Summer 2006/2549 - volume 4, issue 13

We hope this finds you enjoying the warm season in the northern hemisphere and some cooler times in the south. For those in the north currently having lots of fun outdoors, it's not too early to start thinking about a warm holiday to get you through the long winter that is not far off.

This month we have lots of interesting Adventure News, a full slate of exciting new trips to introduce, a nice update about our Tsunami Scholarship program, a tasty recipe and of course a contest with great prizes. Enjoy!

After almost six years of leading the world’s best Thai adventures, Smiling Albino (SA) is officially stepping outside of our home borders. The 15-day, ‘Nepal Grand Slam’ is taking flight on October 13, 2006. Even before we officially launch it, it’s sold out! Eight previous SA adventurers have signed-on for the inaugural outing. Be sure to check out the trip and future departure dates on offer.

Rama IX and his dog Tong Daeng - Long Live the King

We have just introduced a brand new slate of trips called ‘Sublime Adventures’. What's different about them? These designer trips have been developed through special requests from past clients and will only be offered once per year. In addition, they visit new SA destinations in Thailand as well as Cambodia and Laos and emphasize fine dining and a high level of luxury. We hope you’ll ‘Sublime’ with us soon.

Incredible Angkor Wat

On the Sublime note, we’re currently putting the finishing touches on a bold new epic. In early September we’ll unveil a tantalizing travel experience co-designed by Smiling Albino and one of the world’s foremost travel writers, Joe Cummings. As the long-time author of Lonely Planet’s Thailand, Laos and Myanmar guidebooks, Joe is the unrivaled SE Asia travel expert. He’s recently hosted Sir Mick Jagger among others - we hope you'll join us!!

With the Christmas season not so far off you’re invited to join us on the December 27 Full Albino and Siamese Dream adventures. We have a couple of spots left and would love to host you here.

The August 4th edition of our Volunteer Adventure was a rousing success with the Tong family from Berkley, CA lending support at three of our community outreach programs. Well done Team Tong!

After raising almost $4,000US with our Tsunami T-shirt Scholarship Program, we have officially selected two hard-working students who will receive our financial support until the end of their college educations. A huge thank-you to everyone who kindly donated to this program.

May and June saw SA-co-founder Scott Coates and three friends, Derek, Donna and Greg cycle from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu, Nepal. Their pedalling took them to Everest Base Camp, topping out at 5,300m.

The Team at Everest, Tibet

Smiling Albino co-founder Daniel Fraser is coming to North America on the 7th annual, SA Summer Road Trip. If you’d like him to speak to your group about Smiling Albino and his experiences living in SE Asia, drop us a line and he'll make it happen. Dan is scheduled to travel to San Francisco, Calgary and Toronto among other areas.

Thais work hard to avoid confrontation where possible. Consequently most awkward situations can be resolved by simply saying “mai pen rai” (never mind). The effort at maintaining your cool in Thailand is appreciated and respected.

Nicholas Cage was seen filming his latest movie 'Bangkok Dangerous'.

This quick, easy, tasty, slightly spicy veggie delight is a Smiling Albino favourite. ‘Phak Bung’ is not only delicious, high in iron and Vitamin A but also grows like a weed. Commonly seen growing in canals and shallow ponds, if there’s standing water, there’s also likely Phak Bung for the taking.

• 200g Morning Glory (aka water spinach), cut into two-inch long pieces (broccoli, asparagus or kale and can be used as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons garlic, crushed and chopped
• 2 teaspoons tapioca flour, mixed with two tablespoons water and set aside
• 1 large red chilli, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• 10 small chillies, crushed
• 4 tablespoons water or chicken stock

• 2 tablespoon soy bean paste
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons thin soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Combine all of the sauces, sugar and water then set aside.

Heat the oil in a wok over high heat and add the garlic, small chillies and morning glory when it’s good and hot.

Toss the ingredients and add the sauce mixture, followed by the large red chilli and tapioca flour.

Serve and garnish with bits of large red chilli.

‘Pokemon’ beverage – we’re not sure if there are real Pokemons in it or just artificial Pokemon flavour.