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On the road again
Austrian couple on journey around half the globe
Modern adventurers:
Roland, Andrea and Christoph.
Christoph is praised by a
Thai monk.
A typical Iranian family.
Covered with a veil, a
woman offers her goods.
Roland marvels over the
famous Persepolis in Iran.
Christmas at the beach in
Krabi.
A Pakistani street chef
prepares a meal.
Chamber music the
Pakistani way.
This is how streets are
built in Pakistan.
A beautiful Nepalese woman
in traditional outfit.
An Indian palm tree
climber picks coconuts for us.
A real Austrian can even
ski in Goa.
Andrea and Christoph enjoy
the hot springs in Krabi.
Elephants gather the
tolls.
Crossing a river in Iran.
Monsoon period near
Calcutta in India.
Indian women do their
washing.
The slums - where the poor
eke out their existence.
Fun at the beach in Goa.
A typical day in India.
A religious washing
ceremony in the Ganges River.
New Years 2006/07
celebration the Nepalese way.
One of the many 8,000m
plus mountains.
Elfi Seitz
Andrea and Roland Sonderegger from Austria’s western state of
Vorarlberg were the two guest speakers at the Rotary Club of Phönix
Pattaya (Provisionary Club) club night held on January 29 at the
Montien. They brought along their young son Christoph, aged seven
months, who was neither born nor planned when the married couple started
a journey around half of the globe in June 2006. Here is their story.
Some nine years ago, Andrea and Roland went on a first extensive
international journey in their modified Land Rover, taking their two
shepherd dogs Asta and Gina with them. The route started from the
Austrian city of Feldkirch and led them via Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria,
Turkey, Iran and Pakistan through the United Arab Emirates and further
via the Sultanate of Oman and Yemen to Africa, where they - amongst
other countries - traveled through Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and
Tanzania, finally reaching their destination, South Africa. The
Sondereggers stayed there for about a year before they traveled back
home by airplane.
At the Club Night, Andrea and Roland gave a great PowerPoint
presentation about this journey, which was packed with diverse
adventures, like a one-week stay behind Ethiopian bars because of a
traffic law violation. The border crossing into Iran was another
frightening experience. The couple were separated, and Andrea was locked
up in a room with other women. After several hours the Iranian customs
officers would finally release her and let the couple enter the country.
“On our second trip to Iran, the entry was handled much more
professionally because now they have more modern technology,” Andrea
said.
Despite the 26 flat tires their vehicle suffered, the couple were
absolutely passionate about their journey. The friendliness of the
people they met was heart-warming, they agree. The Sondereggers were
frequently given free food. When they offered some money in exchange, it
was firmly rejected. They even received free gasoline, or if they had to
pay, it was at the incredible price of only a dollar for 100 liters!
Sandstorms didn’t prevent them from following Marco Polo’s footsteps by
driving along the Silk Road through the Karakoram mountain range. At the
border to the Sultanate of Oman, the adventurers were almost forced to
shoot their two dogs. Previous promises by consulates were not kept, so
they were denied entry.
Choked with tears, Andrea and Roland had to abandon their dogs out in
the desert and continue the trip without them. But the following night,
they would bravely return, sneaking past armed soldiers and retrieving
Asta and Gina. Not much later though, in Yemen, Asta succumbed to old
age.
One night, the Sondereggers drove for hours into the dark somewhere in
Iran before stopping to get some sleep. When they woke up the following
morning, they realized that they had been driving through a minefield
and even spent the night in the middle of it. They put the car in
reverse gear and made very sure to stay right on the marks the tires
left behind the night before.
In Aden, the southern Yemenite seaport city, they were stuck for three
weeks before they finally got hold of a place on a ship that would take
them to Africa. It was loaded with 15,000 bottles of gas. “We couldn’t
even think about smoking,” Roland said.
