this is not necessarily a flow when roving with the younger ones. Most hotels and restaurants will cook food for the little ones separately, lacking the spices. Also, if in distrust, homely noodles, or natural rice with some vegetables on the wall is always speedily presented as a good stopgap apportion. Depending on how off the beaten imprints you decide to trek, you are more than apt to find, old favourites such as fish-fingers, chicken nuggets, and hamburgers in most parts of Asia.

One word of caution on the food front is the liberal use of MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) in Asian cooking. This food additive is also used in the west (generally packaged crisps/chips), and in principle is no more dangerous than many of the E facts we may consume daily. However, in many Asian countries MSG is used very profusely, especially in soups and food with sauces. In China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, to name a few countries, you can demand that your soups and sauces will hold MSG by duck. Many parents who live and travel in Asia complain that extreme MSG causes dehydration, lassitude, and mood swings with some younger children (and many adults are also found to be sensitive to excessive MSG). If nervous, appeal for your food to be prepared without any MSG, or choose MSG-free restaurants, increasingly existing across the area.

Bare Necessities In common, availability and the rider of known toilets in Asia disappear much to be preferred. Of course, there are exceptions to this judge. Singapore and Japan for example, typically supply some of the cleanest communal conveniences to be found anywhere in the world. Also, in each country, there are certain locations, such as hotels and airports where hygiene values are leaving to be at international levels. However, it is good tradition to always include your own tissues, and wet wipes with you when traveling in Asia. Also, to address this quandary, in many Asian cities, you can also find special antiseptic wet-wipes, which are very practical when industry with some of the lesser municipal conveniences.

It also appeal noting that, restaurants/auburn-shops do not always offer their own toilets for guest use, and more than probable split facilities with other establishments. This is firm for even superior malls, and good feature restaurants in hygiene conscious Singapore. So, the old ruse of, grabbing an unwelcome cup of coffee or a juice at a restaurant, just to be able to use the facilities is not always a liquid in Asia.

Similarly, availability of baby altering rooms varies immensely across the state. In Singapore, and Hong Kong for example, varying facilities are easily vacant in most shopping malls, one almost on each bewilder. However, when you are off the beaten footstep, even some good quality hotels may not offer spawn varying facilities.

Breast Feeding in Public As a common rule of thumb, if you absolute to breast nourish in public, regardless of how discreet you are being, imagine to be stared at. The good news is, across most of the territory, this is no sinister than bombshell and pastime on the part of the locals. If in disbelief, you may want to flee to a subtle crook, back of a restaurant, or baby shifting facilities.

My Child is a Model! If your children are under four or five existence old, and/or blonde or with easily curly hair, require to be approached in parts of Asia by equal strangers wanting to take photos of your youngster!

Again, there is nothing sinister about this appeal. They just want to capture the -cute part- and disclose this amazing icon with their friends and families.

You will typically be approached by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese ladies, who will want to pose with your offspring, and take each other’s photos. However, there seems to be no age or gender maximum to this attract, over the time, our little ones have been photographed by dealings people in suits, restaurant chefs, and the odd octogenarian in small villages.

Asia’s Love for Children One thing is for confident. Wherever you go to in Asia with your youthful family, you will find the locals ever caring and kindly interactive with your little ones. Asian’s like children, they darling their own children, and the children of external tourists. My opinion is, make the most of this, and tolerate your children to relate with the community population, be it your cabin players at your charter Bali lodge, or a chef in a Chinese restaurant, or the old woman selling flower garlands faint a temple in Thailand!

Most important of all, don’t feel like you have to stay till the kids are adult before you can visit Asia. Have a go; both you and the children will adore this colourful part of the world.Enjoy your Asian holiday.Many favorable returns…

Want to find out about imperialism in asia and population of asia? Get tips from the Facts About Asia website.

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags:

Asia. Willie Colon

November 29th, 2009


Uploaded by Billy Colonia

No comments »

Posted in Asia

Tags: