ATJ Journey Magazine Fall 2018

ATJ

Fall 2018

Australia’s Aboriginal Spirituality

Sweater Weather: Weaving In Asia

Gratitude Reflections

Join in the Festivities

T HE REFL ECTION IS SUE

BEYOND THE ORDINARY WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Part relaxation, part education, part life-enriching experience, travel can be the culmination of a life-long dream. Here are reasons ATJ is the best choice to deliver on your expectations.

HISTORY

EXPERTISE

SUPPORT

We’ve been specializing exclusively in the Asia/Pacific region since 1987.

Our Travel Experts possess the most extensive first-hand regional knowledge of any U.S.-based company. No other company offers such expertise in the Asia/Pacific region.

Enjoy toll-free phone and email access to your own Travel Expert, and customized reading, medical, cultural, packing and insurance information. We also have a team available 24/7 during your travels.

EFFICIENCY

SECURITY

We’ve spent over three decades honing air arrangements, checking hotel quality and hand picking the best guides, so you don’t have to.

We’re in constant contact with our incountry partners while you’re traveling.

If anything should go wrong with your health, well being or arrangements, we’re on it.

REPUTATION Over 75% of our business is repeat or referral, a testament to our substance.

CREDIBILITY In addition to designing journeys for discerning individuals, we also design customized journeys for the World Wildlife Fund, and the Harvard, Princeton and Yale alumni associations, to name a few.

PEACE OF MIND

ONE-STOP SHOP Get volume-discounted airfare, visa information and a perfectly arranged itinerary with meals, transfers and guides, then pay for all services on one bill.

It’s a priceless commodity, included in all of our trips.

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NO REGRETS You might only visit a destination once in your life; make sure you do it right.

INTRO LETTER WELCOME

As we settle into a new season with pumpkin lattes, colorful autumn leaves, oversized sweaters and books by the fire, we can’t help but reflect on the past year while also eagerly looking forward to what’s in store for the future.

Across the globe, Southeast Asian countries are shedding the remnants of monsoon season as they prepare for vibrant, colorful and culturally poignant festivals. Regardless of the country or region, now is the best time to fuel your inspiration for travel and adventure.

From Southeast Asia’s fall festivities, to learning about our oldest ancestors in Australia, this issue of Journey focuses on the tantalizing splendor of cultural immersion and an approach to travel that embraces gratitude, respect and consideration of the environment.

Whether you’re up for some enjoyable nuggets of travel wisdom or you’re considering a dream adventure that leverages great off-season opportunities to countries like Australia or New Zealand, this issue will inspire.

So, curl up in front of the fire in a cozy sweater, take a sip of that latte, turn the page and we’ll see you on the road where travel intersects with adventure.

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FEATURES 10 14 20 26 To lay your own eyes on Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) in the Northern Territory of Australia can elicit a flurry of child-like wonder.

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Gratitude Reflections The lessons of our experiences never fail to influence us. This year, we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities travel has presented.

Dreamtime: Australia’s Aboriginal Spirituality Dreamtime is often used to describe Aboriginal spirituality. Learn how this concept of existence shapes the lives of past and present Aboriginal people.

Sweater Weather: Weaving in Asia Our deep roots in Nepal allow us to uncover several inspirational projects led by fascinating and talented entrepreneurs and people who weave, knit, produce and craft the most beautiful sweaters, shawls, clothing and other unique garments, as well as traditional Nepalese clothing.

Join in the Festivities Fall and winter festivities are just around the corner. Here are some of the most interesting parties and celebrations happening this fall in Asia.

A man celebrates in India during Holi, the festival of color and love.

Çøñtëñtß DEPARTMENTS

Letter from ATJ .................. 1

New Zealand Senses ..................................... 12

Travel Must Haves ............ 4 Books to Travel By ............. 5 Curated Lodging Experiences in Rajasthan, India Unique & Boutique ................ 6

Recipe for Holiday Pavlova Cravings ................................. 32 Indochina Featured Group Trip .............. 34 ATJ Foundation .................. 36

Eco-Friendly Camping Travel Insider ......................... 8

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TRAVEL MUST HAVES FROM OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS

We have been exploring Asia and the Pacific for more than 30 years. These are the things we never leave home without:

AN INFINITY SCARF Infinity scarves are so versatile. They are lightweight and can be laid lightly around the neck in hotter climates to wick away moisture. When it’s cold, they can add warmth. Easily converted into a headscarf when entering a mosque or draped over the shoulders when entering a temple and your shoulders need to be covered, this simple garment does so much in a pinch. A scarf can double as a dress or could be used as a sarong at the beach.

