1.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

2.

Actions speak louder than words

3.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

4.

Never judge by appearances

5.

The early bird catches the worm

1.Q. What has a face and two hands but no arms or

legs?
A.

A clock!

2.Q. What is the easiest way to double your money?

A.

Put it in front of the mirror of course!

3.Q. What has a thumb and four fingers but is not

alive?
A.

A glove.

4.Q. What has to be broken before you can use it?

A.

An egg.

5.Q. What has a neck but no head?

A.

A bottle.

The Legend of Makahiya

Long time ago, there was a couple in Barangay Masagana
(Pampanga today) who wanted a daughter. Their wish was
granted and the wife gave birth to a baby girl. They called her
Maria. Maria was very beautiful but very shy that she wouldn't
go out from their house.
Weeks later, Spaniards came to their town. The Spaniards
were very cruel that they get everything they wanted. They
rob houses and kill everyone who gets in their way and who
refuses to give what they wanted.
The couple was very frightened to lose their daughter so, they
hid Maria in the bushes so the Spaniards couldn't find her.
After the Spaniards left their town, the couple tried to look for
Maria but they couldn't find her even in the bushes where they
hid her, instead they found a little plant that is very sensitive
that when you touch it, it would immediately close.
So they thought it was their daughter, Maria. They called the
plant "Makahiya" that means "touch me not," like their
daughter who was very shy.

The Legend of Guava

A long time ago, there was a king who ruled a rich, prosperous
island. He had all the things a king could ever ask for: the power, the
wealth, and all the delicious foods.The king's name was King
Barabas.
The king was fat and rude, and his castle was starting to become
filthy. He would spend most of his time sitting and eating with his
bare hands. As he ate, he dripped food on the floor and smiled
mockingly at the people around him.
People from the kingdom would approach with requests for his help,
but he would always refuse. As he neglected his kingdom, people
started to complain and starve.
After a time, a hunched old beggar woman showed up at the castle
while the king was eating. The old lady asked for food as she was
starving.
"Go away! I don't have anything to give to you. Can't you see I'm
eating?" said the king.
"Please, my king, " said the old woman. "I'm asking for anything,
anything you could give me as I am so hungry. Even a little piece of
bread or fruit would do."

"Get out at once! You disgust me," the king belittled the old beggar.
The old woman stood up straight, casting aside her stooped posture.
"I've heard much about you and how your kingdom is suffering." The
tone of her voice had changed. It was no longer the voice of a weak,
old woman. "I asked for help, and you shoved me away. You have a
lot for yourself, but when I only asked for a little food, you belittled
me. You are selfish. No one loves you and no one will remember you
when you are gone."
And the beggar disappeared.
After a few more days, the king slowly weakened and became sick.
No one knew what was wrong with him. He weakened and weakened
and lost much weight. He looked older than his age. Soon after that,
the king died. As unfortunate and unexpected as it was, no one cried
and nobody showed up at the king's burial. He died alone.
And where the king was buried, his people noticed a strange plant
growing, a plant they had never seen before. The plant soon grew
into a tree, which bore rounded fruits that turned yellowish when
ripe.
They also noticed that the fruit seemed to have a crown, which
reminded them of their selfish, arrogant king. The flesh of the fruit
tasted a bit sour, just like the sour personality of the king towards
them.
The people learned to eat the fruit, which helped them overcome
their hunger. And because the tree was from the grave of their King
Barabas and it has crown just like their king, they named the tree
after him: barabas, which in time they called bayabas.

Short Story from Thailand

The First Coffee Break
Manhattan Bargrooves spins in the disc player, my first caffeine hit
in 8 days, a small two-by-three meter balcony, a well-written
paperback, and the sun gently kissing the peaks of my shoulders,
decolletage and the mere-mortal lengths of my arms and legs. A
smile gently graces my face. It is a good morning in Bangkok.
I'd recently decided that it might be a good idea for me to detox
during my leave this time around, but because my general
tendencies of eating like I'm on death row always overtake
whatever self-control I thought I had, I'd decided that it's best if I
didn't deprive myself of carbs and meat. Yes, you may call this
"eating like a normal human being", but I did decide to go on a
caffeine and booze hiatus for the greater part of the 2 weeks,
which roots the detox I like to call, "eating like a normal human
being minus the fun parts". Figured that it was my arbitrary duty
to offer this mind and body some sort of rest and give it a chance
to function without my favorite little supplements. And 8 days
away from my regular life was a good opportunity
It's been a halcyon week of regular nightly sleep and bi-hourly
daily siestas, which I am thankful for, but I'm coming around to the
idea that maybe I'm not quite designed for limitless lounging. It is,
after all, a far cry from my regular everyday where I have
discovered that I thrive on time restrictions and eternal multitasking. So okay, I finally gave into my coffee bean crave and
brewed myself a cup this morning.
So here's a thought that roots from my coffee juncture: they say,
"Some people live to work, while some people work to live". I
wondered: if work is something that you like, or in many ways,
love, then would it be suffice to say that you can live to love or love
to live?
Fat-free food for thought.

