Geography and Me

Well, this blog project is due very soon. And as my final entry, I would like to share with you what I have learnt so far from my lectures and this project.

Firstly, let me tell you how I felt about Geography before. I hated it. So much so that I did not opt to do it in the last two years of Secondary school. At that point of time, I thought Geography had nothing to do with me. It was not interesting, there was no benefit in me learning it.

Boy, was I wrong.

Learning the subject ten years later showed me how important it is. It allowed me to understand many natural phenomenons such as earthquakes and the cause of it. Also reasons why some areas in the world are much more populated than others and the positive and negative (!!!) effects of tourism. And why us Asians live on rice while the British prefer the potatoes and why this has brought many tears to my eyes whenever we go back to the UK and I crave for rice and spice. Also how technology might have improved the quality of our lives at the same time, its detrimental effects on Earth.

And horrifyingly, how our actions affect the very planet we are living on.

Understanding all these give me an option and I am more conscious when making a choice. Now, we bring our own bags when doing grocery shopping. Does it matter that I look more like a domestic helper when carrying the bags on the way to the supermarket? Yes it matters a little to vain old me but knowing that I am doing my part, no matter how small it might be, to help save the world, it is worth being mistaken for a helper. Switching off the mains every night and recycling empty wine bottles and beer cans especially after a dinner party, have been adopted in my household. I try to buy recycleable products now even if it might cost slightly more. We get the refill bags for our household products instead of buying a new bottle.

Don't get me wrong - we are not perfect. We contribute to the greenhouse effect by driving a car but we try our best to do everything else we can.

Our efforts might seem little but if many others start becoming more aware and making an effort, I am sure we will make a difference. I believe it is knowledge that empowers one to take action.

The Temples of Angkor and Tourism

Where is Angkor?

Situated near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Number of visitors
Approaching 2 million annually

The temples of Angkor

~ Majestic temples built in the 9th - 14th century, still standing today

~ Elaborate carvings and intricate architecture (Brick, sandstone and laterite were used in the building of the temples)

~ The prime attraction of all the temples is Angkor Wat - a temple complex built in the early 12th century. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become the symbol of Cambodia and appears on the national flag.

~ Ta Phrom - massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors. It was also used as a location in the film Tomb Raider (starring Angelina Jolie!)

~ People still come to the temples for religious purpose

Discovery and Restoration

In 1863, the posthumous notes made by French naturalist, Henri Mouhot was published, arousing Western interest in the wonders of Angkor. Many conservators took charge of restoring the sites. In December 1992, Angkor became a World Heritage Site.

Advantages of tourism in Angkor

~ Tourism has created many job opportunities for Cambodians. Many employees are needed in the hotel sector, restaurants have opened up, number of travel agencies have increased dramatically and many others have benefited as a result of tourism, even tuk-tuk drivers are able to earn more through tourism.

~ Jobs in the tourism industry has encouraged the Cambodians to learn the skills needed in the different sectors

~ Tourism also encourages the improvement of infrastructure - new roads are being built.

~ It is also one of the major sources of income for Cambodia

Disadvantages of tourism in Angkor

~ Large number of planes flying near the temples to the Siam Reap airport can cause irreversible strain and damage to the masonry.

~ Hotels pumping water from underground is causing the temples to be in danger of collapsing as the soil it sits on is sinking.

~ Leakage of income - major beneficiaries of the tourism industry are international hotels, foreign airlines, travel agencies and business companies based in other countries.

~ The increasing number of tourists exerts pressure on the archaeological sites at Angkor by walking and climbing on the (mostly) sandstone monuments at Angkor. This direct pressure created by unchecked tourism is expected to cause significant damage to the monuments in the future.

Working towards sustainable tourism

ICOM's Red List defining irreplaceable treasures of Cambodian heritage protected under law. Heritage Watch has contributed in working to preserve Cambodia's precious cultural heritage.

