Best Photos!!

To feel at home, stay at home. A foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable. ~ Clifton Fadiman

In three months I took over 2700 pictures, 15 of which I consider "the best!" A photographer can truly understand that it takes many pictures of a subject, and to then, only pick one that is awesome! In essence less than 2% of my pictures are here. Some depict feelings of laughter, sadness and wonderment while others provoke outward sighs, smiles, laugther or gasps.

Capturing a moment - through an expression, a scene or a gesture - conveys to the viewer a myriad of thoughts or words. I guess that's why they say "a picture is worth a thousand words." Yes! ONE GREAT PICTURE is worth a thousand words.

Village near Siem Reap, Cambodia

Children curiously peaking from their home near Siem Reap

Parents exploiting their children in a floating village near Siem Reap

Children teaching each other to draw near Siem Reap ...
Aren't their hands precious?

A proud mother from a small village near Siem Reap

Young girl from a small village near Siem Reap

Ankor Wat, Cambodia

Tourist monks at Ankor Wat

Young hill tribe girl, Northern Thailand

Man going to work from Refugee Camp, Mae Hong Son

We've graduated from Chulalongkorn University!

Young Thai school girl at Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn, Bangkok

Young child sitting on the subway, Bangkok

Older woman selling her veggies at a floating market near Bangkok

Tropical flowers, Bangkok

Frogs in love, Northern Thailand

Allow me to compare photos with movies. In my opinion, I feel as though a great movie is one that allows one to experience all sorts fo feelings during its running time. Similar to a great film, looking at my photos from my journey in Southeast Asia has allowed me to experience a plethora of feelings!! Yes, it was a memorable, spiritual and emotional journey ... to review it through photography has been incredible!

Ghost of 318

This short story/letter was written by one of our fellows ...

Here is my Vidahanives ghost story… but don’t be scared… And I’ve included a photo of the empty 3rd floor corridor that Tom took (but can’t remember taking!)… Did the ghost borrow his camera??

I'm in Minneapolis now awaiting the plane to Indianapolis. (An interminable journey) I'm not sure if I should relay this story - especially for our peace fellows on the third floor, but in the interests of full disclosure, I must tell it as it happened.

I had booked a taxi for 3am this morning. The Vidahanives (or villa Vietnamese as Erinma calls it) is very quiet at that time of night - no movement at all along the corridors. I struggled with my three bags of books and buddhas - shoving one in the elevator to hold the door while I got the others. You can picture the door repeatedly trying to close - banging up against the suitcase while I run in for the last of the bloody buddhas.

Anyway, I get in the elevator, press the floor one button, and what happens? We stopped on floor three! I looked out and there was noone there! Just a silent empty corridor. It was scary! I think the ghost was saying goodbye! Sleep well peace fellows - it is a friendly ghost.

Why the ghost story?? Well, around the middle of August, some of our fellows were experiencing strange things in their rooms like leaving a window closed and finding it open, having awful nightmares of being strangled or dismembered and random things were disappearing (badmiton racquet, bananas, baby outfit). As a result of one of the fellows asked Jenn if these unusual events were normal or common. She (along with the office staff) then told us of a murder that took place in our dorm in 2001, more specifically in room 318. Let me just say that none of our fellows resided in this room! THANK GOODNESS!!

So the story goes ... Over a decade ago, there were two married gynaecologists (Dr. Wisut Boonkasemsanti and Dr. Phassaporn) - husband and wife who were having marital difficulties. The husband didn’t want to get divorced as he would have to split all of his finances with his wife. One evening he had dinner with his estranged wife to discuss their breakup. During the course of the night, he slipped a sleeping pill in her drink. When she got drowsy enough, he took her via taxi to our building in Chulalongkorn, where he rented a room. Many visiting professors from other countries reside here, so it is not uncommon to see professors in our dorm. After two weeks of her not returning to work, police conducted an investigation and discovered body parts (matching her DNA) in the dorm's toilet system. In sum, he drugged his wife, killed her, chopped her into small pieces and flushed her down the toilet of the building we are sleeping in for the summer!!!!!!