PATAGONIA MEN'S TROPIC COMFORT HOODY II I won’t board a plane without my Patagonia Men's Tropic Comfort Hoody II! This comfortable, quick-drying hoody wicks moisture and provides 50+ UPF sun for hot weather, whether humid or dry.

UNIVERSAL ADAPTER & TRAVEL POWER STRIP I never leave home without a universal adapter and a travel power strip with USB ports so I can charge all of my devices at once.

DRAMAMINE GINGER Whenever I travel to Asia or the Pacific, Dramamine Ginger is never far from my reach.

This amazing product takes care of two threats to comfortable travel - motion sickness and an upset tummy. Unlike other Dramamine products, it won’t leave you feeling drowsy so you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the amazing experiences you encounter.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT I always travel with grapefruit seed extract. It works wonders preventing stomach bugs. It’s bitter, but just one or two drops in water a few times a day can truly prevent stomach issues.

Just check your other medication as grapefruit seed extract may interact with those.

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Journey | Fall 2018

BOOKS TO TRAVEL BY

TUTIRA, THE STORY OF A NEW ZEALAND SHEEP STATION H. Guthrie-Smith

ISLAND OF A THOUSAND MIRRORS: A NOVEL Nayomi Munaweera

THE PIANO TUNER: A NOVEL Daniel Mason

Widely considered one of the earliest classics of environmental awareness, Scottish settler H. Guthrie-Smith’s 1921 work brings an obscure New Zealand sheep station to life with tales of native flora and fauna and the impact of invasive non-native species to the area. His work demonstrates an extraordinary ecological awareness for his era and is an account that remains relevant to our modern day environmental concerns.

A devastating and personal account of the Sri Lankan civil war, Island of a Thousand Mirrors unveils the heartbreaking and emotional wartime upheaval of two girls from different social hierarchies. Munaweera captures the essence of the brutality endured by these girls and the richness of Sri Lankan culture during one of the darkest periods of its history. Despite the madness of this backdrop, the resonating elements of this tale are of enduring humanity and indestructible familial bonds.

Edgar Drake, an unassuming London-based piano tuner, finds himself in the jungles of colonial Burma, at the behest of the British government, with the task of maintaining a grand piano belonging to an eccentric army surgeon. Brilliantly written, The Piano Tuner carries the reader through Drake’s adventure and transformation from timid city-dweller to a protagonist who discovers an insatiable curiosity about Burmese culture and people.

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UNIQUE & bøütïqüë CURATED LODGING EXPERIENCES IN RAJASTHAN, INDIA

SUJÁN JAWAI Pali, Rajasthan, India Suján Jawai brings glamping to the next level by combining luxurious and comfortable tent accommodations with the sheer beauty of nature. Guests may dine on delectable dishes made from homegrown and locally sourced farm ingredients while enjoying the stunning expanses of the Jawai wilderness from atop granite kopjes. Surrounded by a raw wilderness and indigenous wildlife, Suján Jawai’s location provides a striking contrast from the rest of Rajasthan. You’ll even likely get a glimpse of Suján Jawai’s resident leopard, an awe-inspiring experience for those who stay at this camp!

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RAAS JODHPUR Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India A former home of the aristocratic Thakur family, RAAS Jodhpur is a meticulously renovated 18th century haveli that seamlessly fuses traditional red sandstone structures with modern architectural elements to create a uniquely tranquil and beautiful getaway within the Walled City of Jodhpur.

Private terraces afford sweeping views of the imposing 15th century Mehrangarh Fort, rated by Time Magazine as “Asia’s Best Fortress.” RAAS’s heated pool, spa, ambience and central location to many must-see places makes opulent lodging option an excellent choice.

MIHIR GARH Pali, Rajasthan, India Sophisticated luxury isn’t what you might expect in the heart of the desert, but that’s the epitome of Mihir Garh. The splendor of this intimate nine-suite hotel features private terraces, first-class hospitality, infinity pools, spa and Jacuzzi set in a majestic fort adorned with furnishings from the Jodhpur region. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, Mihir Garh is a tranquil setting that is off the beaten path but one that provides guests with accessibility to a rural Rajasthan experience.

