Settling in, in Krung Thep

With the King's Birthday and a resumption of the red shirts demonstration, I have begun my stint in Bangkok, or Krung Thep. I'm getting into the thick of things and will be travelling in the region mainly in January to meet the Board members who are in the Philippines and Indonesia. In a way, because I have been working SEAPA through CIJ for the last 8 years, the settling in is a little easier. My colleagues are great and I had a very warm welcome. My probation period includes a study trip of the organisation and I will be meeting the Board members also in Manila and Jakarta next month, after having a good session with the two members here in Thailand.

Thailand is always interesting, but especially so now. On the one hand, the developments frustrate the democratic process, but on the other, the situation presents the people with alternatives and new approaches that we hope through our work will contribute towards a peaceful transition. At this point, I'll keep it to that: Article 112 of the Penal Code and the Computer Crimes Act – I need some time to familiarise myself with, and negotiate those limitations:)

I live quite close to the office, which makes it convenient for the daily tasks, including going to the local supermarkets and market. Only downside is there is no Ikea here:( I can't get my favourite shelves that line my apartment in Malaysia! I'm enjoying my apartment, though its way smaller than my abode in Malaysia but it has some nice features tht I could get used to. Its low rise, and is cosy (can get tough in the morning when school kids from the next street shout the national anthem early morning!) This is view from the living area and part of the kitchen. You can see the trees by the dining area – that's where I do my morning birdwatching.

Without sounding like a hermit, my daily companions especially in the mroning at the kitchen window are the crimson-crowned flowerpecker, a pair of bulbuls (still trying to ID them though I'm inclined to settle for yellow vented) and a pair of the oriole; the pied fantail that absolutely loves the swimming pool and puts up a real good show; the koel in the distance and the oriental magpie. (And I was writing this, a pair of sunbirds(?) decided to make an appearance!) I plan to visit the parks that are not too far away to start my practice again, and then attempt the recommended sites for birdwatching outside of Bangkok. I need a zoom camera!

As far as my lingo skills are concerned, I can give directions to the cab driver (to the left, to the right and straight on; vegetarian food; and numbers 1-10 – I found some similarity to one of the Chinese dialects, so that makes it a little easier).

I'm hoping to catch up with some old friends after Christmas but I also expect that the pace will pick up quickly in the New Year.

And thanks to my colleague, have found the great spots for books - second hand and old copies at ridiculously cheap prices!

Will be back for a week in CIJ in KL next week to sort out transition and handover issues. Will miss the CIJ gang:(

I should have written about the India trip but have been struggling with the details. Some day.....

Note/Corrections: its the scarlet backed flowerpecker and the crimson backed sunbird (the male and female pairs for both).

Bangkok it is then

Its official! I have accepted a job in Bangkok as the Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance. It looks like I will start in December this year. The job wasn't really in the plan but plans change! I'm quite excited by it, also because it means having more contact with the groups and issues in the region.

It will be goodbye to the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) ... for a while a least ...

At the same time, I'm also planning to start on my PhD, and I've got a fantastic supervisor, Zaharom Nain - who by the way was my lecturer 20 years ago in USM when I started my bachelor's. Neither one of us wants to remember how long its been since we first knew each other:) This means I plan to register at Nottingham University Malaysia and if I can complete it in less than 10 years, that would be good!

Between now and December, I'm off for 2 weeks to India, Delhi to be specific with my brother's family. A pilgrimage of some sort. A kind of preparation before starting the new phase of my life.

Save Bukit Gasing, also from the "concerned" users

One of the things I shall miss is the walks in Bukit Gasing, something that has been a part of my life (though not always consistent) for the last 14 years, or since I started working and living in Petaling Jaya. Most of the times I've been there on my own, but I've also had good friends as walking partners and used the walk both for trainings and to just enjoy the forest walk.

In 1998, it was to prepare for Kinabalu, in 1999 for Nepal and now its to encourage a friend, SF, who plans to do her own hikes as well. The treks have become more interesting over the years and the place is certainly much more busier today then it was even 10 years ago. That's a good sign and its so encouraging to see groups of friends and families go for their weekly walks. I think there are about 10 trails to choose from. Its so refreshing after a night rain, on a clear day, the blue sky that is the backdrop for the forest from below is fantastic. With its highest point at 160m, the forest is definitely worth protecting.

