fah-thai-magazine-march-april-2017-in-flight-magazine-of-bangkok-airways

HAPPENINGS
MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR
Myanmar
inle lake / yangon
SPOTLIGHT
On Lotus Pond
SPOTLIGHT
Split Landing
Kuala Lumpur most certainly lacks no imagination when it comes to themed nightspots, but nothing comes close to the
Heli Lounge Bar. As the name suggests, it is an actual helicopter landing pad by day and by night: it turns into a rooftop
bar. Everything in the downstairs lounge is an aviation theme, such as a booth made from the converted side panel of a
Boeing 737 while a Boeing-747 turbine engine is reinvented as a DJ console. Guests should, however, take care when on
the 36th floor of the helipad – there are no rails, walls or anything else to stop you from going over the edge.
kuala-lumpur.ws
Splendid varieties of lotus grow in
the Taunggyi district of the Shan
State, with the most famous being
the “Kyar” (Padonmar lotus), also
considered a sacred flower. “Kyar”
blossoms reveal themselves from
December to March and once they
mature, become the perfect flower
stem to make thread.
The story goes that more than
150 years ago, Daw Sar Ou, a female
devotee from a village on the lake
created a robe made of true lotus
fibres and gave them to a revered
abbot. Thus began the origin of handmade
lotus thread from the flower
stem. Threads are created from the
processed stem and manually spun
with a spindle. After the spinning
process, the cloth is woven with a
traditional handloom. Lotus threads
create beautiful fabrics with a soft
texture. Monks’ robes are created from
them and the artisanal fabrics drape
sacred images. Utilitarian items like
shirts, jackets and ties benefit from
the strong threads. It is believed that
this fabric absorbs negative energies
and unpleasant odours. An added
bonus to the wearer is luck. Myint
Thein Tun, the third generation of
the lotus fabric weaving family owns
a lotus yarn factory in Inle and he’s
famous as a lotus fabric designer
in Myanmar. Everyday, visitors are
welcomed to his home which doubles
as a factory. My beloved work enjoys a
natural setting and a foundation of old
traditions – this reflect happiness on
Inle, he says. Khit Sunn Yin Inle Silk &
Lotus weaving, East Quarter, Inn Paw Khon,
Inle, Shan State Tel: +95 (0) 9492 53333
Up, Up and Away
Reminiscent of New York’s renowned Adirondack festival, My Balloon Fiesta brings its
annual event back to Kuala Lumpur after 8 consecutive years in Putrajaya. This time, it
nestles in the lush neighbourhood of Desa ParkCity – the vast green area surrounding
the township – where international and local participants inflate their hot air balloons in
the park. Visitors can expect to see many colourful teardrop-shaped balloons but there
are also some quirky designs. For folks not keen on flying, a good idea includes bringing
your own picnic blanket. The day offers other fun activities and many opportunities to
photograph the bright and brilliant balloons.
March 10 to 12. myballoonfiesta.com
One Breath at a Time
A two-day workshop hosted by a renowned international yoga
teacher will take place in Kuala Lumpur on April 29 and 30.
Focusing on ashtanga yoga, “Be Strong. One Breath at a Time.”
will be hosted by author and blogger Kino Macgregor, who is only
one of 14 people in the United States to receive certification to
teach ashtanga yoga from its founder, Sri K. Patthabhi Jois. In
her motivational yet easy-going approach, Macgregor aids her
students in developing and deepening their understanding of their
own life through yoga. She believes that yoga’s most authentic
manifestation is through its message of spiritual empowerment,
composed flexibility and expressive harmony.
April 29 to 30. kinoyoga.com/schedule/malaysia-workshop
A Generous Master
U Tin Win is known as a master artist in Myanmar. With a reputation as a collector of antiques, his influence as a painter inspires
the younger generation of his country. His art gallery “Beikthano” in Yangon is well known for its extensive works and collections.
Yet his generosity stands out. Guests can enjoy a private collection of ancient beads, ethnic costumes and Buddha amulets from
the north of the country. Myanmar artists feature in exhibitions throughout the year. beikthanogallery.com
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