The Finale

 Strange but true; that it took a foreigner to bring the Malaysians together.

Dr. Masashi excitedly contacted the Malaysian Embassy and arranged for a performance for our final evening in Thailand. This was an occasion which gathered fellow Malaysians in Thailand for an evening of togetherness.

 Both of them are compassionate about music and choirs. Their love for it make the vocation worth working for. They have also contributed much by bringing out the art in children. We are fortunate to have them as teachers.

 The ride from our hotel to the city was a long, long one. The distance is not too far but the traffic made it far. To save time, we got down from the coach and trudged a good distance to reach our destination on time for the long-awaited performance. When you are away from home, the sign of the Embassy is akin to home. You are in safe grounds; home grounds.

 The members looked exquisite in their traditional clothes; so good-looking.

 

We really wanted the Malaysian message to go across.

We are Malaysians; united in spirit.

 So, after the long walk, it was back to touches and making themselves presentable for the evening.

 This is part of the fun.

 So, we had the pleasure of meeting the Head of the Embassy who so graciously hosted us for the evening.

She was delighted to see us teachers dressed in the same attire; she may want to introduce to her staff !

 Parents Stephanie and Nani are great advocators of the choir and went all out to give their moral support and love. They beamed and were proud of the members.

 The Malaysian crowd started to gather from 7pm and both young and old waited patiently for the choir to sing some Malaysian tunes which evoked nostalgia.

 H.E. Dato' Nazirah Bt Hussian , ambassador to Thailand is all grace and gentleness. Her pleasant disposition immediately put us at home and we were indeed blessed to have an audience with her. She spoke of her pleasure and gratitude that such an evening had made it possible for her to extend invitations to all her people in Thailand. She was reminiscing on Malaysian tunes and looked forward to the night's performance.

 Aiza and her brief description of the songs for the evening. The girls were up to it to put their best.

 Wau Bulan, Geylang, Si paku Geylang, Anak Tupai brought memories to the audience and I could feel that they wanted more. Great entertainment.

 A short snippet.

 Then there was the usual exchange of gifts and appreciation.

A symbolic plaque from the school in good memory.

 The final evening before we say our farewell.

Not easy to organise a trip like this and most of all getting the attention of people.

 The next day was another zombie one; that's our local tour guide, Alex who had been a great help. 

He was patient and met our needs in whatever ways we wanted.

That's the trip.

All done in 5 days.

Another feather in the cap for the choir.

More to come as it grows.

The Patana Exchange

 The British International School has been around for half a century and has grown big and tall from its humble beginnings. So, it was with trepidation and excitement that we could perform in front of a prestigious school in Thailand. All these in the name of exposure and a pact with the cluster school commitment.

 We were ushered into a 'black' room; actually a well equipped sort of 'experimental theater' for this day.
The audience were waiting patiently to hear what we had to deliver.

 The arrangement of the platform and seats are flexible and it was good to see how an international school; so well-facilitated functions. It put ideas into us but it is all in dollars and cents.

 The choir sang, danced and moved in tandem with the tempo of the songs and caught the hearts of the audience. I believe this is also one experience for them as no Malaysian Choir seemed to have performed at this scale there.

 Dr. Masahi after hearing we were performing in the school the next day, took leave and found his way there too. He did bot want to miss us. How thoughtful of him. It was a pleasure to have him around.

 This Ms Rachel was the one who was in contact with our music instructor; Ms Suzanna and allowed us an audience there. She praised the choir highly and were impressed saying though the school had a choir, it did not match us ! What a compliment.

 These are the three musicians who made it possible for a meaningful visit and exchange.

 Perhaps the best contribution we gave was the workshop. The children were taught 'Wau Bulan' by the choir members to the delight of the teachers and principal. We believed we left a great impact here so much so that Ms Rachel even suggested a 'video' conferencing sometime in the future. This is to be considered.

 The principal had some words with the members expressing his gratitude and joy of having us around.

 

 Like always, the Selangor exchange ! We gave gifts and souvenirs to every child and the school was surely delighted.

 The Patana experience is one that is to be documented and kept for the archive of the school.

Thanks to related parties for making it possible.

A good experience.