I was dumbfounded and stupefied!!!! While Jenn continued to talk about it, I googled (just in case she was kidding) http://worldfilmbkk.com/option/print.php?newsid=30042516

http://nationnewmedia.com/2007/07/25/national/national_30042439.php

No, Jenn was not joking! As it turned out, the murder occured on the third floor, and although none of the Fellows reside in room 318, Charlie and Ben are neighbors to the room where the scene of the crime took place almost 10 years ago. Needless to say, I did not fall asleep peacefully or without a problem for a couple of nights.

Packing!

Who lives sees much. Who travels sees more. ~Arab proverb

So the time has come to travel again, this time, back "home." Here is my room as I was arranging what I had accumulated over the last three months from the SHOPPING capital!! It may look messy to you, but I am very organized and know where everything is. Believe it or not, packing is a panacea - MY panacea - for relaxation! Those very few of you who have "experienced" me pack know that my methodical system works!

Earlier today, I went across the hall to Manisha's room while she was packing. Due to the greatly accumulated clothes/shoes/souvenirs, etc., she was unable to fit everything in her very large suitcase. The look of shock over how she placed everything in it, like it was a dresser drawer, was pretty evident. I cannot hide my emotions very well and followed my jaw-dropping "oh my goodness!" with belly laughter!! Her sibblings were hilarious as they joined in .... Alpa, her sister, giggles just like her and Sachin, her brother is mischievous (like me). Just because you're older, doesn't mean you lose that childhood quality!!!

Needless to say, I rolled up my sleeves, knelt on the floor and packed her suitcase with the help of her sibbling. Although there was a good amount of room to spare, she already reached the weight limit! Pictured are Sachin, me and Alpa at one of the malls!! We were only together for a few days but I felt as if I've known them a lifetime. Perhaps, our connection was sparked with all of the information that Manisha and I shared logging in countless miles on the treadmill of the air-conditioned gym!! Even with Manisha's mom ... there was something that just made us connect. When she said goodbye to me from the open door of her room, she called me "betha" which means my daughter.
I held my tears back with all my might, only to walk a few feet down the hallway and lose it in a firm embrace with Manisha! Together we cried like two little girls ... two sisters ...

Here we are at graduation! If you want to check out her blog, please visit her on www.manishainafrica.blogspot.com She is an amazing, strong, fiercely independent, super intelligent, young lady who strives to make a difference in the lives of others and (as you will see through her blog) in the world.

17 hands

... that belong to 17 individuals that have come together to discuss world politics and the conflicts within them, share different religious, social and cultural backgrounds ... and live together for three months.

We cumilatively have 727 years of life experiences!!!! We come from 13 different countries and 6 continents, have raised 17 children, have made decisions that affected people all over the world, have published numerous books and articles, cook countless types of cuisines, play different musical instruments and actively volunteer in our communities amongst many other things.

Each hand is attached to a thankful body, a clever mind, a kind soul, and a kindred spirit. We are all different, yet the same – believing in life, believing in the world and believing in ourselves to make a difference. To quote Albert Camus, “to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

Together, we spent 12 weeks learning from peace and conflict specialists/professors from all over the world. Together, our minds came together, learned and discussed - sometimes we harmoniously agreed and other times we debated acrimoniously. Regardless, the experience was unique and amazing! As we return to our homes in various continents, time zones, to work, school and with families, the Time spent together joining hands, lending someone an ear, offering another one's shoulder etc. in "our Bangkok" will remain but a mere memory … our 17 hands ...


Great ideas, it has been said, come into the world as gently as doves. Perhaps then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope. Some will say that this hope lies in a nation; others in a man. I believe rather that it is awakened, revived, nourished, by millions of solitary individuals whose deeds and works every day negate frontiers and the crudest implications of history.
~Albert Camus

Graduation!

There is a certain "magic" to graduation ceremonies!! The sense of completion, finishing a goal, bonding with others who share similar passions ...

You can see it clearly through these pictures! The intense bonds we created with others from different parts of the world during our three-month journey was, is and will continue to be amazing!!!

Here I am, with my host counselor - Srifa! Yes, I was psyched and glowing!! Those who understand me well know how much I love commencement!!!


The dinner and ceremony were at the Princess Hotel. Of course, Manisha and I were psyched as it was our home away from home, whether we were in the lobby having tea or at the incredible gym. The tables were decorated elegantly! Nancy (USA) said it perfectly ... "it was like being at a prom!"