Short Story from Thailand

The Spontaneous Trip to Adelaide
The airport and I: I call it a love/not-so-love relationship. It's the
hub of all travelers: backpackers, suit-clad business people, honeymooners, wanderers, families, jet-setting hipsters, holidaying
veterans, overseas workers, diplomats and sometimes, movie
stars. I love it for the legions of people that this pass-point brings
together because goodness knows how I enjoy an pronounced view
of human functionality, twenty-first century-style. Not-so-love it
because I am, more often than not, on a standby ticket on a full
flight and therefore get mini anxiety moments when I stand in the
check-in line, knowing full well that they could send me back
home. Hate it actually. But, If there's anything I've learned from
having to always dress smart-casual (i.e. clean-chic) by company
standards is its perks. No, looking casual-debonaire will not
always get you a seat on a full flight, especially with silly
illegalities like "humans are not to be stowed in free galley space,
toilets and crew rest compartments" and that whole charade, but,
under the circumstance of scoring a ticket, there are advantages,
like, (hot tip, folks) upgrades and the novelty chance to go through
the "diplomats" immigration line (thereby skipping the commoner
line...which I am way too well-versed with), depending on the
country/city which you are dis/embarking at. Plus, (bare with me
for sounding like a princess, but) I can't deny that I do feel a little
more fabulous in a leather peep-toe wedge and a dressed-down
blazer compared to that last time I decided to travel in my comfy,
ill-fitting pair of Riders, moccasin boots which looked way too
much like my lounge-around uggs, and my trusty bonds singlet.
Anyway, in utter contrary of my whole preach about dressing nice
when traveling and whatnot, today, I rocked into the airport
straight from the outskirts of Siam Square, sporting some pretty
unattractive facial grease, flipflops, short, distressed-denim cut
offs, baggy blue-and-white striped beach-style, racer-back, locks in
a haphazard bun...and a bit of dirt on my feet. I'd left Veronica at
Siam while I hopped into a cab straight to the airport. I managed
to grab a pack of make-up remover wipes at a pharmacy and

speed-packed my airplane get-up in the easy-reach compartment

of my luggage, I figured that I may just be able to clean myself up
a little before my attempt to woo the airport staff. I rush past halfa-kilometer long line of people, haul myself into the ladies room,
spot a vacant corner, unpack my change of clothes, and pull a
Clark Kent-esque make-over and am out of the restroom in about
seven minutes, all preen and faux-smart in my black-framed specs
and "clean chic" attire.
Moments like these, I lust for nothing more than a long, narrow
piece of perforated card inked with a seat number.
34B. The ground staff just handed me over my boarding pass.
Phew. No matter how sure you can be about getting a seat on a
standby flight which is supposed to have 20 spare seats and a
humble 9 standby passengers, you can't help but breathe a sigh of
relief when the pass is handed over to you.
Alas, I am getting on a flight and I am going home.

Story from Vietnam

An Tim and the Watermelon
Centuries ago, Vietnam was ruled by King Hung Vuong the Third, a king
greatly loved by the people for his kindness and generosity. Having only one
daughter, he decided to adopt a boy. His devotion to his people made him
decide to adopt the child of a very poor family from a distant island, and
named him An Tim. Loved, cherished and raised as if his own, An Tim grew
to become a wise and skilful young man. His wisdom earned him the respect
of everyone in the kingdom, and the king himself.
Having decided theyre both at the right age, the king arranged for An Tim
to marry his daughter as he truly believed in the young mans intelligence
and capability to rule the land soon after he dies. He gave them an
extravagant wedding and allowed them to live in his most beautiful castles.
The kings daughter deeply loved the young man, just as he loved her. Their
marriage was greatly blessed by the heavens and soon they had two
wonderful children.
But the kings kindness to An Tim made some of his men grew envious.
After a long time their envy turned to hatred. Desperate in finding ways to
get rid of prince An Tim, they started to make up stories of which would
make the young man look bad in the eyes of the king. The stories started to
spread within the kingdom, telling how An Tim is plotting to overthrow the
king and rule the kingdom himself. No matter how untrue the stories were,
they soon reached the king. Although he loved An Tim a lot, he decided he
needs to protect his kingdom from possible betrayals and exiled An Tims
whole family to a far, desolate island.
Far from the comforts and luxuries of the kingdom they used to live, An Tim
and his wife worked together to survive. They built their own shelter, fished
for food and did everything to make life bearable for their children. One hot
morning, as An Tim was hunting for food, he noticed a group of birds which
were pecking on some strange-looking black seeds. Curious to know what
they are, he got himself a handful and brought them home. Hopeful they
would grow into something good for the family, he scattered the seeds on
the ground around their hut.

