Compass RoseEXPEDITIONS

A Cyclist’s Shangri-La

ACROSS bhuTAN

A Photography Retreat

NEPAL & TIBETCompass Rose PhoTogRAPhy TouRs

NEPAL & TIBET A Photography Retreat

with sean Kernan & Jock Montgomery

If you want to experience Bhutan first hand, there’s no bet-ter way than on a bicycle: You’ll meet friendly locals in their traditional Bhutanese dress, ride through stunning rural landscapes and wilderness, stop en route to visit quaint vil-lages, vast monasteries and imposing fortresses built with that unique Bhutanese architectural design and elegance. If there is a Shangri-La for biking enthusiasts, Bhutan is certainly it!

“But what about all those hills?” you may ask. The news is all good! The roads we travel on were built over 40 years ago to accommodate local vehicles that were much less powerful than those in use today, so the gradient is 6% or less, peppered with a few brief stretches of newer road that are 8% at most. This makes for gentle uphill riding and seemingly endless downhills – on five days we clock over 60k/38mi of continuous descents!It’s also worth noting that with a population of less than 700,000, Bhutan is a sparsely inhabited country, so you’ll encounter next to no traffic. And remember: if at any point during the trip you don’t feel like riding your bike, the sag wagon is there to accommodate you.

Kuzo-zungpo-la, greetings fellow cyclists!

A Cyclist’s Shangri-LaACroSS bhutAn

A Photography RetreatNEPAL & TIBET

A Photography RetreatNEPAL & TIBET

For the ideal photo trip, photographers like to know where they are going. And then when they get there they like to get lost, to wander around in an unhurried way and find them-selves in situations that inspire them to make pictures. The aim is less to cover ground than to sink into it. These are the needs around which we’ve designed this trip. In that sense it is the kind of trip that we would like to take ourselves.

v3 day workshop/retreat on the rim of the Kathmandu valley

v4 days based in the medieval town of Bhaktapur working on photography projects with optional visits to the major sites in the Kathmandu valley for cultural enrichment and photography

v6 days in and around Lhasa with ample free time to experience and photograph some of the major historical and Buddhist sites

Creative and Cultural Immersion

in the Kathmandu & Lhasa Valleys

Tea House Offerings

The extensive tea menu includes Tshering Ma Tea, Darjeeling Tea, Assam Tea, Chinese Green. Indian Green, Oolong Tea, Whitre Tea (Silver Needle), Little Village (Herbal), Flavoured and Scented tea, Camomille tea, Ginger tea (Finest), Jasmin Tea, Darjeeling First Flush and Guteblandining Tea.

For a truly authentic Bhutanese experience you can try Suja, the traditional Bhutanese Butter Tea. The preparation of the tea is a ceremony that is per-formed right in from of you. The Suja ingredients include a special mixture of tea leaves and yak butter. The tea is served with Zaw, the local roasted rice, or pastries. Please book in advance as the ceremony will be performed by appointment only.

According to Japanese

legends the origin of

tea is ascribed to the

Indian monk Bodhi-

-dharma, who was

born near Madras,

India, and the founder

of the Ch’an (or Zen)

sect of Buddhism.

There are many stories

about its origin, but

it is believed that tea

leaves were used in

food, as a medicinal

beverage and later as

a refreshing beverage.

TEA HOUSEat Zhiwa Ling

The Menlha Spa Signature MassageThe unique signature massage treatment was developed exclusively for the Menla Spa. This perfect synthesis of western and oriental therapeutic massage techniques leaves you completely at ease and stress free.

Relaxation MassageThis is the ultimate stress-relieving and muscle-relaxing treatment, incorporating both Swedish therapeutic techniques and aroma therapy oils. This massage will be individually adapted to your needs and your requirements on the day.

Foot MassageAfter a long day’s hiking, this acupressure massage stimulates the circulatory system offering welcome relief to sore legs and feet. The treatment concludes with a brief shoulder, neck, arm and hand massage for extra relaxation.