Heritage Watch's missions:

1. To study threats to cultural heritage, including the illicit trade in antiquities, the looting of archaeological sites, and loss of historic architecture;
2. To educate and increase awareness among the public of the profound importance of heritage resources;
3. To increase access to and awareness of national and international law affecting cultural property, while working with the proper authorities to implement, enforce, and improve it;
4. To promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices that further cultural and economic development and encourage the tourism industry to support the arts, culture, heritage and development;
5. To foster communication between relevant governmental and intergovernmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.

Educational resources and training for local communities, tourism operators, and tourists are provided in the aim of preserving the Angkor temples.

In 2010, Heritage Watch is working to reinvigorate and strengthen its efforts to protect Cambodia’s cultural heritage. The Red List is a significant step towards promoting and achieving this objective.

My thoughts

My first and only visit (thus far) to Angkor left me breathless and astounded. The fact that it was built about a thousand of years ago, without the help of technology makes me wonder the sheer strength of the people and the form of technology that has existed back then. Yes, using rolling logs to aid moving a heavy object has been depicted in ancient times but who was the genius who came up with the idea? I am quite certain that Einstein was yet to be born then.

I have been encouraging people I know (and who would listen) to visit Angkor to experience the majestic beauty and calmness of it. Even I have not gotten enough of it and would love to visit again for a second time. However, with this entry, I have learned so many other factors that I have not considered and to be honest, have not even crossed my mind. The disadvantages of tourism and the sheer fact that we are causing more harm to the historical site has made me decide to put my second visit on hold.

It seems to me that we are so focused on developing (in this case, from Cambodia's point of view - economical development) but at the expense of causing so much harm to the beautiful nature around us. Is the development worth losing one of the world's greatest monument?

I do hope that the Cambodian government, with the help of Heritage Watch and other organizations, will come up with a way to protect the Angkor temples at the same time allowing tourists to visit the site. When that happens, I will be on the next plane to Siam Reap!

References

Claude J. & Michael F. (2003). Ancient Angkor. Bangkok, Thailand: River Books Ltd.

Angkor Temple Guide: Ta Phrom. Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/temples/temp-taprohm.htm

Angkor (April 5, 2010). Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor#Construction_of_Angkor_Wat

Ta Phrom (March 25, 2010). Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta_Prohm

Tom F., Will Angkor Wat survive the invasion of mass tourism? Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from www.twnside.org.sg/title2/resurgence/207-208/cover10.doc

Erin L. Heritage Watch - Protecting Cambodia's Antuiqities (Feb 11, 2010)(http://www.devata.org/2010/02/heritage-watch-protecting-cambodian-antiquities/

Didgeridoo

What is a didgeridoo?

The didgeridoo is a wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians of northern Australia at least 1,500 years ago and is still in widespread usage today both in Australia and around the world. It is sometimes described as a natural wooden trumpet or "drone pipe".

A modern didgeridoo is usually cyndrical or conical, and can measure anywhere from 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) long. Most are around 1.2 m (4 ft) long. The length is directly related to the 1/2 sound wavelength of the keynote. Generally, the longer the instrument, the lower the pitch or key of the instrument.

What is it made of?

Authentic Aboriginal didgeridoos are produced in traditionally-oriented communities in Northern Australia or by makers who travel to Central and Northern Australia to collect the raw materials.

They are usually made from hardwoods, more commonly made from the various eucalyptus species that are endemic in Northern Australia. Sometimes a native bamboo is used.

Generally the main trunk of the tree is harvested, though a substantial branch may be used instead. Aboriginal didgeridoo craftsmen spend considerable time in the challenging search for a tree that has been hollowed out by termites to just the right degree. If the hollow is too big or too small, it will make a poor quality instrument.

When a suitable tree is found, it is cut down and the segment of trunk or branch that will be made into a didgeridoo is cut out. The bark is taken off, the ends trimmed, and some shaping of the exterior then results in a finished instrument. This instrument may be painted or left undecorated. A rim of beeswax may be applied to the mouthpiece end. Traditional instruments made by Aboriginal craftsmen in Arnhem Land are sometimes fitted with a 'sugarbag' mouthpiece. This black beeswax comes from wild bees and has a distinctive aroma.