Months passed, tender shoots started to sprout from the earth and crept
along the ground. Fruits started to bud under the leaves, which to their
surprise kept on growing until it was about the size of a head. The fruit had a
smooth skin and delightful smell, and when cut open, they discovered a
sweet-tasting beautiful red pulp within. An Tim named the fruit dua do, or
red melon. But its sweetness may have invited the birds to come, and as
they were eating the fresh, tasty fruit, his wife could hear them crying Tay
qua, Water melon, and since then, thats how they called it.
The family picked the fruits and stored enough they could eat. Every time
they eat watermelon, they would keep the seeds so they have more to plant
around their house. Months and years passed, they have grown enough
watermelons to feed their growing family. They trade some of it to passing
sailors for food, clothing, spices and toys for the children.
Meanwhile, back in the palace, the king deeply missed An Tim and his
daughter and knows nothing of what has become of them. Unknowingly, An
Tim was sitting upon the beach looking longingly toward his old land where
the king is. He thought about how life could sometimes turn out for some
people just as how it did to him and his family. But his resourcefulness had
helped them survive. Idly, he carved his name on a watermelon and tossed it
to the water, wondering where the waves would take it, just as how he
wondered in the past where life would take them.
By fate, the current carried the watermelon back to the kingdom where the
kings servants found it and brought it back to him. When the king saw An
Tims name carved on the fruit, his heart was filled with joy knowing they
are still alive. Deep inside, the king thought how An Tim had once again
proven his intelligence and resourcefulness and became prouder of him. He
then sent his men to look for his long lost son, daughter and grandchildren
and bring them back home.
When An Tim and his family were taken back to the kingdom, he brought
his fruits with him to offer to his king. Having realized how worthy his son is
in ruling the land, the king, in return, offered An Tim his crown. Since then,
An Tim ruled the country wisely to the end of his days.

Story from Vietnam

a tale of endless pursuit
Long time ago, there lived a hunter named D Trng. Everyday he would take his bow
and arrows and head to the forest in search for a worthy prey. He follows the same trail
everytime he hunts, passing by the same shrine along the way where lived two spotted
serpents, which he feared at first, but as they never harmed him, he became
accustomed of their presence. Later, he grew fascinated of their graceful movements
and
the
remarkable
beauty
and
shimmer
of
their
scales.
On the way to hunting one day, D Trng heard a great noise coming from the shrine, so
he came close to see. Witnessing a furious struggle between the two spotted serpents
and a huge deadly snake, he quickly took his bow and arrow and fired at the unfamiliar
fiery creature, cutting through its neck while it quickly slithered off into the forest. One
of the spotted snakes set out in pursuit of the wounded attacker while the other laid
lifeless on the ground. Full of pity, D Trng buried it before the shrine.
During his sleep that night, D Trng dreamt about receiving a strange visit from the
surviving serpent. It thanked him for saving them from danger and for giving its mate
an honorable burial. As a token of gratitude, the serpent dropped a shiny white pearl
from its mouth and said, Place this pearl beneath your tongue as this will help you
understand the language of animals. This will greatly help you as you hunt.
D Trng woke up and found a beautiful pearl beside his pillow. Recalling everything
the serpent had told him in his dream, he placed the peal beneath his tongue as he set
out for the forest to hunt that day. The first animal that he chanced upon was a deer. But
when his arrow missed, the deer ran off to hide. To his surprise, a crow screamed, I see
the deers flight, its a hundred paces to the right.
Having understood the crows language, he realized that what the serpent said about
the pearl was indeed true. So he followed the crows advice and easily brought down his
prey. Again, the crow spoke to D Trng asking for its reward. In return, the hunter
gave the bird all the deers parts which served him no use. Since then, D Trng and
the crow agreed to hunt together. As the bird leads him to the prey, the hunter would
have to leave the entrails on the ground for the crow to feed on.
And everyday, both D Trng and the crow would keep their part of the bargain and
help each other hunt. One afternoon, D Trng had shot and killed a wild pig. As usual,
he cut the pig open and left its entrails on the ground for the crow but another bird
came and stole them. When the crow arrived and discovered nothing had been left, it
angered the bird greatly and assumed that D Trng failed to leave his share.

