AAEE Event Information

AAEE Event Information <Nepal>

<AAEE and FIWC Water Tank Project 2015>

Among different purposes of AAEE conducting poverty challenging activities to support for the welfare of society from its own ground is one of the important aims of AAEE. Following to this objective like in the year 2013 AAEE and FIWC is going to conduct water tank project 2015 in Palpa, Nepal. Last year the members supported the village named Mauja in Nepal by establishing water tank for its school nearby.
This year too members will visit Nepal and conduct water tank project 2015 in the village named Maidan in the Palpa district of Nepal. The members will not only be involved economically in the project but will also be doing labour work for the project completion. (写真4枚)

Tea Culture – A world of Wonder

Tea Culture – A world of Wonder

<Bangladesh>
Nowadays, the number of 150 tea gardens in Bangladesh produces about 2% of the world’s tea. Because local residents already consume nearly all of the tea they produce so exports of Bangladesh tea are very small and not many people know about Bangladesh tea. They consider producing tea as “to produce tea, not by fighting nature, but by supporting and sustaining it”. The golden tippy leaves delicious spiciness. Meanwhile the super large, jet black twisted leaves an earthy aroma.

<Nepal>
In Nepal, there is no specific time, age or weather for tea. The practice of tea drinking here is very popular. If you happen to be a non-drinker, don’t worry because you are still an alternative to tea, which, however, is just another kind of tea.
Tea is a crucial part of Nepali cuisine and culture. It may be served in a silver teapot with fancy brownies and cupcakes. Today it is hard to deny that it is by now a part of all classes and kitchens in Nepal.

FRIENDSHIP

＜FRIENDSHIP＞

All of the long-term relationships, friendship is a golden package on our journey to discover this mysterious life. Somtimes we fell weary and hopeless, our friends will emerge and raise us up like a miraculous remedy. Moreover, friendship does bring us a myriad of lessons and unforgettable experience that mark our “stormy” and energetic youth.
When I was a freshmen at the university, I seemed to be a sociopath and I thought that I would never find any friends in this immense environment. However, I was completely wrong. A lot of friends have walked in and out of my life and each left me awesome memories. That is the one who is “crazy” enough to make a trip to the beach with you at midnight just to enjoy the dawn at sea. That is the one who is so willing to scold at you when you behave rather badly and wrongly. That is the one who is a wise mentor that you can consult at any time even nonsense things. That is the one together with you working hard on a competition and tasting the fruit of victory. To me, friendship has its own values and meanings and each of us has a different view about it. But it is a precious thing, isn`t it? Cherish your friends and get ready for the upcoming challenges!!!

Photo source: http://www.allianceabroad.com/national-friendship-day/

Rivers of Bangladesh

＜Bangladesh＞

Rivers of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is called the land of rivers or riverine country. The Padma, the Meghna, the Jamuna, the Brahmaputra and the Karnaphuli are the main rivers of Bangladesh. These rivers have also got their branches and sub-branches. About 700 rivers have covered all over the country like spider webs which is why Bangladesh is often known as the land of rivers. The rivers influence the life style, agriculture, commerce, trade and industry of the people of Bangladesh. Rivers are playing important role for communication and transportation. In all seasons, boats, launches and steamers move on these rivers form one area to another area. Raw materials, products of goods and men are carried form one port to another port easily at cheap cost. Rice, Jute, and other crops grow in in the river side because the rivers have made the soil fertile. Boat race (Bangla locally called: Nouka Baich) is one of the most important and traditional sports of entertainment in the rural area of Bangladesh.
Please the boat race photo and information:http://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/2013/sep/22/boat-race-held-meghna-river-narsingdi

Some rivers are the source of energy like Karnafuli hydro-electric projects are used to solve electricity problem. During the rainy season, when heavy rain drops and the rivers overflow their banks,it may cause flood. So some times the river causes great damage to our life and property.

AAEE Autumn Seminar 2014,

AAEE Autumn Seminar 2014, Japan was successfully conducted on 13th December. The event was supported by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).