Skin Smoothing Body PolishExfoliate your skin with your choice of either Bhutanese red rice or zesty lemongrass. The polish removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin renewed and refreshed.

Traditional Thai MassageThese time-honored techniques of Thai massage originated in ancient Siam. Combining acupressure stimulation along the meridian lines of the body with vigorous stretching, this full body treatment offers relief from tension and promotes peace of mind. Please wear loose-fitting clothing for this treatment.

Acupressure MassageUsing acupressure techniques common to the ancient Japanese, Ayurvedic and Bhutanese systems of medicine, the thumb, palm and elbow follow along the meridian lines of the body. The Chi or energy flow is stimulated; as well as the internal organs and muscles.

The Bhutanese Hot Stone Ritual MassageStones of various shapes and sizes have been gathered from the Paro Chhu (River), directly in front of the Paro Dzong. These stones have been empowered with a symbol or mantra to further deepen their therapeutic effects. The stones are heated and used to massage you. Additional heated stones and gem stones are placed on specific points on the body tobalance the flow of energy in your body.

Please book 30 minutes in advance to allow for heating of the stones

Upper Body MassageThe upper body massage incorporates traditional Thai, Japanese and Swedish techniques using reflexology and aroma therapy. This treatment focuses on the back, neck, shoulder and arms and is the perfect choice for fast stress release

FacialsFacials are beneficial to your skin and very relaxing at the same time. This treatment includes deep cleansing and a moisturizing massage.

Traditional Bhutanese Medicinal BathThe water is heated using stones from the Paro Chuu (River). This is the perfect way to relax at the end of a long hike or if you are suffering from aches and pains of any kind. Or, you can simply savor the experience for your pleasure and enjoyment.

Please book 2 hours in advance to allow for heating of the stones

Steam Room and SaunaEnjoy a relaxing steam bath or sauna at the Menla Spa. These services are complimentary to all of our guests.

Please book 1 hour in advance to allow for heating

Local healing stones are prepared for a soothing hot-stone massage, an age-old variation of the customary massage that allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure as the heat warms and relaxes the muscles.

Using acupressure techniques com-mon to the ancient Japanese, Ayurvedic and Bhutanese systems of medicine, the thumb, palm and elbow follow along the meridian lines of the body.

MENLHA SPA

at Zhiwa Ling

Wonders of Time

For millennia, the legendary Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan remained impenetrable. Today, a fortunate few discover a country with a national policy of happiness, whose culture and traditions are intact, and whose landscape of

mountain peaks, snow-fed rivers and alpine valleys has been preserved.

Isolated, independent, peaceful and impervious to the conflict and commotion beyond its borders, Bhutan has been shrouded in mystery for millennia. Here, on ten acres in the historic Paro Valley, sits Zhiwa Ling, a wonder unto itself, offering travelers a rare glimpse of a thousand-year-old culture with all the

comfort and convenience of the 21st Century.

To be worthy of such a setting,a hotel must truly be extraordinary.

Some Local Flavor

Thanks to the unhurried pace of life here in Bhutan, unwinding is rarely an issue, but when it’s time to settle back someplace cozy with some well-known international beverages and hitherto undiscovered local spirits, the Mad Monk Bar is the venue of choice, and the cozy and cosmopolitan Namey Samey night club and lounge is available to groups who wish to prolong the festivities.

For fine international and local cuisine, the elegant yet casual Lingka restaurant is open all day and offers an outdoor dining deck built on a wooden cantilever bridge, while the intimate Gawa restaurant serves fine Bhutanese cuisine in a traditional setting. Meetings to Remember

For world-class conferences at the top of the world, Zhiwa Ling’s Chele La hall seats 170 theater-style, while Pele La hall seats 80. Both are conveniently located on the first floor of the main building, as are the business center and boardroom, which seats eight.

State-of-the-art audiovisual technology and wireless internet are available, and the hotel can cater to everything from coffee breaks to full international and local buffets.