(Moss on the tree)(Sunlight into the forest)
(Walk up the hill, almost feels like a pilgrimage)

Unfortunately, there are those who think otherwise. While the PJ side of the forest has been gazetted as a protected area since the early 1960s, the KL is not. And of course, this also means that development has been approved (to build 70 bungalows on a 15.5hectare site on Bkt. Gasing as the court ruled against the application by 108 residents for a judicial review of the proposed development by Gasing Meridien Sdn Bhd). Read more at the Save Bukit Gasing blog. Its been a long struggle by the residents in PJ and nature enthusiasts to protect Bukit Gasing, which is one of the few remaining green lungs in the city.

The other problem that has arisen of late is the "action" by some people who think they are helping the conservation of the forest by building reflexology paths, planting flowers, damming the river (for absolutely the wrong reasons) and turning it into ponds with turtles! Obviously, those who are responsible for this have no awareness or understanding of biological diversity at all. Ok, so this used to be a rubber plantation many years ago, and it has not been a real forest for a long time, and yes there are irresponsible people who steal from the forest - but these do not give us a license to do whatever we want.

Apparently the council is aware of what's going on and has posted a warning to the continued "renovation" of the forest area. But I'm surprised the council has not been more aggressive in stopping the intrusion. I've heard from my friends that the group of people who think they are doing a service are very defensive against anyone who doesn't support them. If you're interested in conserving Bukit Gasing, please tell these people to stop what they are doing, and maybe the council should organise for an expert environmentalist to explain to the people why what they are doing is wrong. Here's a picture of the damned part of the river, by the bridge at the main entrance.
Sorry guys, this is not your garden at home for you to do what you want. And no surprise why there's suddenly lots of mosquitoes, when you block the flow of water and create stagnant water, of course this is the most conducive for mosquitoes!

Searching for..... in Denmark

So I've been here in Denmark for 3 weeks now and how fast time has gone by! I'm on the last leg of the trip, mainly in Fredericia and to the west coast this weekend. I was curious as to how I would feel coming back to Denmark, just months after Soeren's passing. The last time I was on the plane here, it was two days before he died. I know at some point, I will have to stop that frame of reference, but that time is not now. One can say that it is also related to this feeling of worry that you will forget details, feelings and experiences. I know only too well that like many things, we will not be able to remember everything forever but there are some very fundamental relationships that will not be lost. But I also foresee that while my ties are still strong here, I will not have the luxury of visiting so often as I would like to. Reality check.

Having said that, I of course had an itinerary for my visit, maybe something I picked up out of habit from Soeren:) I had a good trip to the island of Aeroe, which is on the south of Fyn and accessible by ferry. Kamma was a great company and definitely a fantastic guide - making the historical and nature landmarks so much more meaningful with the personal stories and encounters. We stayed the night at the town of Aeroskoebing at a nice bed and breakfast place called Karen Lise's Bed and Breakfast, which was nice and cosy, and nice spread for breakfast:)

In Marstal, we attemped the tour of the landmarks that were featured in the novel, and I was impressed by the Maritime Musuem, which I rarely do. Don't be fooled by the entrance because it is a rather big museum. I especially liked the photographs that gave you an insight into what it looked like 150 years ago. Like this picture here where you see the boys (mainly) and the town people by the harbour, and the sight of the ships in the background is just fanstastic. I think the photo must be from way before the WW2. And giving life to the story in the novel where all boys know their fate is in the seas on the ships. I've mentioned elsewhere that this has been one of the best books I've read in a while. To be able to visualise and then be anxious about the characters right till the end is a hallmark talent of an author.

The rest of the time in Denmark, or Europe, has been in search of the autumn, my first in this part of the world. Literally seeking out the changing colours of the leaves. I've not got the full colours but I'm not complaining. I cherish every day as it comes, with its share of the wonder, amazement, excitement and joy:)

The church in Marstal

What else am I looking for here? Maybe a map of how I will remember Soeren. A guide to what were his feelings and thoughts. Soon it will be time to say goodbye to Denmark, and its with the realisation that it is goodbye.

Memorial

We had the memorial on Sunday, the 12th. A small but cosy crowd and I really want to thank all who attended. It was a bit more difficult for me this time to say something. Maybe its because its been a few months now and the feeling of loss is more obvious, apparent and saddening.

Thanks to Mathias, Ralph, John, Annu and Dr. Kannan for sharing their thoughts and feelings and to the rest for being around with your positive spirit and support. And to Ram and Apsara for bearing with me while I went back and forth (forgetting this and that) for the very lovely video they prepared for the memorial.

