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
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