For this year the guest speaker of the seminar was Mr. Chikara Funabashi who is the project director of the Public-Private Joint Project for Overseas Education Promotion, by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. His speech was excellent and we got to learn a lot from his speech. Students from their side asked many interesting questions which made the event more fruitful.

Nearly seventy people including secondary school students, university students, company workers, and government people participated in the seminar. (写真6枚)

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Tò he – Vietnamese Traditional Toy

<Vietnam>

Tò he – Vietnamese Traditional Toy

I would like to introduce you one of Vietnamese children‘s traditional toy Tò he. It’s also one of my favorite toys when I was a child. With simple tools including a tray of glutinous rice powder in various colours, a small comb, sticks, To He artisans can knead many shapes such as animals, flowers or characters in folk stories thanks to their skilled hands and creativity. I really admire To He artisan’s hands. Magic comes from To He artisans‘ hands. You can’t imagine that just from simple tools and just in short time (2- 4 minutes), they can create many complex shape “To He” by their magic hands.

I saw that when I was a child, It was made really quickly. To He products can be kept from 3 days to 1 months depend on artisans’ skills and weather condition. Nowadays, To He ’s still an attractive toy to children. If you visit Viet Nam in the future, let’s watch the way artisans create and enjoy this toy. I am sure that you will be surprised!

source-image : baomoi.com, me.zing.vn, vnexpress.net (写真5枚)

Cancer

<Cancer>

Cancer is basically the abnormal growth of cells in the body. Except for nails and the teeth it is possible for a human being to be affected by cancer in any part of the body. The term cancer is coined the Greek Physician Hippocrates (460-370) BC who is also known as the “Father of Medicine.” Cancer was before called carcino and carcinoma which refer to crabs as the disease also project in finger like pattern. Till today the crab is used as the symbol of the cancer. The oldest description of cancer was discovered in Egypt. And in one of the writing it was stated saying “there is no treatment for the disease.”

From the ancient period, there was always a puzzle over the causes of cancer. Ancient Egyptians have been found blaming the gods for cancer. According to the Hippocrates the cancer was caused due to excess of body bile in various body sites. This theory remained unchallenged for many years for over 1,300 years. Similarly, later lymph theory replaced the theory by hippocrate which suggested that cancer was caused due to another body fluid, lymph. This theory was also changed when it was suggested that cancer was caused by cells but not normal cells but from budding elements. Until 1920s it was believed that trauma was supposed to be the cause of cancer but there was a misbelief which suggested that cancer traveled through an unidentified liquid. However, this thought was also altered when it was proved that cancer was metastasized from the spread of malignant cells and not from liquid of any sort. After many more years passed before tobacco was rediscovered as the most destructive source of chemical carcinogens known to men.

ASIAN TEA CULTURE– A WORLD OF WONDERS part 2

<ASIAN TEA CULTURE– A WORLD OF WONDERS part 2>

-Myanmar-

Myanmar’s tea culture is amazingly different from others as tea is eaten besides being

drunk. The eaten tea comes under the name of lahpet. Using milk to sweeten the tea is

another favorite in Myanmar. Especially in many parts of Myanmar, tea is dry-roasted

before being mixed in water to make green tea.

-Vietnam-

As one of the largest exporters of tea, Vietnam is the place where tea culture prevails.

Vietnamese people prefer brewed and green. In restaurants or café, refills of the teapot

are mostly free of charge. Meanwhile, serving tea in cups and pots after meals in

household has long been known as a symbol of family love.

-Malaysia-

Teh tarik is the most famous tea in Malaysia, which literally means “pulled tea”. The tea

and milk are poured through the air between two cups until it reaches a rich, frothy

texture. No drop has even fallen out from the hands of skillful teh tarik artists. By

gracefully pouring teh tarik through the air, tea gets cooled and mixes wil milk to produce

a perfectly delicous combination, which is seen and appreciated through a clear glass.