During the crossing, Roland became so ill that Andrea feared for his
life. When some crewmembers also fell sick, it was discovered that, due
to lack of drinking water, the chef had used condensation from the air
conditioning for cooking.
In Africa, the adventure proceeded relatively smoothly - if capital
engine damage, the previously mentioned prison term and the passage
through a border village that had been raided by plundering tribes, with
bodies still lying all over the place - are ignored. The Sondereggers
did make it back to Austria in one piece.
In 2006, the couple decided to undertake the same trip again - with only
a slight change in the route. The duration of the journey was to be at
least two years. No sooner said than done, Andrea and Roland found
themselves in the middle of their next adventure. All the way to
Pakistan, they drove through the same countries as they did on their
first trip.
“Having done that once before made it so much easier,” Roland said. “We
were kind of familiar with the region, so to speak. The people in Iran
were incredibly friendly. The women approached Andrea, put their hands
on her tummy and wished her all the best. At that time, we had no clue
what they really meant.
“It took us quite a while to make it to the Iran/Pakistan border. We had
to wait inside the same buildings. They hadn’t changed at all -
everything looked exactly the same. The same two pictures on the wall
... tables and chairs … all from a time when my grandpa was still alive.
We were all smiles, and so were the border guards. They also remembered.
“The paperwork was done quickly. We were allowed to stay at the border
until the next morning. We woke to the bright beams of sunlight and the
loud crow of a rooster. The road that leads into Pakistan has changed a
lot. It has two lanes now and can’t be compared to the
barely-as-wide-as-a-vehicle pothole path of former times that was
occupied with pedal-to-the-metal hauling smugglers.
“It was a 600km drive to Quetta. The first village we drove through was
a typical one: off the road and ditches to the left and right. One has
to experience it oneself to believe the dirt and stench. We saw busy
workers in front of and between the houses, vehicles being repaired,
bread being baked, fruits and other food being sold. The place was
crowded with donkeys, chickens and goats that ate anything they could
find - even human feces that floated in the ditches that are the
village’s sewer. People there are very … natural. And friendly!
“They waved at us and offered tshai (tea) and food. We bought some and
continued our trip. Behind the village, the street turned into the
familiar one-lane pothole path again. Pakistani road users are stubborn
and racy. In fact, one of them tried to bump us off the path. But I
didn’t move, so he was forced to dodge into the rubble, causing quite a
rattle, considering he was traveling at about 100km per hour. That was
fun - for us.
“And then we arrived in India. The vespertine change of shifts at the
border is a unique performance for locals and tourists. Indian and
Pakistani officers exchange some most unsubtle words of disgrace,
menacingly waving their fists. To our surprise, it all ended without any
serious consequences. India is like a dream. We were simply amazed by
all the beautiful buildings and the colorful life. We vowed to return.
“Having arrived in Goa, Andrea didn’t feel well and had to see a doctor.
Her complaints turned out to originate from advanced pregnancy we
weren’t aware of. What a miracle, after 20 years of childless marriage.”
The couple drove to the Kingdom of Nepal for Andrea to give birth at a
recognized hospital. After a complicated caesarean operation, the
Sondereggers’ luck held when a healthy boy was delivered.
The happy parents chose a name, but the Buddhist priest used the date of
birth, the horoscope and some more astrological data to come up with two
Nepalese names in addition. In an unforgettable ceremony, the son was
baptized Christoph Ajushman (long life) Bishwakalayan (blessed by
earth). His godmother was a true princess - Sushila of Tibet.
Even today, Andrea and Roland tear up when they talk about the farewell
to Nepal, and from the Shamrock family of which they had become a part.
“When our son was born, we realized the true warmth of this family. They
helped wherever a hand was needed. They organized food, brought soup to
stimulate Andrea’s breast milk production, bathed and changed our son
and took care of Gina.
“We owe a lot to Princess Sushila. Despite her parent’s advice not to
interfere with government offices, she helped to organize a birth
certificate and all other documents within three days. Usually, that
takes up to six months. If it had not been for Sushila, it wouldn’t have
been possible to get the Austrian citizenship for our son in Katmandu.”