It can also be made PVC piping, non-native hard woods (typically split, hollowed and rejoined), fiberglass, metal, agave, clay, hemp (a bioplastic named zelfo), and even carbon fiber.

How is it played?

The didgeridoo is played with continuously vibrating lips to produce the drone while using a special breathing technique called circular breathing. This requires breathing in through the nose whilst simultaneously expelling stored air out of the mouth using the tongue and cheeks. By use of this technique, a skilled player can replenish the air in their lungs, and with practice can sustain a note for as long as desired.

Traditional use

Traditionally and originally, the didgeridoo was primarily played as an accompaniment to ceremonial dancing and singing, however, it was also common for didgeridoos to be played for solo or recreational purposes outside of ceremonial gatherings. Today, the majority of didgeridoo playing is for recreational purposes in both Indigenous Australian communities and elsewhere around the world.

Influencing today's music scene

In the 20th century, several "modernised" versions of the didgeridoo have been developed.

~ Didjeribone - invented by Australian didgeridoo player Charlie McMahon. It is constructed of two lengths of plastic tube, one of which is slightly narrower in diameter than the other, and which slides inside the wider tube similar to a slide trombone (hence the instrument's name).

~ Slide Didge - intented by Australian inventor Scott Dunbar. The Slide Didge was the world's first commercially sold variable pitch didgeridoo, and Scott later produced the world's first Timber Slide Didge.

~ Didjbox or Didgebox - a type of travel didgeridoo originally invented by American, Marko Johnson. The Didjbox was designed to be extremely compact, very lightweight and still produces a good sound quality with the low deep drone of a full length Didgeridoo.

~ The didgeridoo has also found a place in modern Celtic music.

~ A keyed didgeridoo (having keys somewhat like those of a saxophone, allowing the performer to play melodically) - developed by American didgeridoo player, Graham Wiggins.

~ Dynamic multi drone didgeridoos - created by American didgeridoo player and crafter, William Thoren. The construction method and technique was developed in 2008 that gives a didgeridoo the possibility to produce multiple drone notes on a single didgeridoo.

~ The didgeridoo also became a role playing instrument in the experimental and avant-garde music scene. Industrial music bands generated sounds from this instrument and used them in their industrial performances, linking ecology to industry, influenced by ethnic music and culture.

My thoughts

I have seen some buskers playing the didgeridoo on the streets. But sadly, it didn't leave that much of impression on me. Perhaps it was because I had no idea what the instrument was called then.

Watching American Idol last week, I finally got to know the name of the instrument after it was played during one of the performances. Then, I realised how this instrument has travelled from so far away to contribute to the music industry today. And I thought "If people had been contented and stayed put in their own country, our music scene will be less entertaining with less variety!"

It dawned on me how migration is not only about people moving from a place to another, it also involves them introducing their culture to other parts of the world. And how technology has made it easier for us to travel and experience other cultures, in return allowing us to share this with others. The spread of information has been made more possible, thanks to technology.

I am very grateful for the discovery and widespread use of the didgeridoo. Not only do I get to appreciate it in songs, it also has health benefits. Studies have shown that mastering the circular breathing technique helps to reduce snoring and sleep apnea!

Ladies, our problem of dealing with a snoring partner can be solved! Besides, "didgeridoo" is such a pretty name, he can't possibly get upset if you ask him to learn to play it!

References

Didgeridoo (April 7, 2010). Retrieved on April 10, 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didgeridoo#Cultural_significance

The Migration of Malays to Singapore

Who are the Malays?
Malays are an ethnic group of Austronesian peoples predominantly inhabiting the Malay Peninsula including the southernmost parts of Thailand, the east coast of Sumatra, the coast of Borneo, and the smaller islands which lie between these locations.

The Malay ethnic group is distinct from the concept of a Malay race, which encompasses a wider group of people, including most of Indonesia and the Philippines.

Language
The Malay language is a member of the Austronesian family of languages. A vast borrowing of Sanskrit words and concepts facilitated the advanced linguistic development of Malay as a language.

Religion
Malay culture practiced Buddhism, Hinduism, and their native Animism during the Srivijayan times before converting to Islam in the 15th century.
Majority of the Malays in Singapore are Muslims.