Seeing is Believing

One of the most historic, tranquil and beautiful valleys in Bhutan, Paro has been luring pilgrims and adventurers ever since Padma Sambhava flew here from Tibet on the back of a Tiger, and it is a fortunate guest indeed who has the time to see it all. From the legendary Taktsang Monastery to the numerous temples, museums and rock-face villages, some glorious exploring awaits, whether by car, on horseback or on foot.

Just ten minutes from the hotel sits sleepy Paro town with its two streets lined with shops selling local delicacies and mementos of an unforgettable journey.

Body, Mind and Spirit

Here at the hotel’s Menlha Spa, traditional therapists assist guests in selecting the ideal combination of treatments to restore the harmony with the natural world that is essential for a long and healthy life.

Each of the treatment rooms is dedicated to one of the aspects of Tara, the radiant and highly venerated goddess who embodies the virtues of compassion, healing, wisdom and fearlessness, and who is ever-present at the altar in the Royal Raven Suite. Guests are also granted complimentary access to the Fitness Center with its sauna, steam room and gym, and the traditional Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath is an ancient healing ritual not to be missed.

136THAICONTEMPORARYEYE

Why Moca Thrills

With so much art of notable and desirable inclusion on display throughout

the many cavernous galleries of MOCA Bangkok, it is only possible to choose a very small selection

as an appetizer of the veritable feast that is in store for the visitor. With such a diversely rich and

extensive number of fi ne contemporary artworks on display from which to choose, the confi nes

of this book presented a dilemma as to which to include and which to omit. However, this very

concise album of the collection is presented to provide an indication and visual perspective of the

exhibits that are displayed in the Museum and the vast spectrum of styles and subject matter they

represent. The artistic creativity of the artists and the artistic appreciation of the collector, go hand

in hand to produce a thrilling journey of inspired wonderment through a forest of imagination

immortally frozen in time, created by exceptional artistic talent.

Each era in terms of human development is defi ned and encapsulated in the way artists and artisans

fashioned, embellished and interpreted the world around them. With the twenty-fi rst century a new

dimension spurred by technology and an electronically connected world has undoubtedly extended

the boundaries of contemporary art and the mediums in which artistic expression is portrayed.

This new dimension, while having a dynamic internationalization and infl uence on Thai art, has

not lessened the subtle identifying characteristics that indelibly confi rm the cultural roots of the

artists and their works.

OPPOSITE

Thawan Duchanee

Power of Land

205 x 156 cm, Oil and

Gold Leaf on Canvas

ABOVE

Thawan Duchanee

Dagger

45 x 16 cm, Stainless Steel

FEATURED GUEST ARTISTS

137THAICONTEMPORARYEYE

105THAICONTEMPORARYEYE104THAICONTEMPORARYEYE 4� oor

Passage Across the Universe

co

nte

mpo

ra

ry

The Royal Country of Thailand

needs no introduction. The beauty of its art is

acclaimed internationally. It rates as one of

the highest forms of art in the world. My wife and I recently had the

honour to be invited to the inauguration of the new Museum of

Contemporary Art, which was officially opened by Her Royal

Highness The Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This exquisite

museum building is the brainchild of Mr Boonchai Bencharongkul

whose family has so generously gifted it to the Royal Country of

Thailand.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr Boonchai in the early ‘90s

during one of his visits to the United Kingdom. It was early in our

relationship that he confided in me that it was his ambition to

design and construct a contemporary art museum in Bangkok that

would house his extensive collection of Thai contemporary art. It

was with this in mind that he had decided to continue collecting

and to include a Victorian European section within the concept.

The realization of Mr Boonchai’s dream is something that everyone

who has been associated with its creation has every reason to

rejoice. The Museum itself is a beautiful work of art. The gleaming

white elevation, seen from the highway as one approaches, illumi-

nates the surrounding urban landscape and once seen will not be

forgotten. The exterior elevation invites the visitor to explore the

spacious gallery areas within. Everything has been designed and

constructed to immaculate scale, giving absolutely ideal propor-

tions for the display of contemporary paintings and sculpture.

