Good Morning
wonderful Sunday! A last day of weekend and I’m
free, so let’s find something fun to do. Do you love cooking? I love cooking
and I always kill time in the kitchen all day free. It makes me relax and
happy. I can do several kinds of foods, but I’m experienced in Thai foods.
For special day
(just for me…lol), I’m going to show you how to cook my favorite dish and also
for my family. I present you “GAI PAD MED MAMUANG
HIMAPAN” or “CASHEW CHICKEN” that is very
popular overseas. ‘Gai’ means chicken. ‘Pad’ means stir fry and ‘Med Mamuang
Himapan’ just means cashew nuts. It is also another Thai recipe that is fairly
easy to do, has a delicious delicate taste for most foreigners, and last but
not least it is easy to find the raw materials and various ingredients no
matter what country you live in. Besides, ‘Kaeng Kieow Waan’ (green curry), ‘Tom
Yum Gung’, ‘Pad Thai’, or ‘Som Tum’, that most people already know about. So
let’s try to make the “GAI PAD MED
MAMUANG HIMAPAN”. This will be sure to be a
recipe that will stick in your guests’ mind once again. Ingredients
500
grams chicken breast or thigh
¾ cup cashew nuts (can add more, depends on
your preference)
1
medium-sized onion
3
green onions
3
medium-sized cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
What
do you know about Thailand? Perhaps just ‘Land of Smile’ with
many delicious foods. What else? Before you come to Thailand or maybe you are
now here. Let me show you what is about this country, what is Thai culture and traditions.
THAILAND is one of the most
fascinating countries to visit on earth. Culturally there are many practices
and beliefs that are very different to those from Western societies.
Here’s a few to learn more, and to practice respectfully while you travel
throughout Thailand.
·Thai culture is deeply influenced by religion. With around 95%
of the country being Theraveda Buddhist, the belief system and values of Buddhism
play a huge role in day-to-day life. The cultures of nearby Laos, Cambodia,
Myanmar, and China have also played an important role in forming the traditions
of Thailand.
·
The Royal Family of Thailand is held in very high
respect. Making derogatory remarks about any of the royal family is against the
law. The penalty is 3 - 15 years’ imprisonment, depending on the severity.
The traditional greeting is with two hands prayer-like palms
together known as a ‘wai’. If a local gives a ‘wai’ to you, to be polite,
it is nice to ‘wai’ back. A‘wai’, however, is always appreciated. Watch
this short video on how to give a ‘wai’.
·
Thai culture places certain spiritual importance to certain
parts of the body. You should not point your feet at people, touch people with
your feet, prop your feet up on seats or tables or step over people sitting on
the ground. The head in contrast has a much higher importance. Avoid touching
people on the head as this is considered very rude. You should also avoid
sitting on pillows meant for head rests. In some rural areas, food is often
served while seated on the ground. Stepping over food on the ground is another
extremely rude gesture and will surely embarrass your Thai host.
Throughout all of Thailand, if you notice a pile of shoes at or
near an entrance to a home, shop or guesthouse, you should remove your shoes
before entry; it is considered rude not to do so.
Books and other written materials are given special status over
other secular objects. You shouldn’t slide books or documents across a table
top nor place them on the ground. Use a chair or stand if one is available.
·Most of Thailand’s attractions are of cultural significance.
Places like temples and palaces are highly respected by the locals for their
religious values and there are certain customs and etiquette you need to
respect when visiting these places such as; you are required to wear “polite
dress” when visiting official buildings and palaces. This means no flip-flop,
no shorts, and no skirt above the knee for ladies, no sleeveless t-shirts.
·In general, displays of emotion in public are viewed in a very
negative light. No matter how frustrated or upset a person might feel, he
or she will always strive to maintain a positive and friendly attitude, a sense
of humor, and a smile.
·Respect for elders and for those in higher social positions is
also important. Hierarchies of social status characterize nearly every
interaction. Children are expected to respect their parents and teachers. The
young must show deference to the elderly. Those with highly prestigious
positions in society, such as doctors, important public figures, and monks are
almost revered.
·Family is central to Thai life. Although many newly-married
couples will set up their own households, it is not uncommon for extended
family to live with them. Often, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles
will all live in the same household and help to raise children and provide for
the family. Children are expected to show great respect for their parents, and
they maintain close ties, even well into adulthood.
Find
these interesting? Thailand is full of culturally fascinating practices and
things to learn about. Go ahead, learn as much as you can before you visit, and
while there, ask questions and see how locals treat each other.
Welcome to the “Ayutthaya tour”, please let me talk about
the importance of Ayutthaya first. AYUTTHAYA was the capital of Thailand
just before BANGKOK. It’s located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River, the
city was founded in 1350 by King U Thong. Unfortunately, there were completely
destroyed by the Burmese invasion in 1767.
Ayutthaya was very abundant and luxuriant for
417 years as the second capital of Thailand. In the 16th century, it was
described by foreign traders as one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the
East.