RAAS DEVIGARH UDAIPUR Udaipur, Rajasthan, India For a traditional heritage experience, nothing can compete with staying in an 18th century palace that embraces old-world charm, style, landscaped gardens and architecture. RAAS Devigarh, an all-suite luxury hotel, sits high atop the Aravalli Hill range in Udaipur. A modern and minimalist interior provides a comforting and luxurious contrast to a traditional and ornate marble exterior. Peaceful gardens, quiet courtyards and spa amenities offer a tranquil base from which to soak in the beautiful landscape of Rajasthan.

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ECO-FRIENDLY CAMPING FROM OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS

The Presidential Suite at Chamba Camp Thiksey Ladakh.

With the cooler and more comfortable weather replacing the hot and sometimesunbearable summer air, the great outdoors have become a welcome extension to our living space. What better way to enjoy the cool fall weather than camping? We invite you to boost your al fresco experience beyond your own backyard with our top 4 ecofriendly camping experiences in Asia.

CHAMBA CAMP THIKSEY LADAKH Ladakh, India Perched at an altitude of 11,550ft, Chamba Camp Thiksey is tucked into the quaint village of Thiksey in the shadow of the iconic Thiksey Monastery. Guests of this tented camp can expect ultra-luxurious amenities ranging from dedicated butler service, fusion cuisine prepared by an on-site chef, enchanting cocktails and luxury tent suites that defy your expectation of camp accommodations.

Chamba Camp Thiksey will also connect you with a variety of engaging experiences – ranging from an in-depth tour of Thiksey Monastery, archery lessons, cycling excursions, hiking, horse polo and cultural tours throughout the Ladakh region.

A luxury camp first and foremost, this lodging arrangement is simply blessed by location. The thrill of waking up in the most comfortable of accommodations is only accentuated by the sheer awe of being surrounded by vistas that include snow capped mountains and a beautiful monastery.

CARDAMOM TENTED CAMP Trapeang Rung, Cambodia Interested in contributing to a real conservation effort? Cardamom Tented Camp is an ecolodge consisting of nine comfortable and luxurious tents located inside Botum Sakor National Park.

Demonstrating that ecolodge doesn’t mean having to rough it, this safari-style camp features furnished tents equipped with a private bathroom.

Grown out of the desire to prevent this 18,000-hectare parcel of wilderness and wildlife habitat from falling into the hands of loggers, poachers and sand dredging operations, Cardamom Tented Camp was launched as an initiative to protect the land and its biodiversity. The camp revolves around eco-friendly experiences for adventure enthusiasts interested in being a part of real conservation work and aims to minimize the human footprint on the Cardamom Mountain’s pristine wildness. It also serves as a venerable model of sustainable tourism practices in the national park and beyond.

Numerous packages are offered that provide amazing opportunities. Join patrols with Wildlife Alliance Rangers through thick jungle and meandering poaching and logging trails.

You’ll be able to explore forests and mangroves or kayak down rivers while observing a stunning diversity of flora and fauna that grace the park.

LEOPARD TRAILS BESPOKE TENTED SAFARIS Yala National Park & Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka Mobile camping relying on non-permanent structures harkens back to an era of rugged and adventurous safari. Leopard Trails Bespoke Tented Safaris in Sri Lanka captures this romantic ambience with a tented safari that maintains the original spirit and essence of a safari while also combining convenient and comfortable modern-day amenities.

Trained rangers and guides will escort you on jeep excursions through Yala and Wilpattu National Parks where you’ll spot wild buffalo, mongoose, boars, leopards, peacocks, langurs, elephants and a variety of bird species. Evening touring sessions will exhilarate as you observe wildlife under the veil and quietness of the night.

Leopard Trails Bespoke Tented Safaris is a true immersion into the sights, sounds and biodiversity in the wilderness. This is a wonderful and comfortable experience that is low-impact on the environment, but highimpact on your senses.