Aside from the mini tiramisu cakes and fruit tarts, there was also fresh cut fruit for dessert!

The presentation was incredible! Aside from spooning large heaps of papaya salad (had to get my fill especially in my last week here in Thailand) onto my plate, I couldn't help but stare at the arrangement and appearance of our "fantabulous" fare!

Together! ... as Fellows ... friends ... women ... activists ... advocates ... passioned individuals ... representing all parts of the world!! (Where is Inday?)

Here is Inday!!!!! with Nancy! They pride themselves in being the oldest in the group ... I can't tell you how much I learned from them. I will miss the honest dialogue and advice from Inday...

"Making memories - taking pictures is making memories - capture little pieces of time - making them yours - making them mine!" (Disney song)

I'm sandwiched in between Manisha's parents and her sister, Alpa! Inday, Martin and Ben also join me with my "Indian family."

Here are Erinma and Andrezza shining in the celebration of togetherness and accomplishment!

Here are my guests - Em, Joy and Olan! They are all professors at Chulalongkorn University and teach Italian, English and Spanish respectively! Although Neung was in Italy and Germany presenting her recently published book she was there, with me, in spirit! (On a side note, the dress I am wearing was given to me by Manisha; it's a western style Indian dress).

Martin composed a song (lyrics and music) - "Our Song" - which we sang together. Here is one of the stanzas ... "With peace in our hearts, goodness is our creed, blowing little bubbles with the kids. Smile, smile, my dear friend. Honor your soul with happiness. In our rainbow all colors are accepted . In our dream there is space, for dialogue, freedom, respect. We're Lotus flowers growing evn in deserts."

Getting my certificate from Chulalongkorn University's Vice President, Dr. M.R. Kaliya Tingsabadh

Waiing to Bhichai Rattakul before getting my Rotary pin

And thanking him "Italian style" - with a kiss on each cheek ...

... and an embrace. I wish there was a video so you could hear the simultaneous gasps from the audience! As you know, Thais don't hug .... :o) He and I shared some brief moments of story telling that others did not know about, so I was comfortable publicly demonstrating my "cultural expressions" of gratitude. ;o)

And yet another photo op! - our very last group picture as Rotary Peace Fellows - Class 9

After, we all took turns taking pictures with family, friends, Rotarians, etc. Here are my guests, host couselor, Srifa and her husband! I have to say that while in Thailand I felt like an Amazon, not only in height but in body frame. It's incredible to note just how tiny the Asian women are!

Yes, we felt like movie stars! It was a splendid way to concluded the festivities of a celebratory evening!

Public Seminar

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. ~ Albert Camus

This was my first public seminar / conference and have to say that it went well. It was located in a beautiful building on campus which I refer to as "Hogwarts ala Thai;" the inside was just as stunning as the outside. The topics varied and ranged from The Situation in Haiti to The Importance of the Business Sector to Conflict in Mozambique. Olja, Nancy and I spoke together about various conflicts in the field of education. Due to the major issues in bullying and the recent Anti-Bullying Law that was passed this spring by Governor Patrick in Massachusetts, I decided to speak about the importance of taking action in the schools, with parents, administration and the greater community to educate everyone about peace education. I won't bore you with the details but I was on fire!!!!

We only had 10 minutes to present (and I did stay within the given parameters of time :) The moderator is pictured on the left and Nancy (USA) and Olja (Serbia) are on the right. Thankfully, I spoke first which allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the topics of my colleagues! Even though we are in the same field, I learned so much from them as their perspectives and experiences are from a different part of the United States and the world.
Martin opened up his discussion about Violence in Argentina with a brief instrumental. It was awesome ...

Here is our guest speaker, Tuenjai Deetes and the gentleman who started the Rotary Peace Fellowship Programs - Bhichai Rattakul

A social activist for over 40 years, Tuenjai Deete spoke about the impact of the creation of dams in China to the Mekong River (the 12th longest river in the world and 7th longest in Southeast Asia) which runs through Thailand. Here is her website: http://www.ashoka.org/tunenjai

Another photo op! Here are the Fellows together with our Deputy Director, Jenn (in green) and our guest speaker Tuenjal Deetes.

