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