This remote ancient Kingdom in southern India had its beginnings nearly 1000 years ago when Mogul invaders ravaged the south of India and inspired Indians to unite in an effort to protect their culture and religion. The Kingdom flourished under four dynasties for over 200 years and left a fantastic architectural and spiritual legacy. It is so remote that it is not as well known as
other famous sites in this fascinating country. Beyond the amazing architectural remnants is the unusual geological phenomenon of its giant boulders. Please enjoy some of my photos from Hampi.
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I know this is a large email, but hope you will enjoy it. I was lucky enough to be invited to a cremation ceremony in Bali, held only once every 3 or 5 years. It was fascinating, and colorful…not grim at all. Just to give you an idea… Three villages gathered their dead from the last few years, brought them to the cemetery where they first prayed, and then transferred the remains to various vessels, some of them large lavishly decorated animals. Others are more simple. The most colorful part was the procession carrying the remains from the two neighboring villages, accompanied by local musicians. You can see the floats and the band in the pictures, as well as the long procession of women carrying offerings. After all have gathered and the remains have been placed in the vessels ( I am not sure what to call them!), wood and favored artifacts of the deceased are place around the vessels and finally lit. The following day, the ashes were taken to the sea, placed in green coconut shells and floated out to sea, as Balinese believe we come from water and go back to water when we die. The photos are not in order, but I have included descriptions. Rich Prior to going to Rangoon, I took an overnight cruise down Thailand’s Chao Phraya River, otherwise known as the River of the Kings.
The boat, called Mekhala, is an old rice barge that has been converted into an elegant sailing vessel with six cabins. You get on the boat in the old capital of Ayuthaya and sail down river to Bangkok, overnight. There is a crew of four, including the lively captain, who is also the tour guide and the cook. Along the way, you visit a couple of villages and a morning market. The trip is something like a voyage through time. You pass by villages and homes on the water where people live as they have for generations…but slowly, modern Thailand starts to appear…and when you round the bend and cross the border into greater Bangkok, the temples, palaces, and glittering skyscrapers brings you right into modern times. Meals are elegant and ample, served on deck with proper linens and beautiful Thai celadon. Cabins are cleverly designed, air-conditioned and comfortable…if you are 5’ 10 or shorter! I have recently committed to raising funds to help an eye hospital in Rangoon run by a monk who is renowned in Burma for his social welfare work. In September I visited the hospital and the monk to observe first-hand what they are doing. After reading this, if you wish to donate, please let me know.
The clinic opened in November of 2004 and since that time has been run completely on a donation basis. All treatments given here are free. Over ten years, the hospital has grown larger, even through all the political upheaval. Although it is known as an eye hospital today, thanks to donations from Burmese they are able to provide care for patients in need of:
From its opening in 2004 until today, Shwe Pyi Hein Clinic has offered free medical serves to over 460,000 patients. The cost of treating over 200 patients everyday is about $320 a day or about $9500 a month. Another $6000 a month is necessary to pay for staffing, upkeep, automobile expenses, and general expenses. About 150 patients a month undergo eye operations. Patients are allowed to stay overnight at the hospital after surgery. Everything is free, including food and medicine as well as transport to and from their homes. Accommodations are also provided for the doctors and nurses who perform the surgeries. Moreover, accommodations are also provided for accompanying family members of patients. The present hospital was constructed using donations from the Monk’s association and the general public. The hospital including apparatus, beds, etc. cost about 400,000 dollars. All doctors, nurses and medical staff are volunteers as are most of the office staff. The address of the clinic is Shwe Pyi Hein Monastery, Pyi Thar yar, Bauktaw, Yankin Township, Yangon. Tel; 95-1- 541493, 95 9 730 56569, email; shwepyihein@gmail.com, Web Page: www.shwepyihein.org |
About meAn inveterate traveler, I have spent a great deal of time searching for new arts and artisans, mostly in Asia. I am drawn to Asia thanks to my 25-year tenure living in Japan. During that period I traveled extensively and often in Southeast Asia. Upon returning to the US, I formed Arts of Asia in order to share the qualities I admire in Asia with my friends and customers in the US. To support this mission, I continue to spend 4 months a year abroad. The search is never ending! Archives
February 2023
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