Chợ nổi – Floating market in Mekong River Delta in Vietnam

Chợ nổi – Floating market in Mekong River Delta in Vietnam

I would like to introduce you to one of the most interesting markets in Vietnam called Chợ nổi (Floating market) which floats on the river. Thousands of boats gather to sell and buy products from each other. Trading activities take place all day on the boats , but the most exciting time is in the morning when boats arrive with full agriculture products to start a new day in market. The largest “Chợ nổi” include Phung Hiep, Nga Bay, Phong Dien (in Hau Giang), Cai Rang (in Can Tho) and Cai Be (in Tien Giang).

Nowadays, this kind of market has become an attractive place for tourism because you come there not only for shopping but also for visiting the landscapes and relax on the boat. Therefore, government try to promote this kind of market to attract more tourism and improve the provinces’ economic. Anyway, if you visit Viet Nam, don’t forget to buy souvenir you need in “Chợ nổi”.

source-images : news.zing.vn, vnexpress.net (写真4枚)

13 Things You Didn't Know About The World's Greatest Tourist Attraction

13 Things You Didn't Know About The World's Greatest Tourist Attraction

1. The Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s famous suspension bridge isn’t actually gold; its official paint colour is 'international orange.’ Goldengatebridge.org even publicizes the colour formula used to attain this orange hue, so fans of the bridge can replicate the exact tone at home. The bridge owes its golden name to the Golden Gate Strait, the waterway it straddles,
2. Hong Kong
Pacific Rim tourists susceptible to vertigo, be warned. Hong Kong’s skyline features more skyscrapers than New York City.
3. Big Ben
If you’re referring to the tower in London’s Houses of Parliament as Big Ben, try again. According to the UK Parliament’s website, the tower is officially called the Clock Tower. Big Ben is the nickname for the clock’s bell.
4. Australia
Don’t forget your swimsuit and snorkel; life really is a beach in Australia. The country lays claim to over 10,000 beaches – more than any other nation.
5. Statue of Liberty
Reaching triumphantly skyward over the waters of New York City’sharbour, the Statue of Liberty is one of America’s most beloved attractions. But surprisingly, this iconic American landmark began her life in Europe. Built by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue took nine years to complete and was shipped via boat from France to New York City in 350 individual pieces.
6. The Eiffel Tower
For more than 600 Parisians, the elegant Eiffel Tower serves as their daily workplace.

Reference source:
http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/tips/13-things-you-didnt-know-about-worlds-greatest-tourist-attractions/ (写真5枚)

STREET LITTERING

<Environment>

STREET LITTERING

In a recent article, an environmentalist boldly stated that: “Human beings should be heading for a rubbish-free society. In the near future, environment shall be a golden factor to assess the developmental rate of each country, not the prosperity or economic impact anymore. Hence, a street without garbage will put your hometown on the map”. However, there still exists a miserable fact that street littering is ubiquitous and wreaks a negative havoc on the whole community. This issue seems “minimal” to some individuals but actually it has been an unresolved problem for centuries.

To begin with, we will seek the roots of this serious plight. Firstly, what leads to the great devastation of street littering is our “awareness”.
Obviously, we are directly affected by the surrounding environment. If we grow up in the neighborhood that considers street littering is acceptable, this will become a common practice. Secondly, we are living in an industrial world. Most products we consume everyday are packaged in plastic, which is harmful and difficult to be disposed of. People tend to drop these packages accidentally or intentionally on the streets. Lastly, in most countries, there is no official law to force their citizen not to leave trash in public places. This has deteriorated the issue. To sum up, human beings are the main cause and they should be responsible for their behaviors.

Street littering not only affects the aesthetic beauties of the city but also impact people`s physical health. Governments have been working hard on this issue. For instance, Singapore is noted for their success to establish a no-littering community. This country set a perfect example for other countries to follow. However, to make great progress, we need more efforts because it is much more complicated to succeed like Singapore if your country is bigger in size and population. The priority should be put on educating people due to the fact that “awareness” is the key to changing our behaviors. Moreover, we could add more bins on the street or make a dent in using packages. As you know, all big things start from small things. Being a young generation, we should be a driving force to reinvigorate our environment. You can do that now by: NEVER LITTERING ON THE STREET!!!!

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Christmas in Vietnam

Although a predominantly Buddhist country, Christmas in Vietnam is still one of the four main annual religious festivals including the Lunar New Year, the mid-autumn festival, Buddha’s birthday.