Migration of Malays to Singapore from 1819

The Orang Laut - Orang Laut, or "Sea People" refer to sea nomads and sea gypsies. They were one of the earlier immigrants who inhabited along the coastline of Singapore island during pre-colonial days.

The Orang Laut who settled in Singapore around 1819 were made up of different groups; the Orang Kallang, Orang Seletar, Orang Selat and Orang Gelam were the Orang Laut that lived in Singapore. The only commonality they shared was some degree of Malay ethnicity and a preference for living on boats rather than on land.

The different groups settled in the different waters in Singapore.

The Malays - When Raffles came to Singapore, there were already many indigenius Malays living here. They were made up of the nobility that were headed by the Temenggong, the palace officials and his followers as well as the Orang Laut.

A few months later, hundreds of Malays from Malacca came to Singapore, encouraged by the British who wanted to develop Singapore as a centre for trade and administration (Siebel, 1961:27). More Malays from Riau, Sumatra, Penang, Malacca and Johore came to Singapore (Roff, 1967:33; Census 1931:72) when Singapore became more developed and there were better economic opportunities.

The Javanese - The second largest Malay ethnic group were the Javanese, from Java, Indonesia.

The Javanese came to Singapore in stages. In the mid-19th century, they came and worked as ironsmiths, leather makers as well as spice merchants and religious books dealers. There were also a group of Javanese printers and publishers in the Arab Street area and a community of pilgrim brokers that played an important role in encouraging the migration of the Javanese to Singapore.

The Boyanese - The Boyanese, originally from Bawean Island, Indonesia also came to Singapore. Most of them came in the late 19th century until the end of Second World War. The majority of them worked as horse cart drivers and later as motorcar drivers. They could not be considered poor as their lands in Bawean were fertile; they had come in search of cash earnings. They wanted to purchase jewellery made of gold and goods that they could bring back to their villages. Some also wanted to build a better life for themselves in Singapore.

The Bugis - The Bugis, well known for a long time as maritime traderes, came from the Celebes Islands in Indonesia. In the mid-seventeenth century, the Bugis were spreading out from Celebes to set up trading centres throughout the region. Often they had to sail to distant lands and fight indigenous tribes. They rarely lost and acquired a reputation as fierce warriors.

Because of the Dutch control in Indonesia and their blockades, the Bugis spice trading routes from Celebes to Java was cut off. They were forced to migrate to other areas to continue their trade.

The establishment of a free port in Singapore allowed the Bugis to expand their network in the archipelago. Sailing from Sumatra to north Australia, the Bugis ships brought cargoes of cotton cloth, gold dust, birds-of-paradise feathers, pepper, trepang (sea slugs), sandalwood, tortoiseshell, coffee and rice to Singapore. Most of these goods were very much in demand by the Chinese merchants in Singapore. The Bugis also traded in slaves.

The Minangkabau -

The Minangkabau came from Western Sumatra. They have been migrating to Malaysia and Singapore since long ago. This only stopped when Malaya achieved independence from the British in 1957, when the immigration laws were tightened. The majority of Minangkabaus who came to Singapore came from Pariaman and Agam in Western Sumatra. The majority of them were engaged in business, especially in selling nasi padang (a rice dish made of meat, vegetables and tempeh). The Minangkabaus also sold religious items, toys and clothes. They also worked as taxi drivers, gardeners and joined uniformed services. Many Minangkabaus also worked as sailors on ships owned by trading companies.

2010 Chile Earthquake

Magnitude of 8.8 on Richter scale

Where is Chile?
Located on the western border of South America, next to the Pacific Ocean.

When did the earthquake occur?
27th Feb 2010, 03:34 local time

How it happened?

The earthquake was generated by a clash between two of the world's most active tectonic plates - the Nazca and South American plate.

Chile lies close to the point where the Nazca plate is crashing into the South American plate.