SHINTA MANI WILD Cardamom National Park, Cambodia Opening in December 2018, Shinta Mani Wild sits in the cradle of three of Cambodia’s most important wilderness areas – Cardamom, Kirirom and Bokor National Parks. A luxury camp that melds modern design, attentive hospitality and eco-conscience conservation, Shinta Mani Wild not only provides a private sanctuary for adventure seeking guests, it creates sustainable opportunities to protect threatened wilderness.

Tucked alongside a picturesque waterway, adventure is readily within reach. Guests can explore what is considered South East Asia’s last estuarine ecosystem from Shinta Mani Wild’s very own expedition boats. Tag along with rangers and researchers as they study the jungle and their inhabitants.

While not touring the countryside, this private sanctuary features a bar and restaurant nestled at the edge of a waterfall where you’ll enjoy authentic dishes with locally sourced ingredients. A spa and luxurious amenities round out the camp’s facilities.

Shinta Mani Wild offers a creative and comfortable way to explore the Cambodian wilderness while supporting an innovative conservation effort.

No safari would be enjoyable on an empty stomach. Fortunately, Leopard Trails accommodates with authentic preparations that range from traditional Sri Lankan curries, sambals, and pappadums to bitter gourd, eggplant moju and plantain. And of course, there’s a full bar to boot! atj.com

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GRATITUDE rëflëçtïøñß Every Thanksgiving gives us a moment to pause and reflect. The holiday allows us to truly embrace gratitude for our families, experiences and well-being. As we approach a new Thanksgiving, we can’t help but think about how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to take flight, explore, wander and enrich. Travel has the ability to give us worldly perspective. Travel can change not only how we view others, it can forever alter how we view ourselves. Travel, at its very core, connects us to a larger community – a community with which we’ve broken bread, engaged in conversations and mutually learned about each other. No matter how often and frequently we travel, the lessons of our experiences never fail to influence us. This year, we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities travel has presented. Here are what a few of our team members are most thankful for this year.

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JENNIFER RAINES ATJ Alumni on Jairaj, ATJ's South India Tour Leader

JEN BOYD Travel Expert on Padmaja, ATJ's North India Tour Leader

JAMES DOOLITTLE Trip Coordinator on Malaika, ATJ’s private dinner hostess on Bali

“Turn on any news station and you’ll be littered with negativity. It’s easy to be influenced by dramatic and sensational stories of violence, conflict, extremism, carnage, death and an overall sense of malaise from all corners or the world, including India. For me, being immersed amongst the throngs of millions of people who, as a whole, see pluralism as a birthright, tolerance as common sense and kindness as second nature, was monumentally refreshing. I feel eternally grateful to our truly remarkable tour leader, Jairaj, for guiding me through the extraordinary clash of sights, sounds, smells and emotions that are India. This exposure reaffirms that our world still consists of the good and the virtuous, even if you don’t commonly hear about it on the news.”

“Padmaja and I became close friends on this trip. As we shared in the experiences of our travels, we were referring to each other as ‘sisters’ before we knew it. She is one of the few female Indian Tour Leaders in the industry. As someone who is formally trained in Indian history, classical music, philosophy and geography, she is a true class act and an absolute joy to be around. At the end of our trip, I gave her a pair of my shoes because she loved them so much. She also sent me home with her favorite kurti (Indian tunic.) Fortunately, we wear the same size! I am grateful to have found a new friend. Travel has taught me that across seemingly rigid barriers such as culture and history, people of different backgrounds can still come together and connect in such meaningful ways.”

“The hauntingly beautiful sound of a local musician playing a gamelan drum welcomed us through the gates of Princess Malaika's villa. Red hibiscus and orange marigold flowers floated in her pool, which glowed with votive-lit coconut shells. My jaw dropped. The poolside alfresco dinner began—our private chef created course after course of exquisitely crafted and inventive Indonesian cuisine—all expertly guided by the effervescent Princess herself. It was the perfect farewell dinner to an already memorable trip and an experience that has left a permanent and profound imprint upon me. Pure magic.”

Journey | Fall 2018

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SENSES

New Zealand WHAT I FEEL, HEAR, SMELL, SEE & TASTE

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OYSTERS

WATER

New Zealand is all about fresh and unprocessed whole foods. If I am surrounded by locally grown fresh fruit, veggies, succulent lamb that actually tastes like lamb, beef and fresh seafood ranging from mussels, oysters, crayfish to scallops, I would definitely be in New Zealand! My “hot tip” – When you love oysters, enjoy them freshly shucked at Depot, a casual restaurant on Federal Street in Auckland.