As a long-time gallery owner, one understands the enormous

difficulties encountered in the provision of adequate lighting and

air-conditioning and the problems in incorporating these aestheti-

cally within the structure. These have been magically achieved in

the design of the Museum of Contemporary Art so that the visitor’s

eye is in no way distracted from the enjoyment of the magnificent

art collection on display.

Having the privilege of being a close friend of Mr Boonchai for

nearly twenty years, I am acutely aware of the enormous respect

that he and his family have for the many artists who are repre-

sented in this beautiful building; as have the numerous Thai artists

for Mr Boonchai and his family for the unique opportunity of this

prestigious Public Art Gallery in which to display their works.

It has been a great honour not only to share the burning enthusi-

asm which Mr Boonchai and his family have shown in this achieve-

ment but also to have been invited to be present at the magnificent

Opening Ceremony so graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness.

A visit to this Museum, the first of its kind in Thailand, is a must.

John Green,

RICHARD GREEN GALLERY, LONDON

Museum of Contemporary Art

499 Moo 3, Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., Ladyao, Chatuchak,

Bangkok 10900, Thailand

www.mocabangkok.com

gallery

s c h o o l s

e n v i r o n m e n t l a n g u a g e s

ni b b l e s

p l a y g r o u n d

p h i l o s op

hy

c u r r i c u l um

mission statement

We are a multicultural family of children, parents and teachers striving to develop a community of lifelong learners. At the Early Learning Center we are dedicated to providing a child centered environment respecting the diversity of children and the uniqueness of each child. We are committed to developing academically compe-tent, creative and articulate individuals who contribute to a broader social community.

objectives philosophy 100 languages mission statement Reggio Emilia approach

sch

oo

ls

t h e p u r p l e e l e p h a n tt h e c i t y s c h o o l c h e z n o o d l e st h e c o u n t r y s c h o o l

languages

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DOUBLE UP!Happy Aperitifs & Nightcaps at the Polo Bar5-7P.M. & 9-11P.M.50% Off Most Drinks

Dec 2009 / Jan 2010 Thailand

Dusit Thani Hua Hin Bi-Monthly News DOUBLE UP!Happy Aperitifs & Nightcaps at the Polo Bar5-7P.M. & 9-11P.M.50% Off Most Drinks

Dec 2010 / Jan 2011 Thailand

Dusit Thani Hua Hin Bi-Monthly News

CLOCK THIS!

Happy Aperitifs

at the Polo Bar, 5 - 7 P.M.

Happy Nightcaps

at Rim Talay Bar & Grill

9.30 – 11.30 P.M.

Great discounts on selected drinksDusit Thani Hua Hin Sun, May 2012

Poolside

PromotionWining & Dining at Dusit Thani Hua Hin

Wining & Dining in May at Dusit Thani Hua Hin

Cake of the Month

Mirror mirror on the wall,

which cake is the fairest of them all?

MANGO MIRROR

Chocolate and mango mousse with a heart of royaltine

and a mango mirror topping.

Whole cake (1lb): Baht 480++

Slice: Baht 110++

(Note: Maximum 10% discount on all takeaway orders)

Variety is the spice of life. That’s why the reputation of our fantastic Monday Carvery Night buffet

at The Restaurant stretches further than the buffet itself – and that takes some doing!

During May the meal deal gets even better: Come along as a couple (of any gender!), take the

buffet and order a bottle of Dusit Private Label Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon wine from

California, all for just Baht2,999 net – that’s a mouthwatering saving of over Baht700 net!

MONDAY CARVERY NIGHT BUFFET FOR TWO PEOPLE AT THE RESTAURANT

(usually Baht950++ per person)

One bottle of Dusit Private Label Chardonnay or

Cabernet Sauvignon (usually Baht1,250++)

Baht2,999 net

7th – 28th May inclusive

6.30 – 10.30P.M.