Ayutthaya’s economy is based on agriculture, so
you can see the vast plantation of rice that is a major source of income to the
city. You know, in 1991, the Ayutthaya historical park was awarded and recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the first place, we’re going to see the Buddha's Head at Wat Mahathatthatis one of the popular icons of Ayutthaya.
Wat Mahathat is one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya, originally
built around the 14th century. It was used to house a miniature casket
containing the Buddha’s relics, buried 17 meters deep into the ground under its
base. The casket is now on display at the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. The lone
Buddha's head entrapped by the roots of an overgrown banyan tree has become a
famous and not to miss. And please leave only your footprints at the site.
Next, we’ll move on to Bang Pa-In Summer
Palace. There was built during the reign of SomdetPhra Chao Prasat
Thong. It’s set on a nice landscaped lake garden that was once an island.
Abandoned after Ayutthaya fell, it was rebuilt by King Rama V.
There were in an eclectic style that blends
European neoclassical and Victorian architectures with Early Ayutthaya and
Chinese palace styles.
Now we are in the area ofWat
YaiChaimongkol, one of the best-preserved ancient royal monasteries.
There is the tallest chedi in Ayutthaya, right, a 62-metre inverted
bell-shapedpagoda, built to commemorate a victory of King Naresuanagainst the
Burmese. Also the temple is famous for its large reclining Buddha. You could
worship and wish for the good things happen to your life.
Here is Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the
largest temple in Ayutthaya and in its heyday was used as the royal palace. It
served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The three iconic chedis
were housing the royal relics of three Ayutthaya Kings which are among a few
structures left standing in the temple grounds. That’s a must-see ruin site in
Ayutthaya.
From BKK, you can come here by bus, car, train,
or boat. It’s about an hour for a drive. You can explore the city with local
transportation, including songtaews, tuk- tuk, bicycles, or even get to the
various ruin sites atop elephants.
Tuk-tuk will go anywhere around Ayutthaya for
10-30 baht/person depending on the distance, or destination. You can also rent
a bicycle from one of the guesthouses for 40-50 baht/day. That’s very cheap!
Then, I’m gonna take you the Elephant
Kraal. There is one excellent place for a safe and fun experience riding
elephants. You can ride them around the city's sights.That was definitely the highlight of our trip.
The Elephants are Thailand's national symbol
and Ayutthaya is home to many elephants. There is the
world's oldest Elephant Kraal, and dates back to the 15th century
when the elephants were trained to be part of the Thai army.
Also, there's a conservation center and camp for Elephants, and
its staff work to preserve wildlife and fauna specific to Elephants.Riding elephants a round trip is 200-500 for foreigners depending
on time. You will get wet, as the elephants like to splash water. Secure or
strap on your camera and keeping your balance atop elephant!
And this is the last place, how about this trip?
Do you like it? If you love Thailand, please come to see Ayutthaya, the UNESCO
World Heritage Site! There are several markets where you can find a
variety of local products including clothing, household goods, and local foods.
The night markets are great places to pick up souvenirs. The food was great and
the elephant were very impressive! Such a wonderful place! Highly suggest taking
this trip! J
Rural tourism involves travelers visiting small communities and
experiencing elements of traditional life in those communities. Rural tourism
can overlap with eco-tourism, which involves travelers embarking on
environmentally friendly tours to lakes, forests, jungles and other natural
environments that have been rapidly growing to become a genuine vacation trend.
Rural tourism involves agri-tourism, nature tourism, and culture
tourism. Added charm by the seasonality, local festivals and natural
environment, it’s all about preservation of local heritage, culture and
traditions. Many villagers are hospitable and eager to welcome visitors.
Many niche tourism programs are located in rural areas. From eco-tourism,
to agri-tourism and seasonal events, however, there is more interesting in
visiting the rural areas and understanding the lifestyle. Rural tourists are
often housed in farmhouses, campsites, cottages and other types of inexpensive
or traditional housing. Some travel firms even arrange tours on which the
participants stay with local families for the duration of the tour that is
called ‘homestay’.
Rural tourism comprises special interest nature holidays and
ecotourism, walking, climbing and riding holidays, adventure, sport and health
tourism, hunting and angling, educational travel, arts and heritage tourism,
and, in some areas, ethnic tourism. Rural tourism has many potential benefits
for including employment growth, an expanded economic base, repopulation,
social improvement, and revitalization of local crafts. The money that tourists
spend boosts the local economy and in the long-term, this can create new jobs.
Many travelers visit rural areas in order to enjoy the natural
environment. To ensure that natural habitats are not disrupted by tourists,
many rural communities have laws in place that require travel operators to
implement recycling policies and to minimize pollution. In coastal areas,
certain types of watercraft are often prohibited if those boats pose a threat
to the marine life that attracts the tourists. Rules in other areas, limit tourist
numbers so that visiting travelers do not frighten or disrupt the animals that
live in the region.n.