A drop of water on my hands is all that is needed to transport me far away. The presence of water is ubiquitous in New Zealand. Fresh freezing water flowing from glaciers, crystal clear mountain lakes and 9,300 miles of beautiful coastline. If water were gold, you’ll find treasure in New Zealand.

Journey | Fall 2018

HONEY

SKIS IN FRESH POWDER

MORNING LIGHT

Considered by some to be the best honey in the world, Manuka honey is renowned for its anti-bacterial and therapeutic properties. After a quick smell of this honey, I find myself walking through a breezy Manuka tree forest where you can catch their sweet scent.

The sound of my skis slicing through fresh powder brings me back to New Zealand’s amazing ski resorts, which are open from late June through early September. If you love skiing – the sound that your skis make on those first few runs of the day is pretty inspiring!

Most flights to New Zealand from the United States arrive early in the morning and travelers are treated to a sunrise right before landing.

Combined with a glimpse of lush green pastures, beaches and the sprawling city of Auckland, this initial preview of New Zealand always gets my heart racing in anticipation of what’s to come.

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Drëåmtïmë AUSTRALIA’S ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY

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Keep Reading atj.com

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Dreamtime is often used to describe Aboriginal spirituality.

Discover how this view of existence shapes the lives of Australia’s indigenous people and how this knowledge can add value to your next travel experience.

An odyssey through an unfamiliar land, like the Northern Territory of Australia, can elicit a flurry of child-like wonder. It’s a rejuvenation that we, as travelers, welcome every moment we embark upon an adventure. To lay your own eyes on Uluru (Ayer’s Rock), a sight you may have only glimpsed in photos, is an incomparable experience. To witness exotic rituals of an Aboriginal tribe is exhilarating.

To connect and participate in their traditions is humbling and rewarding.

While there’s no question that we strive for these fulfilling facets of travel, we’ve learned that there are ways to take travel even deeper. It’s one thing to soak in the beauty of a sacred site or to admire a preserved 28,000 Aboriginal cave painting that mesmerizes with ornate beauty. It’s another to make an effort to attain a basic understanding of the belief systems, values and traditions that fuel and drive the culture you’re visiting.

Our travels through the Aboriginal-managed Arnhem Land have always been an awe-inspiring opportunity. The landscape comes to life with roaring waterfalls, abundant wildlife, endless plains and the imposing sandstone rock structures. The experience is further enriched when our travels are accompanied by a local Aboriginal guide with deep connections to this sacred land.

While the visual impact of physically stunning vistas may, at first glance, appear to be the most significant aspect of this journey, diving deeper and exploring Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and philosophies relating to existence could actually be the most profound part of your journey. That’s if you choose to go down this proverbial rabbit hole!

According to Aboriginal belief, all life as it exists today, whether human or animal, can be traced back to Dreamtime, a time that represents the absolute beginning of existence. It was a period during which Aboriginals believed their ancestors emerged from deep within the earth to create people, animals, plants, mountains, rivers and the environment. Prior to this awakening, the Earth was a dead and timeless land.

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A group of Aboriginal warriors dancing in Australia.

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The didgeridoo is the world’s oldest wind instrument.

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This period of creationism led to the sun breaking out of the earth’s crust to finally grace the new world with light. The earliest ancestral beings were believed to be nomadic half-human inhabitants who hunted, forged landscapes, molded mountains, created new life, conjured up the elements and created the celestial bodies.

Exhausted from this monumental effort, these ancestral beings returned to a sleep state deep in the earth while their spirits converged to form physical elements of the surrounding landscape – elements like mountains, rocks, rivers and trees. It is believed that these sites were created to show future Aboriginals which locations were sacred. In turn, Aboriginals continually perform rituals at or near sacred sites to keep ancestral spirits alive and content.

The concept of Dreamtime is universal among Aboriginal culture and dates back nearly 65,000 years. Variations in belief occur within different tribes as some believe that the ancestral beings were spirits of animals. Others believe ancestors to have been large snakes. Regardless of these nuances, Dreamtime is considered to be never ending. While Dreamtime marks a firm beginning of time, it is also a period of continuity that connects the past to the present.

