We would like to share the experiences that our owner
has encountered during his many buying trips. We love
the merchandise that is created in these countries as
well as the people and cultures that it comes from.
About
a fifth of the world's population is Chinese, 1.23 billion,
and about 93 percent of them are Han. They originated
in the Yellow River basin, the cradle of a highly sophisticated
civilization that gradually spread throughout the area
now known as China. The term Han is a cultural rather
than ethnic identity, shared by people of diverse physical
traits, dialects, cuisines and traditions. China
is a beautiful country that has a remarkable history
dates back some 3000 years ago. Yet many of China's
precious artifacts remain uncovered. In recent years,
exotic artifacts and art from China has grown in popularity.
Below you will see pictures of the special pieces that
Jan found on his trips.
Burma
or Myanmar, the country with two names. Occupying the
largest area on the South East Asian peninsula, and
is bordered by China on the north and north east, Laos
on east, Thailand on the south east, on the south by
the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal and on the west by
Bangladesh and India. Burma is as large as twice the
size of Germany.Burma has become an independent state
since 1948 after 62 years under the colonial administration.
Burma is the country that regained her independence
first though she was the last country in the region
occupied by the British. Burma has 135 ethnic groups,
each with its own culture, language and beliefs. Burmese
culture is a blend of Chinese, Indian and Burmese native
traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence
on daily life of the Burmese. The people have preserved
the tradition of close family ties, respect for the
elders, devotion for Buddhism and simple native dress.
Burmese are known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.
Jan's
favorite photo. This little girl painted her face
white to prevent sunburn.
Mother
and daughter in the market.
The
hustle and bustle of the market
Yangon's
largest temple, the Shwedagon Pagoda
A
few pennies will buy you a light snack while shopping.
View
of the Thailand/Burma border market from the hill
top.
Thailand
was a unified kingdom, established in mid- 14th century.
It was known as Siam until 1939. Thailand is the only
Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over
by a European power.According to the Lonely Planet South-East
Asia travel guide, Thailand's climate is tropical and
sticky year-round - especially in Bangkok. Thailand
has three seasons: hot - March to May, rainy - June
to October, and cool - November to February. Its population
is about 59 millions, comprises mostly of homogenous.
There are many hill tribes in the northern area and
some Malays in the south.
Lotus Flower
Best friends in Suk
Hill Tribe Mountain Market
Selling ant eggs in Suk
Buddha Tree with Buddha Houses
Entourage at the Burma/Thai border.
Red
bamboo tree
Celebration
ceremony before this man enters monk-hood.
Family
members and friends of the man joined the celebration.
Meat
market on the street
Roadside
breadfruit vendor
A
lovely Thai girl in Chiang Mai
Papaya
growing in North Thailand
A
Sacred Fig, also known as Bo, Pipul or Ashwattha
trees, which are sacred to Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
Siddhartha Gautama is referred to have been sitting
underneath a Bo Tree when he found enlightenment
and became the Buddha. To show respect, posts
in the colors of monastic robes are placed under
the tree.
The
yellow hue of Ratchaphruek tree is regarded by
the Thai people as the color of Buddhism and the
color of glory. Ratchaphruek blooms annually from
February to May and symbolises the unity and harmony
of the Thai people. While the flowers are blossoming,
the tree sheds its leaves, leaving only bright
yellow flowers hanging on its branches. The Ratchaphruek
is widely known in Thailand and is grown in abundance
along the roadsides.
Sukothai
Sukothai
Sukothai
sukothai
smoking banana leaves
This woman asked for her first
cigarette at the age of 100. Good time to start
smoking.
Legend
has it that Vietnam's origin lay in the harmonious union
of Lac Long Quan, King of the Sea, and Au Co, Princess
of the Mountains. Vietnam was under the domination of
Chinese for an entire millennium, which was finally
thrown off in the 9th century, therefore Vietnam's traditions
and culture were heavily influenced by China. External
control was imposed once again in the 19th century when
Vietnam was occupied by the French.Although many westerners
still imagine Vietnam through the lens of war, it is
in reality a country filled with captivating natural
beauty and tranquil village life. Its highlands and
rainforest regions, far from being devastated, continue
to yield new species and team with exotic wildlife.
Its islands and beaches are among the finest in all
of Southeast Asia, and its cuisine is very possibly
the most delicious you will ever find.
This
woman is carrying her "shop" on her shoulder.
This form of street vendor is very popular in
Vietnam. They can carry the baskets all over town
to sell whatever. It is also easier to hide from
the police when selling at an improper location.
A
step in the process of making the lacquer wares
you see above