After our conference, Jenn and the administrative assistances conducted graduation rehearsal which was exciting! I can't believe graduation is tomorrow night!!! After, I ran to the tailor to pick up my suits which fit perfectly and run a few last minute errands!!!

After running around, I made myself go for a night swim at the gym. It was late and hardly anyone was in the pool; my only partner companion being the full moon, which was beautiful ... It was a pleasure to admire as I did my specialty "freestyle back stroke" ;o) while recalling snippets from my Time through Thailand.

Strong finish!!

This is my last week … Today, I submitted my final paper, visited an international school and presented to a Rotary Club in the late evening. Let me tell you, I’ve looked better after finishing a marathon!!! Mom let me know how awful I looked over Skype! :o) (Ahhh ... the brutal honesty of family ;o))!!! I assured her that not one Fellow is exempt from feeling or looking drained. The intensity of the long days - field visits that are composed of longer days, deadlines, papers, reflections, etc. - for three months has really tired me out. I feel as though I’m going to need a few days of isolation to recover once this is over!


So my day started with going to the Charter International School http://www.charter.ac.th/ in the city. Aarti and I took the Sky Train and a taxi to the Charter International School. As you know, the traffic in Bangkok is ALWAYS a nightmare! In fact it took us 1 ½ hours to get there!!! Aarti, the Principal of Principles, was beside herself that we were late, because “as a principal she couldn’t possibly be late.” The end of our journey was interesting … She was speaking Marathi/ to the taxi driver, he was speaking Thai and I (the American) just contributed a few words of helplessness and humor. Listen to Aarti speak Marathi (one of 22 languages spoken in India) as the cab driver responds in Thai... It was quite the ride!

Thankfully, we got there and it was quite an interesting, beautiful and well-run school. Together with another school from Indonesia, we were special guests at Charter International, which is relatively new (since 2004) and has no more than 150 students. The great majority of the student body is Thai but the administration hopes to increase its enrollment to students from other ethnic backgrounds.

The school grounds were beautiful, well-maintained and clean; all the students had uniforms which differed depending on their grade level.

When we all assembled in the auditorium, the "guest students" from Indonesia had a prepared presentation. I was so impressed and exited with what they had to say and how well they presented the material, through PowerPoint, to their peers! Aarti took this picture as I was taking pictures of the children interacting. It was awesome seeing two groups of students from two different religious backgrounds shyly interact. The non-verbals were priceless! And as you can see, I could hardly contain my excitement!

I loved how all of the children wore uniforms and how the girls wore ties. They looked neat, "smart," and classy. Of course, I could be a bit biased because I love ties and on a rare occasion may even wear one!

Look at these middle school children as they present. I'll tell you, they were something else ... learning 13 subjects, getting involved with their community, partaking in all sorts of student clubs ...

Afterwards, they exchanged trinkets with each other that were representative of their culture and school and then took pictures together. Regardless of where they come from, you can see here that children will always be children! ;o)

A group photo! Faces representing different religious backgrounds, different cultures, different countries yet all working toward one goal – that of getting an education and, hopefully, gaining a global perspective on life through cultural exchange.

Making connections with the teachers from Indonesia over lunch! Here, one of the parents gave us all durable, hand woven bags - perfect for shopping!

In the evening, I attended a Rotary meeting where we had dinner. As with every meal, the food is always spectacular! 90% of their cuisine is super healthy! Look at what I ate tonight – periwinkle-colored rice! Apparently, the rice is steamed with a special blue flower from Thailand, (butterfly pea flower) which is placed in the rice cooker, giving it this beautiful color. It didn’t taste noticeably different but the color is absolutely beautiful, don’t you think?

My presentation went very well and the Rotarians were very impressed with the rigorous curriculum, valuable field visits and NGO visits that we participated in as well as the ongoing obligations that we have to our sponsoring clubs and my future plans in “Peace Education!” This is all part of the Rotary Peace Fellowship!! I later found out that Rotary International invested about $10K in each Rotary Peace Fellow!!!

Of course ... group photo! Here is the club of my host counselor, Srifa, who is seated on my left (your right). I can’t wait to share my experiences, show my pictures, and talk about how I’m going to “give back” after such a wonderful opportunity!!!!