“And then there were the kids. On all the days we weren’t at the
village, they had been rehearsing dances and songs for the farewell
show. We cried our eyes out, all of us. Then, we just stood there in
silence.”
After resting in Pattaya for a while, Andrea, Roland and little
Christoph made their way back to Austria. Unfortunately, Gina is no
longer with them as she had to be put to sleep after contracting a skin
disease.
Will that be the end to their remarkable adventures? Certainly not, as
they already have plans to explore the other half of the globe - in
their car and together with their son. And one day, when Christoph is
old enough, they want to take him on the same trip again to see the
country in which he was born.
Roland Sonderegger will next go on lecture tours through German speaking
countries. To find out more details, send an email to
[email protected].
11-meter-high lion a roaring success at Amari
The setting was quite
impressive.
The Lookpraplueng dance troupe
from Bangkok performs a traditional lion dance.
Chinese acrobats create a body
pyramid to welcome in the Chinese New Year.
The lion dancers tower 11
meters above the audience.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
An 11-meter tall lion led the Chinese New Year festivities organized at the
Amari Orchid Resort and Tower on February 7, with a magnificent display of
fireworks over Pattaya Bay to conclude the evening.
More than 150 citizens of Thai-Chinese lineage enjoyed a Chinese dinner at
the hotel, with a show that included music and stage performances and a
traditional lion dance performed by the Lookpraplueng Group, which had been
ordered directly from Bangkok.
The 11-meter height of the lion was achieved by placing a 7.5-meter length
of bamboo on a strong bamboo frame, forming the total 11-meter height. The
performers climbed up inside the frame to animate the head, and the result
was acclaimed a spectacular success.
Three-phase housing project at
Huayyai aims at luxury end of the market
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
A new 600 million baht housing project has been launched by Civil
and Interior Co Ltd, the developer saying that Pattaya real estate still has
high purchase potential, especially at the exclusive end of the market.
 (From
left) Eaksonglarp Paphopchaisin, Arunya Issaranutipong and Krisanai
Songthaworn meet the press in a comfortable corner of the show house.
The Prima Group project is being built on an area of 61 rai of land in
Huayyai Sub-district, and will consist of three separate luxury housing
areas, namely Prima Lagoon, Prima Home and Prima Hill.
Eaksonglarp Paphopchaisin, managing director of Civil and Interior Co said
that Prima Lagoon would cover an area of 28 rai, the 27 housing units being
built around a 5-rai area of water consisting of two lakes. Prima Home would
be constructed on an area of 15 rai and feature 37 units, while Prima Hill
would use an area of 18 rai with 57 units.
 Pascal
and his team from Casa Pascal provide food and beverages for the event.
Housing plots vary in size from 68 square wah to 90 square wah, and from 150
square wah to 1 rai, and the starting price is 4.2 million baht going up to
40 million baht. Completion date is scheduled for the end of 2010.
Project director Arunya Issaranutipong said that the three projects would
appeal to specific sectors of the luxury housing market. The natural
surroundings and the modern design of the buildings, which will utilize
quality materials, are the main selling points, while the development itself
is within easy reach of Pattaya City.
Krisanai Songthaworn, deputy managing director of Civil and Interior Co said
the company has a long experience in the construction business and in real
estate. A recent housing project in Phuket has received a good response from
customers. Most of the buyers of the Prime development will be foreigners,
said Krisanai, although a significant number of Thai people with high
purchasing power are anticipated.
Because of the problems Pattaya City faces each year with water shortages,
the developer has already installed a 2,000-liter water storage tank on the
site, and a water reserve tank will be provided for each housing unit.
People who attended the
function are impressed with the Prima Group’s show house.
Pang Trud Chine displays her skills at
Nong Nooch during Chinese New Year
A talented elephant, Pang Trud Chine performs a
lion dance.