Thailand has been an agriculture-based economy since ancient
times. Most of the part of its present population still dwells in the villages.
Rural Tourism could improve the local quality of life. The local culture and
regional historic sites can be restored by fostering local conservation
efforts. All provincial governments, as well as local communities, are actively
involved in rural tourism deployment and support agri-tourism networks.
To experience Thailand at its heart, Rural Tourism is an
inevitable option to choose. Not to miss, encounter the tribal lifestyle,
traveling on elephants and enjoy the folk musical & dance performances. Explore
much more in THAILAND!
Firstly, to become a tour guide you need
flexibility, patience, a great personality and as much data as you can get to
answer the questions. Good guides are curious about new things and their
surroundings. They like to meet new people. They should be sensitive to the
needs of others, well-organized, and have in-depth knowledge of the site.
There are also various characteristics of a tour
guide including punctuality, dresses well, speak loudly and clearly. A tour
guide also needs to offer necessary information for tourist and make the tour
vibrant or dynamic. It's probably good to learn other languages too. Moreover,
they should have sense of humor which can bring people closer together. It is
important to be as entertaining as possible to make travel enjoyable instead of
stressful and unpleasant.
Recently, I have watched ‘My Life in Ruins’, a
romantic comedy film set amongst the ruins of ancient Greece. The movie
locations include Delphi, Olympia, and many places in Athens. The story is
about ‘Georgia’, a Greek-American tour guide who lost her job at a
university in Athens. She is leading a tour around Greece with an assorted
group of misfit tourists who would rather buy a T-shirt than learn about
history and culture.
She hates her job, fusses because she's being
assigned a second-class tourists, and finds fault with everything in Greece
that isn't at least 2,000 years old. Everyone tells her that she has lost her
kefi, a Greek word meaning joie de vivre or mojo or the ability to not annoy
the audience. She just needs to relax and get laid and stop worrying her pretty
head about things.
In the film, there are various kinds and
characteristics of the tourist. She's scarcely hanging on as a tour guide
because she really believes tourists come to Greece to learn about the ancient
culture or at least they should. Her group is a disparate lot, including drinking
Australians, the fussbudget Brits, the nice Canadians who melt into the
scenery, the hot, divorced Spanish ladies, and those loud, stupid or boring
Americans.
In a clash of personalities and cultures,
everything seems to go wrong, until one day when an older traveler named ‘Irv’,
‘dispenses good advice and shows her how to have fun and to take a good look at
the last person she would ever expect to find love with ‘Poupi’, her
Greek bus driver. Irv comes across as one of those magical wise characters that
dispenses homespun wisdom. Other supporting characters are fitfully funny, but
more often grating.
Lastly, ‘My Life in Ruins’ is a romantic
theme with pictures of various beautiful sights of Greece. It comes up with an
opinion that no one can determine life as planned at all time. Because life
always has new stories without prediction. If I am a guide tour, this will helps
develop myself to be a proactive thinker who seems to have everything figured
out beforehand and can better deal with problems. I will be ready for all
situations along the trip and cope with various kinds of tourists as well. It
is important to know exactly what you are looking for and what you are going to
do, whatever, DO IT YOUR BEST!!!
As travelers become more concern
about their destination, useful sources of information must be available for
decision-making. Choosing the travel destination is a very important and
long-way decision process for the tourist.
“Information is a POWER.” It
is truth whether information is correct or misunderstanding. From the survey of
the Thailand Development and Research Institute (TDRI), ‘word of mouth’
is the most influential source of information for tourists’ decision making
about their vacation. People tell their friends that ‘you must try to go there
once…’ and the word spreads. It is the perfect way to advertise and promote the
travelling.
Moreover,with so many
tools available in the travel decision making process, the online sources help
travelers to typically plan their trips. They
also use a mobile device to access internet for travel information. The use of
online video for travel planning has always been popular such as YouTube.Increasing
attention in social media is particularly focused to promote and share personal
experiences. The importance of brochures, magazines and television is also
important and help travelers for their decision making.
From a survey in 1990-1991 by
the Intrama World Destination Monitor, Thailand was ranked on the second
place where the tourists were likely to be cheated in Asia. The spread of
disreputable information poses growing risks to society and economy. The tourists
may feel betrayed and are more likely to go somewhere else for the similar
products or services. Thailand may also get a bad reputation as a deceptive
country, which means decreased revenues in the future. However, it may be difficult for the tourists to
accept and trust but their awareness in ethics can be altered and Thailand will
gain loyalty from customers again.
Finally, the government can help support
and reconstruct credibility of Thailand tourism. Many campaigns were initiated
to promote the sites and local culture in Thailand such as Unseen Thailand, Amazing
Thailand which managed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT).
They can uphold an international image and standing for Thailand tourism, and
also creates jobs for local people as well as instill the tourists with a
strong sense of environmental and cultural preservation.
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