Quickly, it flew to the hunters house and protested. D Trng insisted that he left the
entrails as promised. But the bird did not believe him and accused him of being a liar.
The young man became angry by this. He fired an arrow at the crow, but missed. The
crow seized the arrow with its claws, furiously screaming its revenge, and flew off.
Several days later, D Trng was arrested. A poisoned arrow bearing his name had been
discovered in the body of a drowned man. In spite of his protests of innocence, he was
thrown to jail.
The young man then spent days and weeks in prison. One day, he noticed a parade of
ants on the prison walls, hurrying by with food on their shoulders. Curious to know the
reason for such hurry, he called out to the ants and inquired. The tiny creatures told him
that a great flood is coming. D Trng told the guard to pass on the warning, who,
reported this to the warden and hastened to inform the king. Though skeptical, the king
ordered that the necessary measures be taken. And indeed, three days later, a very big
flood swept across the land.
Grateful for having saved everyone in the kingdom, the king ordered D Trng to be
released from prison and appointed the young man as his adviser. D Trng used his
abilities to keep the kingdom safe from storms and floods, and to receive news from the
birds and horses when enemy armies are approaching from a distance. But he never
revealed
the
source
of
his
powers.
On one beautiful spring morning, as D Trng went sailing with the king, he heard
strange voices beneath the waves. Looking over the side, he saw a cuttlefish swimming
alongside the royal barge, singing a joyous tune. The sight of the cuttlefish singing and
rolling along with the waves amused the young man greatly. D Trng began to laugh,
and soon he was laughing uncontrollably. As he did, the pearl slipped from his mouth
and
fell
into
the
water.
Appalled, D Trng leaped from the boat and began desperately searching the waters.
He quickly called out to the king and told him of his precious pearl and that his men
should help him find it. So the king ordered dozens of his men to wade out into the
shallows and churn the waters in search of the pearl, but their efforts were fruitless.
The following day, D Trng continued his search. Still, he found nothing. Day after day,
week after week, he never stopped searching. Months and years passed, D Trng
stayed by the seashore, still searching and sifting through handfuls of sand, but he
never found the pearl again. He wept endlessly over his irretrievable loss. He retreated
to misery, and soon, D Trng died an unhappy and discontented man.
He passed on his inconsolable soul to the tiny sand crabs, which, if you notice, scurry
from hole to hole, endlessly turning every grain of sand in an attempt to search for the
magic pearl. This story serves as a reminder to those who attempts to go beyond the
limits of their human abilities and pursue and impossible task which reaps no rewards.

Just like D Trng, who transformed himself into millions of sand crabs to roll the sand
in perpetuity, but never achieved his goal.

Story from Myanmar

The Four Puppets
Once there was a puppet maker who had a son named Aung. The father always hoped his son would
grow up to be a puppet maker like himself. But to Aung, such a life was far from exciting.
Father, said Aung one day, Ive decided to leave home and seek my fortune.
The puppet maker looked up sadly from his work. I wish you would stay, my son. The life of a
puppet maker is an honorable one. But if you must go, let me give you companions for your
journey.
He showed his son four wooden puppets he had carved, painted, and costumed. Each puppet, he
said, has its own virtue and value.
The first puppet was the king of the gods. The puppet maker said, The gods virtue is wisdom.
The second puppet was a green-faced ogre. The ogres virtue is strength.
The third was a mystic sorcerer. The sorcerers virtue is knowledge.
The fourth was a holy hermit. The hermits virtue is goodness.
He told his son, Each of these virtues can help you on your way. But remember, strength and
knowledge must always serve wisdom and goodness.
Aung started off the next day. On his shoulder he carried a bamboo pole, with food and clothing tied
at one end, and the puppets hanging by their strings from the other.
When night came, Aung found himself deep in the jungle. He stopped beneath a banyan tree.
This looks like a good place to sleep, he said to himself. But I wonder if its safe.
Then Aung had a funny idea. I think Ill ask one of the puppets! He turned with a smile to the king
of the gods. Tell me, is it safe here?
To his amazement, the puppet came alive. It got down from the pole and grew to life size.
Aung, said the god, open your eyes and look around you. That is the first step to wisdom. If you
fail to see what is right before you, how easy it will be for others to misguide you!
And the next moment, the puppet was hanging again from the pole.
When Aung had gotten over his shock, he looked carefully all around the tree. There in the soft
earth were the tracks of a tiger! That night he slept not on the ground but in the branches above.
And he was glad he did, for in the middle of the night, he saw a tiger come prowling below him.