Christmas in Vietnam is a huge event and Christmas Eve, which is regarded as more important than Christmas Day in Vietnam, is a grand party when the fun-loving and sociable Vietnamese, whether being a Christian or not, celebrate with gusto.
You might want to know more about Christmas in Vietnam as it's decoration and the way people celebrate in the North and the South of Vietnam. Here's a link recommended: http://www.vietnamonline.com/az/how-vietnamese-celebrate-christmas.html

Christmas celebration in Vietnam - How Vietnamese celebrate Christmas

www.vietnamonline.com

In spite of being a predominantly Buddhist country, Christmas in Vietnam is still one of the four main annual religious festivals including the Lunar New Year, the...

Lotus – Vietnam‘s national flower

<Vietnam>

Lotus – Vietnam‘s national flower

Lotus is very familiar to every Vietnamese people, especially to children in rural areas. Children often take lotus to their home for their parents to cook the meal. Because different part of lotus can be used for different purposes: such as the seeds are used for making lotus tea and medicines (or eating) while the green leaves are used to wrap chicken rice- a very delicious dish. Lotus has also become one of the unforgettable memories of children. And when one day, they grow up, they can’t forget the flower which always appeared in their childhood. Lotus is so beautiful with their flower and their smell.

The meaning of lotus is the most important thing that makes lotus different from other flowers. It symbolizes the beauty, health, honor, knowledge and strong spirit (never give up before any problems). Therefore Lotus has been regarded as Vietnam’s national flower. The symbol of this flower has played an important role in many architecture buildings, art of sculpting and literature during many centuries of Vietnam‘s history. If you visit Vietnam next time, remember to visit and see the lotus and you will definitely be impressed by its beauty.

Photo source: vnexpress.net (写真4枚)

ASIAN TEA CULTURE– A WORLD OF WONDERS part 1

ASIAN TEA CULTURE– A WORLD OF WONDERS part 1

Tea has long been known as a famous drink in Asian countries which is usually drunk in social events. How tea in Asia is made and consumed, how people interact with tea as well as the concept of tea drinking manner will be AAEE’s topic in the next few Wednesdays. Now let’s enjoy our first story with famous tea cultures in Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

<Thailand>
Thai tea is made out of red tea, food coloring, anise, and other types of spices. Thai tea is served chilled and further enhanced by the addition of condensed milk and sugar. At the same time, green tea is growing increasingly popular in the country. Both are popularizing with youngsters in the form of bubble tea.

<Bubble Tea>
Bubble tea is rumoured to be invented in Taichung, Taiwan. This tea is not the one that you drink in your usual cup. Bubble tea is made up of a tea blend mixed with milk or fruit and small ‘bubbles’ or pearls that make the name of this milk tea.

<Indonesia>
Do you happen to know that Sundanese people from Western Java want to enjoy a flavour without sugar? The reason is because the availability of sugar in the region is quite rare hence tea with sugar price is high. On the other hand, the Javanese prefer tea with sugar because they live with rich sugar plantations, thereby making sugar cheap and widely available.
That’s only the first part of the series. Check our fan page next weeks to see if your country’s tea culture comes up here ^^.

Rural life in Vietnam

Rural life in Vietnam

The life in rural area is really different from the city. It’s more peaceful, cleaner and relaxed. While coming to the rural areas, you will see totally different sights such as: beautiful huge rice fields, buffalos with many interesting sounds, the kites in the sky, children with many traditional games, river etc. Many children ranch the buffalo on the field while studying and doing homework. One interesting thing is that about 80% Vietnamese people live in the rural areas. The life is peaceful but the conditions are tougher. Electricity, water source are not enough in some rural areas.
The farmers have to work hard for longer time and children must work before or after they study at school. At harvest time, they must help at home and not go to school. So government has supported many things to those rural areas in order to improve their life. By giving new technologies, electricity, water, education to them, the life is more beautiful. But anyway, the life in the rural areas is improving day by day. And a rural area is the best choice when you want to relax after stressing days.

Photo source: me.zing.vn, vnexpress.net (写真8枚)