Across all tribes, Aboriginal art, music and dance illustrate their belief in Dreamtime. Sacred rituals are also real-time connections to Dreamtime and demonstrate, through vibrant culture and traditions, how the spirits of their ancestors remain alive in the land to this day.

Having even the most basic understanding of this belief structure can add so much more context to your travels throughout Australia’s indigenous lands. Armed with this knowledge, Aboriginal rock-art ceases to be just detailed etchings in stone, an indigenous bark painting becomes so much more than an intricate illustration on wood and a sacred site’s significance evolves into something more meaningful than a mere beautiful geological formation.

The physical aspects and visual stimulus of your travel journey are just the tip of the iceberg. We invite you to take your travel experience deeper and more fulfilling level by getting to know the people and culture of the lands you’re visiting.

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Swëåtër Wëåthër WEAVING IN ASIA

Keep Reading

There is no better feeling than your favorite oversized sweater to take the edge off of a brisk autumn day. Tossing on a sweater is second nature, but how much do we actually know about the origin of this garment and the work that goes into it? In the age of one-click shopping and two-day shipping, it’s easy to look overlook the complexity, technique and sheer artistry of the garments in your wardrobe.

Weaving and handcrafted clothing has long been a fiber of Nepali history. Dhaka, a traditional hand woven fabric that has origins traced back to the indigenous Limbu of eastern Nepal, is undoubtedly intertwined with the Nepali identity. The brilliant colors and patterns of Dhaka fabric are central to Nepali tradition – whether it’s used in long flowing dresses donned by Nepali women or topi (brimless hats) that are popular with men.

Dhaka is traditionally woven on wooden looms that are intricately hand-threaded. While modern solutions have automated the production of Dhaka, many Nepali still weave in the traditional way using charkhas (spinning wheels.) The result is always a distinct fabric of tightly woven shapes and patterns that pays homage to Nepali cultural heritage.

line also embraces unique approaches to silk usage.

By extracting protein from silk, they produce soap, cosmetics and other products not normally associated with silk use.

Sericulture, or silk production, has a rocky history in Nepal. When production was widely launched in Nepal nearly forty years ago, it was seen as an effort that would aid poor farmers due to the overwhelming global demand for silk. Nepali farmers planted and maintained costly fields of mulberry trees whose leaves were the primary source of sustenance for silk worms.

Despite the farmer’s cultivation of raw silk, a lack of private companies focusing on silk product production led farmers to eventually abandon cost-intensive sericulture practices in favor of other more profitable agricultural endeavors.

Nepal’s fiber and fabric heritage isn’t limited to traditional techniques. Our deep roots in Nepal have allowed us to uncover several inspirational projects led by fascinating and talented entrepreneurs who produce unique fibers that allow the weaving, knitting and production of sweaters, shawls, clothing, cosmetics and other unique textiles.

The following are examples of how true Nepali innovation has paved the way to an exciting future that also maintains Nepali garment traditions.

TIBET

N E PA L

B H U TA N

FARMED SILK TEXTILES

BANGLADESH

Nepal Silk, launched by Mohini Maharjan and Gita Shrestha, promotes the use of locally produced silk. This four and a half year old company not only produces traditional silk yarn and Pashmina, it manufactures bags, jewelry and other textiles made entirely from silk. Their innovative product

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L I M B U WA N REGION

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INDIA

B AY O F B E N G A L

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While most Nepali silk manufacturers now produce products using imported silk, Nepal Silk’s mission is to reinvigorate the local silk market. These efforts have garnered attention from the government with the intention of boosting and saving the silk industry.

Utilizing a new model of sericulture, the Nepali Department of Agriculture has launched a concept known as Integrated Silk Farming. Farmers are encouraged to rear silk worms for silk production, while at the same time leveraging silk worm waste matter for fish farming, cattle and goat feed. By simultaneously farming multiple types of livestock, this model aims to lessen the costly prospect of silk worm rearing.

Through collaborative efforts spearheaded by Nepal Silk and Nepali government initiatives, the future of the silk industry in Nepal now has great promise.

CLOTHING FROM NETTLE & ALLO FIBERS Himalayan Allo Udhyog’s young entrepreneurial owner, Mala Thapa Magar, runs a business that harvests and processes allo and nettle fiber which is sold to clothing and carpet manufacturers who weave the natural fiber into thread.