The next day took Aung into the mountains, and at sunset he left the road and camped a little way
up the mountainside. When he awoke the next morning, he saw a caravan coming along the road
below. A dozen bullock carts were piled high with costly goods.
That caravan must belong to some rich merchant, Aung told himself. I wish I had wealth like
that.
Then he had a thought. He turned to the green-faced ogre. Tell me, how can I gain such riches?
Aung watched in wonder as the puppet left the pole and grew to life size. If you have strength,
boomed the ogre, you can take whatever you like. Watch this! He stamped his foot and the earth
shook.
Wait! said Aung. But it was too late. Just below them, dirt and rocks broke loose in a landslide. It
rushed down the mountain and blocked the road. The terrified drivers jumped from their carts and
ran off.
You see? said the ogre.
Is it really that easy? said Aung, in a daze.
He hurried down to the carts and rushed from one to another, gaping at the heaps of rich fabrics
and piles of precious metals. And all of its mine! he cried.
Just then, Aung heard a sob. Lying huddled in one of the carts was a lovely young woman his own
age. She cried and shivered in fear.
I wont hurt you, said Aung gently. Who are you?
My name is Mala, she said in a small voice. My father is the owner of this caravan. We were on
our way to meet him.
All at once, Aung knew he was in love. He wanted to keep Mala with him forever. Dont worry, he
said. Ill take you with me and care for you.
Mala sat up angrily. Go ahead! Take me, like youre taking everything else! But youre just a thief,
and Ill never, ever speak to you!
Aung was shocked. Was he really just a thief? He didnt know what to say.
The ogre came up beside him then. Dont listen to her. Shell change her mindand anyway, the
important thing is you got what you wanted. Now, lets go.
The ogre cleared the road, then helped Aung lead the caravan. That afternoon, they came out of the
mountains, not far from the capital city.
Aung asked the ogre, What should I do, now that I have all these riches?
Dont ask me! said the ogre. Ask the sorcerer!
Aung turned to the mystic sorcerer. Can you tell me?

The puppet came to life and floated before him, as Mala looked on with wide eyes. If you want your
wealth to grow, said the sorcerer, you must learn the secrets of nature.
He tapped Aung with his red wand, and together they rose high in the air. Looking down, Aung saw
everything in a new way. He could tell what land was best for farming, and which mountains held
gold and silver.
This is wonderful! said Aung. Just think how I can help people with what I know!
Certainly you could, said the sorcerer. But knowledge is power. Why not keep it all for yourself
instead? Isnt that what other people do?
I suppose so, said Aung.
So they came to the capital city. Aung became a merchant, and with the help of the ogre and the
sorcerer, he grew many times richer than at first. He bought a palace for himself and Mala, and kept
the puppets in a special room of their own.
But Aung was not happy, for Mala still would not speak to him.
One day, he placed before her a headdress fit for a queen. The heavy gold was set with dozens of
large rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The magnificent piece had cost Aung a third of his wealth.
Mala took one look and pushed it away.
Aung was heartbroken. He said, Dont you know I love you? But she only glared at him and said
not a word.
The next morning, Aung went to the puppets room and spoke to the ogre and the sorcerer. Malas
father must now be very poor, while I have more than I need. Ill help Mala find him so I can pay him
for what I took. Maybe then shell speak to me, and even learn to love me.
A terrible idea! said the ogre. You should never give up what is yours. Youre just being weak!
Besides, the sorcerer told him, youre too late. Mala ran away last night.
What? cried Aung. He rushed through the palace, but Mala was nowhere to be found.
Aung returned to the puppets room in despair. What good is all my wealth if Ive lost what I care
for most?
For once, the ogre and the sorcerer were silent and still.
Then Aung remembered there was one puppet he had never called on. He turned to the holy hermit.
Tell me, why has everything gone wrong?
The puppet came to life. Aung, you imagined that wealth brings happiness. But true happiness
comes only from goodness. What is important is not what you have but what you do with it.

The king of the gods then came to life and stood beside the hermit. You forgot what your father
told you, Aung. Strength and knowledge are useful, but they must always serve wisdom and
goodness.
I wont forget again, said Aung.
From that day on, Aung used his wealth and his talents to do good. He built a splendid holy pagoda,
and offered food and shelter to those who visited the shrine.
One day among the visitors, Aung saw a young woman he knew well. An older man stood beside her,
both of them wearing humble clothes.
Mala! cried Aung. He rushed over to the startled young woman and knelt before her puzzled
father.
Sir, I have done you great wrong. I beg your forgiveness. All I have is yours, and I give it up gladly.
I will be content to return to my village and make puppets.
Father, said Mala softly, this is Aung. But he has changed!
So it would seem! said her father. And if so, it would be a shame to let go of a young man of such
talent. Perhaps he would like to work for me, and live with us in the palace.
So Aung became the merchants assistant, and before long his partner, and when Malas heart was
won, his son-in-law.
As for the puppets, Aung still called on them as needed. But though he was helped often by strength
and knowledge, he was guided always by wisdom and goodness.

Story from Myanmar

The Rainbow
On some stairways of pagodas in Yangon or Thanlyin the
balustrades are often in the form of long crocodiles; he is Nga Moe
Yeik, (Rain Cloud) a crocodile with good intentions and a helpful
nature, but unhappily he brought tragedy to his friends.
A long, long time ago, in the Kingdom of Okkalapa, (what is now
Yangon) there lived a great king who was devoted to his only son,
Min Nandar, a handsome prince much loved by the people. His pet
was Nga Moe Yeik: a strong, big crocodile who would often come
to the bank when Min Nandar called him. He lived up a little
stream which still bears his name.