Advanced reservations recommended

It’s fusion food at its very best, a cross-cultural

marriage made in heaven. Especially for your

poolside pleasure, our chef has paired that

favourite Middle-Eastern, Mediterranean and

Balkan staple, pitta bread, with one of Thailand’s

favourite culinary exports, Light Green Chicken

Curry, known in the Land of Smiles as Gaeng Kiew

Waan Gai.

Served together with our Mocktail of the Month,

Go Man Go, it’s the perfect combination to sate

your thirst and hunger.

Try Our Big Thai-Greek Wedding at the Poolside

throughout May.

OUR BIG THAI-GREEK WEDDING

Everyday at the Poolside Bar

Pitta Bread with Gaeng Kiew Waan Gai

(Light Green Chicken Curry) Filling served

with Go Man Go Mocktail of the Month

Baht320++

Our Big Thai-Greek

Wedding

Make a night of it!:

Carve out the meal deal at

Monday’s Carvery Night buffet

Makea night of it!

Dusit Thani Hua Hin Sun, May 2012

Mocktail of the Month: Go Man GoThe name of both a champion racehorse and award-winning film about the incomparable Harlem Globetrot-

ters basketball team, there’s really no need to encourage you to Go Man Go and try our special healthy Mango

Mocktail of the Month throughout May. Go Man Go for an eclectic blend of mango in season, fresh pineapple, orange juice, coconut milk and our bar-

man’s secret sweet & sour mix. Available at all restaurants and barsBaht160++

Try one at special prices during Happy Aperitifs

and Happy Nightcaps

Wining & Dining at Dusit Thani Hua Hin

Wining & Dining in May at Dusit Thani Hua HinWhite Wine of the MonthRouquet’s Viognier VDPVintage: 2010Region: LanguedocCountry: FranceTasting Notes: Produced from 100% Viog-

nier grapes, this very fresh wine has a clean bouquet with notes of white pepper, rich

apple, pear and lemon. It is dry, medium bodied with high racy acidity on the palate,

while peppery spiciness added to the fruiti-ness of melon, lime and kiwi make the wine

seem very round and viscous in the mouth.Bottle : Baht 1,200++Glass : Baht 260++ Available at all restaurants

Happy Aperitifs

& Happy Nightcaps

at the Polo Bar

5-7P.M. & 9:30-11:30P.M.

Great discounts on

selected drinks

SINGHA for your supper... and before your dinner

Happy Aperitifs & Happy Nightcaps at the POLO BAR

5.00 – 7.00P.M. and 9.30 – 11.30P.M. Unlimited Singha Draught Beer BAHT 250 NET

Red Wine of the MonthRouquet’s Cabernet Sauvignon VDP

Vintage: 2010Region: LanguedocCountry: FranceTasting Notes: Produced from 100% Cab-ernet Sauvignon grapes, this well-structured

wine is supple and smooth in the mouth. Coupled with its purple colour and pleasant

fruity aroma the wine is an altogether attrac-tive proposition.

Bottle : Baht 1,200++Glass : Baht 260++

Available at all restaurants

Cocktail of the Month: Pine in the Glass

In case you didn’t know, the most succulent pineapples in Thailand come from the province of Prachuap Khiri

Khan, in which Hua Hin is located. Our Pine in the Glass cocktail combines vodka, tequila and Cointreau with pineapple, milk and our

barman’s secret sweet & sour mix to create a punchy blend so irresistible that it certainly is

a Pine in the Glass to refuse one.Available at all restaurants and barsBaht220++

Try one at special prices during Happy Aperitifs and Happy Nightcaps

Zhiwa Ling Hotel

Satsam Chorten, Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan

Phone number: +975-8-271277 Fax number: + 975-8-271456

Email: info@zhiwaling.com or reservation@zhiwaling.com Website: www.zhiwaling.com

See for yourself here in the legendary Paro Valley, where Zhiwa Ling

offers travelers a ra

re glimpse of a thousand-year-old culture with all

the comfort and convenience of a 5-star hotel. Time works wonders… It is written in the stars