In between the sobs and all, I shared a poem that was sent to me by a friend just soon after Soeren passed away, and its one I have read over the grave twice. Sharing here with you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep – Mary Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am ...in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

And this was the best sharing for the day, he would have enjoyed it and from someone he had a lot of regard for, my cousin Dharmini.

Let’s all be merry and cheery,

For on the 25th of February, 1959

In the beautiful land of Denmark.

Twas the day a woman gave birth,

And God’s amazing gift to arrive on Earth,

That gift, they say,

Came in the form of a boy that day,

A boy who soon become a man,

Then to Malaysia he came to land.

The day he met our Gayathry,

That was the day he set her free,

Oh we’d never before seen her that happy,

When we saw she’d found her soulmate,

We knew this was destined, this was fate.

One fine day in 2005,

She brought this amazing person into my life,

As the intros were exchanged, I felt, there was something strange,

About this person I just met,

Yeah I know, I haven’t mentioned this yet.

The way he made us part of his whole,

I knew then that he was a kindred soul,

He is a person that we would all cherish,

Though God’s will unfortunately caused him to perish,

But I think that’s only because,

God missed him too, felt his loss.

He brought happiness to us all,

To our Gayathry the most of all,

Even in the most darkest hour,

He’d smile and nothing would be sour,

Hope and positiveness were the cement of his fort,

He was always very generous, giving lots of support,

He would help any creature that ever walked the Earth,

He made the world a happy place with his kindness and his mirth.

And though I never knew him that well,

He put lots of things in this empty shell (my head).

He thought me how to live with a smile,

And that I should make my life worthwhile,

To be positive even in the darkest,

And most important, to live life to the fullest.

I wish I’d get to know him more,

But sadly, I can’t, he’s not here anymore,

I think I speak for all when I say,

Thank you God, for letting him come for a stay,

Thank you for letting us meet this man,

Who changed peoples’ lives and did the best he can.

He was a great man, so we claim,

But I think I forgot to mention his name,

He is the kind, the ever-heartwarming,

Our very own Søeren Varming.

May you rest in peace and we will never forget a great man like you.

By: Dharmini V. Devan Nair

The last month and interview for the future

So, I've just had a job interview two days ago in Bangkok. Whether it is a good sign or not, at least I enjoyed the interview. Maybe it was because I knew at least 5 of the 7 members on the panel! Yes, it was that many people conducting the interview. Will mention the organisation when I hear the decision - whichever way it goes.

I found out about the vacancy a few months ago and it was exciting for me, because I was excited by the opportunity that came with job. I knew I was getting a bit too comfortable with being on my own, and doing things at my own pace. I needed the time and space but think that its time to get out into the big world and do something.

So, the job would be in Bangkok. If anything it will be exciting politically:) As a friend said, its always history in making in Bangkok! For many years, I've contemplated working and living in either Bangkok or Jakarta....or for that matter, Cape Town, Melbourne, Kathmandu....so it came as naturally as it could. In the first week of contemplating the application, I've browsed property sites to check out apartments and other possibilities for living there. Anyway, I think Bangkok is a refuge for many Malaysian activists too so it won't be lonely:)

More details when I know what will happen next:)

I'll be on my way to Denmark on Wednesday and already have work plans in Brussels in the first week of October and to Paris to crash in in Jen's place for a few days. Hope to see as many people I can in Denmark but that's going to be tough - so many people, so little time! Looking forward to going to the island of Aeroe with mum-in-law to experience the island that's the central location of the book by Carsten Jensen - We the Drowned.

The good news is that Mathias and Maizura will be married next year! Congratulations to the couple:) We had the opportunity to meet Maizura's family over Ramadan and Hari Raya and are very happy with the very warm and nice family. Now its for the "kids" to make the plans, so looking out for kompang/mridangam/dhol players to accompany the groom:) Kirstine left exacly a week ago and by the sound of it Sakariya has adjusted well after the travel - he'll be a well-travelled boy:)

So, hopefully more information about the job interview in the very near future, otherwise you'll be reading more of my trip in Europe!

Memorial for Soeren

In Loving Memory of

Soeren Varming

25.02.59 – 08.02.10

“I live my life in widening circles,
that reach out across the world.
I may not complete this last one
but I give myself to it.

I circle around God,
around the primordial tower.
I've been circling for thousands of years
and I still don't know:
am I a falcon, a storm, or a great song?”

- Rainer Maria Rilke

A memorial will be held tomorrow on Sunday @ 12 September 2010 at Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur to celebrate his life.

Sorry if you've not been personally invited but I know there are many, many people whose lives, like his, have been touched even by a small encounter.

Gaya