Employing a staff of nearly twenty, Mala has grown her business from the ground up to an operation worth Rs. 3 million in just four years.

Intent on becoming a social worker, she studied sociology and was advancing toward this career path as she volunteered in a school for orphans. Her inspiration for a business came after she encountered someone in the school who knew a great deal about fabric.

Mala’s factory in Budhanilkantha is staffed almost entirely by the locals. These opportunities provide steady training, income and support to local families, thereby contributing to the stability of the community while also maintaining a fiber production technique that keeps a Nepali heritage industry running strong.

As Himalayan Allo Udyog grows, it has begun to produce clothing in bulk in addition to being one of the top suppliers of nettle and allo fiber in Nepal. Mala’s objective is to eventually brand their products and expand into clothing lines that are uniquely branded as their own. With a recent foray into the international market and South Korea being their largest buyer, Mala’s business is on track to thrive globally.

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A monk dances in colorful dress during Teschu in Bhutan.

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Journey | summer 2018

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FESTIVITIES atj.com

Fall and winter festivities are just around the corner. Here are some of the most interesting parties and celebrations happening this fall in Asia.

THAT LUANG FESTIVAL

Laos The greatest of Laos festivals, That Luang Festival is a threeday religious event held during November’s full moon in Vientiane. Located at That Luang Stupa, the most revered and important Laotian religious monument, thousands of pilgrims gather to witness monks chanting and receiving offerings. Folk music fills the air and fireworks, intended as offering of flowers of light to Lord Buddha, illuminate the night sky. The conclusion of the festival is marked by a candle-lit and incense burning procession that circles That Luang three time to honor Buddha.

SONGKRAN THAI WATER FESTIVAL

Festival-goers dousing one another in water at the Songkran Thai Water Festival.

Thailand Songrkran, a Thai New Year holiday, is a five-day festival held in mid-April annually. Literally, “Songkran” refers to the concept of transformation and change. The largest celebration in all of Thailand, this water festival represents purification and washing away of sin and bad luck. This purification effort also includes cleansing of homes, Buddha statues and other belongings. Festival-goers douse each other with water from cannons and buckets to spread good blessings and promote purification while dancing and partying in the street!

MĀGHA PŪJĀ

Laos The Māgha Pūjā, also known as Sangha Day, is a religious festival held at night during the full moon in February.

Considered the second most important festival in Laos, Māgha Pūjā honors the death and teachings of Buddha.

Monks celebrate with a candlelight, incense and flower procession that migrates from temple to temple. In groups, monks will circle temple halls three times in a clockwise direction to honor the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

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A Lao temple decorated by candlelight to honor the death and teachings of Buddha.

Journey | Fall 2018

TSECHU Bhutan The Bhutanese hold illustrious festivals featuring colorfully costumed and masked dances in virtually every dzongkhag (village) across the kingdom. Locals receive blessings for attendance and enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family during these festivals. Many have traveled for miles by foot while wearing their finest hand-woven clothes.

Dance performances unfold all day amidst swirling incense, streaming costumes, ancient, magically charged masks and sacred rites. Large-scale festivals in Bhutan include the Thimphu Tsechu in the fall and Ura Tsechu in the spring.

The Jakar Tsechu in autumn and the Trongsa Tsechu in winter are more intimate in scale.

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UTHRALIKAVU POORAM IN WADAKKANCHERY India Join the locals of the small town of Wadakkanchery, Kerala in celebrating their annual Uthrallikkavu Pooram (pooram is the term used locally to describe festivals honoring the divine forms of Durga or Kali).

During this exuberant celebration, processions of caparisoned elephants are fitted with gold-plated headgear and their riders, carrying silken parasols, sway in rhythm as traditional musicians and percussionists serenade the crowds. The festival culminates in the joyful reuniting of three sister goddess icons who reside in Wadakkanchery and two nearby villages and are transported to the festival ground atop the festival’s three tallest elephants.

DIWALI / DEEPAVALI India Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated every year during the fall. Marking the victory of light over darkness, this five-day festival is a jovial celebration originated in India and has ancient roots. Often celebrated with family and friends, followers dress in their finest clothes, decorate and illuminate their homes, light fireworks, partake in large family dinners, exchange gifts and offer prayers to Lakshmi and Ganesha in hopes of prosperity, wealth, happiness and health. Diwali is such a significant religious event for both the Jain and Hindu population; you won’t find a more deeply meaningful celebration in India.