Now across the river is Thanlyin; and the king there many years
ago had lost his beloved queen in childbirth. At the graveside, it
was discovered that the child, still in her mother's womb, was not
dead. So she was kept in a separate palace erected in the
graveyard, for the people believed that if she were brought back
inside the city walls, she would bring bad luck.
The princess, Shin Mwe Nune grew up lonely and isolated in her
tower, waited upon by handmaidens. She also grew up lovely and
fair. Somehow the two young people met, and fell in love. The King
who was Prince Min Nanar's father was furious that his beloved
son should plan to make queen a girl of such bad fortune, so he
forbade every boatman to take the prince across the river. But Min
Nandar managed to sneak across the river every night to see his
princess and he traveled not by boat, but by croc: he rode on the
back of Nga Moe Yeik. His pet was glad to help him, and to carry
him back at dawn before his father could find out.
Now there was a lady crocodile in love with Nga Moe Yeik, but he
already had a wife, so he ignored her seduction. Ma Let To, (Miss
Short-fingered) which was the lady croc's name, was furious, as all
females scorned; and decided to get Nga Moe Yeik into trouble.
She changed into human form, as all crocodiles can do, and went
to serve the princess. She smelled very fishy, the other maids said,
but the princess was kind, and allowed her to stay.
The Noble Strength of a man is believed to rest in the right arm;
and nothing or no one of ill fortune must rest on it. The crocodile
maid urged the princess to ask her lover to let her rest her head
on his right arm: and so great was his love that one night he did.
Early the next morning, just as the prince and Nga Moe Yeik were
about to leave, a storm came up. Waves rose high in the river, so
the prince decided to travel lying in the long jaws of his pet. As
they left, the crocodile maid changed into her true form, slipped
into the river, and began to attack Nga Moe Yeik. He was kept so

busy fighting her off that he stayed too long underwater: and the
poor prince drowned.
On hearing the news, the princess died of a broken heart; on
opposite banks of the river their funeral pyres were set up. Smoke
rose from each, to meet in the sky, and then to turn into a rainbow.
As for Nga Moe Yeik, he was executed by the king. His wife buried
his bones a few miles out of the city, and built a pagoda over it.
The spot where the princess was cremated is marked by a pagoda
in Thanlyin the Shin Mwe Nune pagoda, on a small hill.

Story from Laos

The Old Man
The sun sat high in the sky and reflected off the river below with intensity. At the foot of the steps and
along the shore, women and men boarded thin river boats. One at a time they balanced across a thick
log, stepping across the near boats to get to the outermost one. They carried baskets full of clothes and
vegetables. One had a big tank of fuel that you could smell a hundred feet away.
Along the river, boats crossed slowly, puttering, their long thin propellers sticking out the backside like
straws from thin coke bottles. On the far side, a dusty clay landing beach was full of commotion as men
and women carried their belongs up the hill and beyond.
Nick sat on the side of the steps, hiding under the shade of a tree, watching the back and forth of bodies
and cargo move. A few steps above, a couple of young boys approached, nodding as they stepped down
towards him.
Dear Reader: This is my first fictional work. I have decided to try my hand at some fictional writing
which is inspired by our travels. The stories may sometimes be directly related to my experiences or
only indirectly. I hope you enjoy and would appreciate your feedback.
Do you need a ride across? asked the taller young man.
No. Just watching, replied Nick.
Is it your first time in Laos? asked the young man.
Nick turned to face the question. Yes. Do you have a boat?
No. But I can help you find a boat if you would like to cross. He waved down to a man at the tail end of
one of the boats who stood up and waved back.
No, I dont need a boat. I was just curious.
How do you like Laos? asked the shorter fellow.
I like it a lot, replied Nick turning back to watch the parade.
Where are you from?
Good question. My passport is from America.
You are from New York!
I am. Good guess. Nick smiled at the young man.
I have met many people from New York. Is it cold in New York? I am told it is very cold now. Is it cold?
Right now it is very cold.
Why did you come to Laos?
For the waters, Nick laughed. I was told by a fellow in Casablanca that I should come for the waters.
Another chuckle.
I have never been to Casablanca. Is it nice? asked the short young man.
Nick shrugged. Neither have I. The two young men looked at him a bit confused.
Down the road, sitting at a plastic table, a young couple chatted, camera and beer in hand under a large
shady tree. They watched as a couple of monks walked past, their saffron robes shining in the bright
sun. They snapped a couple of pictures as they passed.
What do you do in New York? asked the taller young man.
I dont do anything, replied Nick. I travel. He held up his hand and extended two fingers, twitching
them back and forth like two legs walking. I havent been to New York in a long time. I just travel.
More finger legs.
This clearly confused the two men. They exchanged words back and forth each one twitching their
fingers back and forth.
What did you do before you traveled?
What an awful question to ask Nick thought. What an awful thing to have to think about. Computers,
email, phones, yelling, anger, frustration, silence, money.
I was an engineer, replied Nick.
That is good. I am a lawyer, said the tall young man. My cousin is a teacher. But I am a lawyer.
Anger, frustration, email, phones, money.
Lawyer. That is good, replied Nick in a lower voice. Nick wiped his right arm clean of sweat. Its very
hot today.
It is winter, said the shorter fellow. Nick chuckled.
It really is. It really is, he said.
Do you have a room? My boss owns a hotel. Do you have a place to stay? asked the tall one.