The Nazca plate, which makes up the sea bed under the eastern Pacific Ocean, is approximately 96km thick and travelling eastward, sliding under the South American plate at abt 8cm yearly. This process is called subduction, where the edge of the oceanic crust (in this case, the Nazca plate) is heading towards the earth's mantle and heated up, eventually being destroyed and returned to the earth's interior.

However, there are times where the plates become locked together until huge amounts of energy build up and when released, causes an earthquake.

This was what caused the earthquake in Chile. The two locked plates broke free and slipped past each other, causing an explosive release.

Damages and Reprocussions

Concepcion, Chile’s second largest city, suffered most of the damage as it was closest to the quake’s epicentre.


Social

• ~Death toll - 497 identified fatalties, with hundreds still missing. Survivors had to deal with the loss of loved ones on top of the effects of the disaster.


• ~1.5m homes were destroyed, leaving many homeless and possessions lost


• ~Over 1 million has been displaced by the disaster and many are still waiting for aid


• ~Looting eventually became a problem. Some survivors started stealing others' possesions for survival or for their own gain, causing the people to be on constant guard.

Economical

• ~Buildings and roads collapsed, some buildings caught fire.


• ~Phone lines and electricity was cut

It has been estimated that it will cost at least $30bn (£20bn) to rebuild the country after the earthquake. But $30bn represents nearly 20% of Chilean GDP and would make a significant dent in the state coffers. It will also cost the global insurance industry as much as $7bn (£4.7bn), Swiss Re has estimated. Former President Bachelet has said that Chile's reconstruction will take three to four years, with loans and budgetary savings used to rebuild infrastructure, homes and industry.

Political

• ~Some Chileans felt abandoned by the authorities in the wake of the disaster.

The earthquake also caused a tsunami across the Pacific Ocean, affecting Juan Fernandez islands and French Polynesia, which was hit by 6ft wave.

Responses
The Chilean government was quick in responding to the large scale disaster that hit the nation. It has been working hard to make sure the assistance reaches the places it is most needed.

Some 400 government trucks have been despatched to an aid centre in Concepcion. 16,000 tonnes of emergency supplies have arrived and the international community has also responded in recent days with particular help coming from the countries of Latin America.


My Thoughts
It is very unfortunate for the Chileans to experience such a large-scale disaster. It must be a life changing experience for many, after losing their loved ones on top of losing their homes and possessions. I believe, it is important for them to stick together, along with their new president, Sebastian Pinera, and try to rebuild Chile to what it was before.

It is also extremely important that Chile receives aid from other nations to help lessen their hardship.

With the many natural disasters happening in the world, I feel very fortunate to be living in a country that is geographhically safe from the disasters. I am truly lucky indeed and I sympathize with the Chileans for the terrible quake that ripped through their country.

Nature is a force not to be reckoned with that we cannot take living on this planet for granted.

References
Allen-Mills T., & Crooks N. (2010, February 28). Huge earthquake rips through Chile. The Sunday Times, p. 3.

Smith J. (2010). Chile Earthquakes And Aftershocks. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://cnmnewsnetwork.com/12788/chile-earthquake-and-aftershocks/

Chile struck by one of strongest-ever earthquakes (2010). Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/772807--chile-struck-by-one-of-strongest-ever-earthquakes

Chile puts quake damage at $30bn (2010). Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8565493.stm

Chile's earthquake 'may cost insurers up to $7bn' (2010). Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8559127.stm

Lawlessness after quake in Chile fishingvillage (2010). Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8550960.stm

Simply Geography

Hello world.


It has been awhile since I started a blog but here I am in Blog-world, having to do this for my Geography project.


Not complaining at all but it occurs to me how quick technology has developed and has integrated into our lives. Computers and the internet are no longer a luxury (as was before during my days in secondary school) but seem to be a necessity.


Now, this blog, being solely for my Geog project (as mentioned above) will not be your typical read. So if you're expecting to be humoured or have an insight into my life (which I like to think is lovely and interesting), be prepared to be disappointed. Do not continue reading or I might bore you to death.


Then again, if Geography is your purpose in life, I do hope you will find this interesting. And that is my purpose, otherwise I should find myself failing miserably for my project. Hopefully not.


Cheers all...On to serious stuff now!