Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 165 i ASIAN Geographic

Mention the word “panda” and the first thing most of us think about are China’s iconic black and white bears. If it was Po that came to mind, the wise cracking star of the Kung Fu Panda films, you will also know the not-so-famous kind: the adorable red panda – or Master Shifu in the movies. In fact, while red pandas and giant pandas share a similar name, and both have a weakness for bamboo, that’s where the similarity ends. They aren’t closely related: Modern genetic evidence places red pandas in close affinity with raccoons, weasels, and skunks. Giant pandas, by contrast, are true bears, part of the family Ursidae alongside sun bears, moon bears, and polar bears. While it may be overshadowed by its more well known cousin, the…

Across Asia, red on national flags serves as a profound emblem of identity, struggle, and unity. Whether signifying the blood shed during tumultuous struggles as seen in Vietnam and Bangladesh, embodying philosophical ideals as in South Korea, or reflecting cultural heritage like in Turkey and Mongolia, red is more than a colour; it’s a narrative of endurance, hope, and collective spirit. Each flag with its scarlet hue tells a story woven into the nation’s fabric, reflecting its people’s journey through time and their aspirations for the future. CHINA China’s flag is a notable example of red’s prominence and significance. The red background represents the Communist Revolution and the blood of those who sacrificed for the nation’s past struggles. It reflects the spirit of socialist unity and the perseverance of the…

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this is a movie set. I am standing inside a dimly lit hallway, watching a scene that seems incongruous with this day and age. On a nearby wall, Buddhist prayer wheels spin to an endless stream of worshippers. Shaven-headed monks stand at a doorway, their saffron robes contrasting against the dark wooden panels of this centuries-old temple. The scent of incense hangs heavy in the air, and I watch as devotees bow to a gilded statue of the Buddha. Prayers are offered; mantras are recited. Outside, life unfolds against a stunning backdrop of terraced rice fields and distant mountains. The setting is exotic in every sense of the word. I’ve barely spent two hours in Bhutan, and already I am taken in…

In the vast tapestry of Nature, Asia has gifted the world an array of unique and vibrant fruits, particularly those in shades of red. These scarlet-hued gems, packed with flavour and nutrients, not only add a burst of colour to your plate but also carry valuable health benefits. From antioxidant-rich goji berries to the exotic dragon fruit, let’s explore some of the most popular red fruits from Asia and discover why they should be part of your diet. GOJI BERRIES (Lycium Barbarum and Lycium Chinense) Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small, bright red fruits that have been cherished in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. They are particularly revered for their ability to improve vitality, boost immune function, and promote longevity. One of the standout features of…

HANOI, VIETNAM Every year, billions of incense sticks are produced by small, family-owned businesses across Vietnam. Entire villages may work for up to 15 hours a day, fashioning the bamboo sticks, adding the incense paste, and packaging the finished products. The sticks begin life as thick bamboo that is sliced, ground and smoothed to the proper dimensions. Before adding the paste – each family has its own recipe, which is a closely guarded secret – bundles of sticks are repeatedly dipped into dye, removed, and dried in the sun in vast fields of incense stick “bouquets”. The sticks must be completely dry before they are dyed again, and it takes multiple repetitions to get the colour just right, so the whole process can take several days. DID YOU KNOW? Incense…

Curry. The word itself conjures up images of simmering pots, rich with fragrant spices and deep, savoury flavours. But what is curry, really? For many, curry is synonymous with the fiery, turmeric-coloured dishes of Indian cuisine, while for others, it may evoke the creamy, coconut-laced curries of Thailand, the aromatic rendangs of Indonesia, or the hearty katsu curries of Japan. This versatile dish, with its rich history and countless variations, is a testament to how food adapts and evolves across borders and cultures. Defining Curry At its most basic, “curry” is used to describe a spiced sauce or gravy-based dish. However, the term itself can be misleading because the concept of curry is highly variable. The word “curry” is believed to have originated from the Tamil word kari, meaning sauce…

Tears of longing still fall like love’s red beans from my bleeding heart.Forever blooming, spring willows and flowers fill the painted house.After dusk, the wind and rain lash the screenAnd break my troubled sleep.I cannot forget new worries and old sorrows.I cannot swallow the jade-like rice and golden wine;My throat choked with tears.I see my wan reflection in the ornate mirror.My frowning brow.I endure hours of darkness marked out by the water clock.Ah! My sorrow is like the misty blue mountains,It flows like the endless green river. Hóng Dòu Cí is a traditional Chinese song derived from Dream of the Red Chamber (Hóng lóu Mèng, 紅樓夢) by CAO XUEQIN (1710–1765), a Chinese novelist and poet during the Qing dynasty. One of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, Dream…