Pang Trud Chine shows off her lion dance outfit.
Patcharapol Panrak
Lions cavorted with elephants at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden during Chinese
New Year, or to be more precise a traditional lion dance was organized with
one of the most popular attractions, the female elephant Pang Trud Chine,
who as her name indicates celebrates her birthday during the festival
period.
Nong Nooch director Kampol Tansatcha organized a special Chinese New Year
celebration for the many overseas Chinese tourists who came to visit the
garden over the festival period.
The celebrations were held from February 4 to 14, with seven-year-old Pang
Trud Chine performing alongside the traditional lion dancers at the elephant
building. Another highlight was the Four Regions show that Nong Nooch
regularly stages and that is always a big hit with Thai and foreign visitors
alike.
Pang Trud Chine was born on February 26 in 2001, during the Chinese New Year
period. Her mother is Pang Watsana and her father is Plai Bird. Kampol said
she is a particularly intelligent elephant, has a good sense of humor, and
likes to join in the fun with the tourists, teasing them and showing them
her latest tricks and skills. She gives displays of gymnastics, dancing,
stepping over people, and of course the lion dance.
Pang Trud Chine interacts with the audience.
Bass Phillip hits the high notes
The men look dapper, the women stunning at the
Royal Cliff Wine Club dinner.
Miss Terry Diner
The Royal Cliff Wine Club has made its wine dinners synonymous with
excellent value gourmet meals. The latest wine dinner in the Grill Room
surpassed all those previously offered to the members and guests. It was
simply superb, in all respects. Wine aficionado Richard Smith summed it up
so well when he said, “This has probably been the best collection of red
wines we have ever tried in one night.” I had to agree.
 The
service is impeccable in the Grill Room at the Royal Cliff.
The wines came from the house of Bass Phillip in association with the ‘Good
Wine Now’ wine sellers, and with Bass Phillip proprietor and winemaker
Phillip Jones in attendance. Though obviously an Australian in all respects,
Phillip Jones follows the French tradition in the way he makes his wines.
Sometimes described as a “terroirist” he firmly follows the whims of nature
when making his wines (there’s no added acid, asserts Phillip), and admits
that it was 12 years after planting his Bordeaux vines before he sold his
first bottle of wine. Stocks are still limited today, with Bass Phillip only
releasing around 30,000 bottles a year. In comparative terms, his Bass
Phillip Pinot Noir is considered to be in the Australian top 100 wines,
right next to the very well known (and revered) Penfold’s Grange.
The wine dinners are not just an excuse to try some top tipples, but the
dishes are also carefully selected to go with the wines on offer, and as
always, these are under the watchful and experienced eye of the Royal Cliff
Beach Resort’s executive chef, Walter Thenisch. The imaginative cuisine
never ceases to amaze the regulars (and with places being limited, the
events are ‘sold out’ within hours of the announcement of the dates) and
once again Walter produced a series of culinary masterpieces.
After starting with a bluefin tuna capaccio, Walter led us into an artichoke
and sun-dried tomato ravioli on chanterelles, cepes, fresh tomato coulis and
basil oil, all imparting just a little ‘zing’ to this interesting
combination.
Of particular note was the slow roasted Gippsland rack of lamb with a smoked
paprika flavored bean-potato mash with raisin chutney. With a hint of sweet
spiciness going with the characteristic flavor of lamb, this was taken with
the Bass Phillip Pinot Noir Estate Premium 2004, also from Gippsland. A
magnificent roast and a magnificent red, and one which, according to Phillip
Jones, will continue to get better. “You can keep these wines 10 years and
more,” he said in his address to the diners.
Wine Club President Ranjith Chandrasiri will let the Royal Cliff Wine Club
members know when the next dinner is planned. Just be quick in indicating
your acceptance. This one was fully booked within three hours! You can
contact Ranjith on ranjith @royalcliff.com.
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