The Appointment

Before reaching our next appointment place, we had to manoeuvre through the colourful streets of Bangkok; taxis of different hues dotted the landscape. Apparently each colour represents a different package and pricing. So, it's for you to discover when you next visit the land.

 Yes, Rangsit University.

 Dr. Masashi Kishimoto of Rangsit University created an opportunity for the choir to perform for his undergraduates. They were told to observe the choir and decipher the skills and know-how of a choral group. We were very grateful for this opportunity for it gave the children a different exposure and experience.

Not only was this a golden opportunity, the man himself held a workshop and taught the choir members a 'pitch' session. I have been told musicians are very particular about pitches; like grammar in English.

 So, the children despite the hot afternoon trip to the JJ market, put up a commendable show.

Aiza to the extreme right is a natural where movements and singing are concerned. She is vocal and expressive. Brenda towards the extreme right is bright and and is a spark in the choir.

 These siblings are a blessing to the team.Both are musical and play many instruments to compliment their innate qualities in music.

 Look at the boys. Shakir, Imran ( 2 of them) from behind, Ian, Ryan, Soon Yee are old timers and they fight tooth and nail for the choir. I will miss them.Making this trip with them gave me an opportunity to know them better and more often than not, it is through such opportunities that a greater bond is made.

 The audience were a learning group; they had to take notes and understand the heart beat of the lecturer. Don't we all do that?

 After the performance, we had the greatest opportunity when Dr. Masashi himself led the choir into singing a Japanese folk song. He had much patience and crowd control skill; leading the team to a time of fruitful learning and singing.

Even I, the non-musician, could tell that he is different.

 Listen to them.

 Ryan and Ian did not let any opportunity go untapped. They asked and learnt from him.

 As usual all good times have to end.

There was the usual exchange of gifts and we definitely did Selangor proud.

Everywhere we go, we did not fail to invite friends to visit Malaysia and Selangor.

He will come in September .

 We also had gifts ! Each of us had the signature T-shirt from the university.

A photo for the album and for memory; to be etched forever.

The choir indeed had a different exposure.

Thanks to Dr. Masashi Kishimoto; a graduate from the States.

Hot and Sunny

 So hot.

Thailand is hot not warm and yet the tourists including us had to reach the Emerald Temple for a visit here without looking at it is considered a loss. Thailand is the land of devout Buddhists and many pay homage to Buddha reverently. So, the tour guide said we must not miss it. We went and the throng was huge.

 I bought a hat; the best decision ever to shield myself from the blazing sun and heat. Like all holy places, you have to be decently dressed to be allowed entry into the  temple. Many who came in shorts and sleeveless blouses were cordially asked to rent clothes to cover themselves more as a sign of respect to the place. 

I was vain, so I could not go in. No sleeveless attire; I was chided.

So, I waited outside to observe other things. I witnessed a band marching to greet I don't know who.

 See the sea of umbrellas. So hot and yet the crowd did not seem to mind a single bit.

Notice the lady with the pink shawl? 

Does heat plus heat add up to cool?

Oh I could not understand.

 This guy spoke it all. That hot that he had to roll up his shirt and fanned himself with his cap.

 How people would go all out sweating anyhow and anywhere to be in the crowd?

Do you wonder why we do that? How come?

 Therefore it was with the greatest of pleasure when we were led to an air-conditioned restaurant for lunch.

Sara without 'h'. That's my daughter's name. En Rahim said 'itu nama anak you.' So, I could not resist snapping it.

We had  a good lunch enroute to our next destination and an afternoon appointment.

Lo and behold...the JJ market.

Typically Siamese, the fool galore was so irresistible but we already had our lunch.

Sweet or sour, you name them. All were displayed for the consumption of the public.

Thais are such excellent cooks.

 Their noodles come in all forms; thick, thin, savory, sweet , hot and so on. All looked good.

 The authentic oriental products are a great attraction to the arty people. The prices are reasonable and the quality commendable. You can find clothes, shoes, bags , jewellery, ornaments and oh I cannot name them. We were torn between time and leisure.

 But the JJ market is really worth another visit. So much to see and so little time to ponder over the streets and the goods. Though hot, the many temporary sheds put up shielded us against the heat. It was a real hot afternoon but we did not mind because JJ market was a hit with us.