I thought you were a lawyer? asked Nick. But you sell hotel rooms?
I am a lawyer. But my boss owns a hotel and he has asked me to find tourists for his hotel. Do you have
a room?
Exhaustion, silence, shouting, typing, emails.
I do, its over there. Nick waved his hand down the street. Its very cheap so I dont need another
room. The tall fellow didnt flinch.
Do you like Laos? Why did you come to Laos?
Nick paused for a moment. It was hot sitting on the steps although the two young men stood motionless
and calm in the beating sun, their slender bodies calm in the heat.
Ringing phones, meetings, documents, anger, exhaustion.
I do like Laos but I dont know why I came. I suppose I came because I wanted to see. Also, I wanted to
leave New York.
I want to move to America. Is it nice in America? I want to be a lawyer in America. Is it nice? asked
the taller one.
You should stay here, America is like an old man. You should stay here. There is more life here. Trust
me, replied Nick.
The two men turned to each other and exchanged words. Finally, with a confused face, the young man
asked are there a lot of old men in America? I have seen TV and I do not see old men. You are not old.
Nick leaned back, raising a hand to his forehead and wiping it dry.
America is slow and old. Im sorry to tell you this but America is the past. Asia is the future. Asia is like
a young man. Full of life. Nick turned to the river. Boats kept puttering across the shallow river like a
stream of ants.
America is like an old man who is waiting for death. It is nice but old. You should stay here.
A few steps back from the road, a crowd of travelers gathered around a fruit stall, handing out cups of
fruit drinks.
But in America, you can make more money than you can here. There are more jobs, explained the
short man.
Nick exhaled slowly. He adjusted his shirt and leaned back some more. He reached inside his backpack,
pulled out a bottle of water and drank. The front of his shirt was checkered with sweat stains. It was
really hot.
Rushing, emails, frowning, phone calls, money.
There are jobs. Even for lawyers. But they are for old people with old problems. America is an old man.
But here, there is life, explained Nick. Soon, Asia will be better than America. You will be surprised
and sad if you go to America. Dont go. Stay here. Sell hotel rooms. Eat the fish. But forget about
America.
I do not understand why America is old. Do they not have children? asked the lawyer.
Listen. Im sorry about all this. They do have children but not as many as your parents have. There are
jobs and you can find a job. But I think you will be better off here. This is the future.
Both the young men laughed at this thought, exchanged words and laughed some more. The future was
not now.
I do not understand you. You say there are jobs and you say America is old. But I have seen the TV and
I do not see old people, explained the tall young man. But I must leave to find more people for the
hotel. If you need a hotel room, I will be selling rooms at the market tonight. You can tell me more about
America then. And with that, the two young men climbed up the stairs and walked away, striding past
the young couple and crowd of fruit drinkers before turning down a side street.
Across the river, Nick watched as children, barefoot, chased after a chicken, up and down the red clay
earthen streets. Nick heard their faint squawks and giggles.
Computers, frowns, anger, phone calls, meetings, money. New York was far away now. Old and slow.
Along the street, monks walked, some talking, one speaking on his cell phone. Behind the house, a drum
started beating, rhythmically, echoing off the trees and down along the flowing river.
Nick stood up and made his way down the steps, waving at a boat driver who pointed him on towards
his boat. Nick stepped gingerly across thin boats before climbing on board the outermost boat full of
clothes and vegetables, men and women and fuel tanks that you could smell from a distance. Pushing
off, the boat began to putter across the river to the clay landing on the other side where children chased
a chicken.

Story from Laos

The Laos Story

In 1353 a prince founded the Kingdom of Lan XangThe Kingdom of a Million Elephants. The wild
landscape of Laos still echoes the romance of the countrys original name. Laos is the only landlocked
country in Southeast Asia, with nearly three-quarters of its landmass covered in mountains and forested
hills. National parks comprise 13% of the country, and Laos unofficial reputation is that of the being
most laid back country in Southeast Asia.

But Laos is hardly parched for water. The Mekong River winds through the country for 4,180 kilometres
before reaching Cambodia and, finally, the Vietnamese Delta. Khiri takes you along a tributary of the
Mekong, the Nam Khan River, by bamboo raft to explore waterfalls outside of the picturesque town of
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With over 40 different ethnic groups speaking over 100 different languages and dialects, ethnic
minorities make up the majority of Laos population. Through close contact with ethnic minority villages
such as the Hmong and Khmu, Khiri has developed a trusteed network in the highlands of northern Laos
places where very few Westerners have gone before.