HOLI FESTIVAL India This famous and jubilant celebration honors the triumph of good over evil with the defeat of Holika, a demoness, by Lord Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Festival attendees cover their faces with colored powder and douse colored water while dancing and chanting under water sprinklers. Religious rituals begin in front of a bonfire where gatherers pray that their own internal evils are destroyed by fire. Known as the festival of color and love, Holi is one of the most revered events in India and is celebrated throughout the country. The celebration also marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

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A woman dances at Holi, her face covered in colored powder.

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CRAVINGS RECIPE FOR HOLIDAY PAVLOVA

There’ll be a fight between Australia and New Zealand over this one, because both countries claim Pavlova as their own. It’s like a big meringue with a soft center, topped with cream and your favorite fruit!

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

1. Preheat oven to 248°F or 120°C. Line an oven tray with foil. Brush with melted butter and dust with cornflour, shaking off excess. Mark a 24cm-diameter circle on foil.

6 (59g) eggs, separated

2. Use an electric mixer to whisk egg whites in a clean dry bowl until soft peaks form.

Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until meringue is thick and glossy and sugar dissolved. Rub a little meringue between fingers. If still "gritty" with sugar, continue to whisk until sugar dissolves. Add cornflour, vinegar and vanilla and whisk until just combined. Spoon meringue onto the foil, using the marked circle as a guide. Smooth sides and top of pavlova.

Use a small spatula to forms little peaks around edge of pavlova. Bake in oven for 1 1/2 hours or until pavlova is dry to the touch. Turn off oven. Leave pavlova in oven with the door ajar to cool completely. When completely cold, transfer to serving plate or store in an airtight container until required.

1 1/4 cups (270g) CSR Caster Sugar 2 teaspoons cornflour 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 300ml thickened cream 2 tablespoons CSR Pure Icing Sugar, sifted Finely shredded rind of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes Sliced fruit (mixed berries shown here)

3. Use an electric mixer to whisk the cream and icing sugar in a medium bowl until firm peaks form. Spoon cream onto the top of pavlova. Pour lime juice into a ceramic or glass bowl. Decorate pavlova with mixed fruit.

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INDOCHINA FEATURED GROUP TRIP

16 days from $9,025

J F M A M J J A S O N D

The countries of old French Indochina—Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia—are culturally linked, yet remarkably distinct. This unique amalgam of divergent, interwoven cultures offers the traveler unsurpassed richness and diversity with the opportunity to explore charming colonial towns, iconic archaeological sites, stunning wilderness areas and remote tribal communities.

• Compare and contrast the contemporary cultures of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam • Enjoy a special private Lao welcome ceremony and dance performance • Learn about the intertwined historical past of this region • Visit stunning UNESCO sites, such as Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat • Taste the differences in each country’s cuisine during hands-on cooking lessons • Get off the beaten path in remote tribal areas

Detailed itinerary at atj.com/trip-finder

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FO U N D A T IO N

The ATJ Foundation invests in a variety of carefully selected relief work initiatives that support grass roots assistance in Asia and the Pacific to very specific projects to aid in health, safety and rebuilding on the heels of natural disasters and unexpected adversities. We invite our travelers and our staff to become involved in strengthening our personal connection with the communities that have always been at the heart of our efforts.

Some of the work the ATJ Foundation has contributed to are: • Clean Water Initiative/Myanmar 20022014 • Tsunami Relief 2004 • Cyclone Nargis/Myanmar 2008 • Nepal Earthquake 2015 • Sri Lanka Flooding 2017

Please visit atj.com/atj-difference/foundation to read more and to make an easy online donation.

WE PROMISE ATJ and our overseas partners personally vet all initiatives.

100% of your donation goes directly to the ATJ Foundation.

ATJ wire transfers go directly to our partners, no red-tape.

All administrative and any associated costs are donated by ATJ. The ATJ Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit – all donations are tax-deductible.

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T H A NK S A RE T HE HIGHES T FORM OF T HOUGH T & GR ATIT UDE IS H A PPINES S DOUBL ED BY WONDER. Gilbert K. Chesterton