The Ho Chi Minh Trail as it twisted through Laos provided a critical supply chain to the Viet Cong
during the Vietnamese War. In its attempts to interrupt the communists supply line, the U.S. dropped
over 260 million bombs over Laos, giving Laos the distinction of being the most bombed country per
capita in the world. The Plain of Jars in northern Laos, in which there are hundreds of megalithic stone
jars clustered throughout the landscape, is one of the most important archeological sites from the Iron
Age. Three jar sites have been cleared of unexploded bombsremnants of the Secret War in Laos of the
1960sand are now easily accessed by visitors.

Lao people are known for their easy-going natures and, unlike their Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese
neighbours, prefer sticky rice to jasmine rice with their meals.

Story from Cambodia

Two Women and a Baby
Once upon a time, there was a woman who bore no child and desired
to have one. She wandered from place to place and, one day, she met
a woman carrying a baby. She said to the young mother, "You have a
very beautiful baby. May I hold her?" The mother replied, "Of course
you may," as she handed her child to the woman stranger. The
woman held, hugged, kissed and played with the baby with joy. Then
she tried to sneak away with the child. The mother shouted after her,
"Hey! Don't take my baby away. Please give her back to me." "What?
Are you crazy? This baby is mine," claimed the woman. The two
disputed and went to the community court but no court in the
country could find a just decision. Thus the case was sent to the
King.
The King looked at both women and said: "You both seem to love the
baby very much and it is very hard for me to make a decision. But I
have something for you to do. I will put the baby in the middle of the
field and you both have to race fast to grab her. If the baby is yours,
you will make all effort to get the baby first." The women agreed.
As they saw the baby being laid in the middle of the field, the two
women ran the fastest possible toward the baby. In seconds, both
women got to the child at the same time. One quickly grabbed her
right arm and the other got her left arm. Each tried to pull the baby
away from the other; however, one lady decided to let the baby go
once she saw the other woman was to aggressive and too harsh
trying to grab the baby away from her.
After seeing the woman's behavior, the king asked the woman who
released the child, "Why did you let the baby go?" She explained,
"She is my flesh, my heart and soul!!! I love her dearly. I hurt me
deeply to see her getting torn apart by the physical struggle of the
two adults."
The King empathize with the mother's feeling and judge the baby in
favor of the biological moher.

Story from Cambodia

The Great Millionaire And The Poor
Once upon the time, in Cambodiadia lived a great millionaire who had plenty of both
movable and immovable property. He had thousands of cows, buffalos, horses and
elephants and thousands of hectares of paddy fields. He also had hundreds of
warehouses in which silver, gold, diamonds and a wide variety of wealth were
stored. The great millionaire had only one son named Thorn Serey, who later
succeeded him as a great millionaire.
One day, the great millionaire, Thorn Serey, thought : My parents have plenty of
wealth, but they were so naive that they were always friendly to tens of thousands of
poor people everyday. They helped the poor with everything. It is no use helping tens
of thousands of poor people with their living.
From that day on, the villagers who used to borrow money from the previous great
millionaire to do their businesses came to see Thorn Serey to borrow money to do
their respective businesses as they had done before with the previous great
millionaire, but the great millionaire, Thorn Serey, did not care a fig. He never
thought of giving alms to either the poor or the old people because he thought that it
was no use communicating with the poor when he had such abundant wealth.
Later on, without money loaned as capital to do their businesses, the villagers
became very poor and starved so badly that they started stealing and robbing one
another. After nothing left for them to steal or rob among themselves, they gathered
together and said : Previously, we did not starve as we do now because the previous
great millionaire had lent us his money and rice seeds, soybean, sesame, cows and
buffalos to do our businesses or to do farming. And when we harvested our crops, he
would take half of the total output and gave us half. Now, the great millionaire,
Thorn Serey, who is his son, does not need us, so we have to steal his property to
sustain our lives.
The villagers then started stealing cows and buffalos and even rice, soybean and
sesame stored in the warehouses. The warehouse keepers reported it to the great
millionaire and said : The local villagers are now starving and theft has prevailed
everywhere. And there is nothing to be gained for putting in the warehouses as
before. Therefore, Your Lordship should spend money helping the poor as Your
Lordships father did before in order to attain peace and prosperity.
I am not so naive as my parents, replied the great millionaire, Thorn Serey, adding,
We have to arrest those who steal my property and send them to the competent
authorities to punish them according to the laws. I dont need to have any contact
with the poor.
The great millionaires wealth was soon gradually decreased due to no inputs and
thefts. In spite of the fact that he asked the competent officers to search for the
thieves, they failed to catch one because the thieves were all the villagers.
Eventually the great millionaire was reduced to a poor man who was afterward

killed by some villagers in disguise. And his remaining wealth was put in the states
warehouse.