Hidden gem
A visit to Ubon Ratchathani opens Dr Nagaletchimee Annamalai’s eyes to its beauty
AFTER weeks of anticipation I finally arrived at Ubon Ratchathani International Airport, the getaway of the royal lotus city which is on the Mun River in the southeast of the Isan region of Thailand, northeast of Bangkok.
It was the monsoon season and I was welcomed by the rain and cool temperature. But it couldn’t match the warmness and hospitality of my friend Dr Nipawan Pongrom and my alumni students.
From the airport, Nipawan took me to dinner at a unique cafe with interesting surprises. The striking modern design cafe has a cosy and elegant style with lots of nooks and corners to explore.
PURR-FECT SURPRISE
There was a corner dedicated for cats. The corner is set with cat houses and toys. There’s unlimited playtime with the cats. I have never been exposed to cafes with corners for cats in Malaysia.
If you are not in for its food and coffees, you will be there for the cats. For this reason the cafe is often flocked with students from the nearby university.
Some of the cats will be sleeping quietly while others will be lying and waiting for customers’ attention. Although pet cafes are nothing new in Singapore and Bangkok, for me it was a new experience. The furry cuteness is definitely a marketing strategy.
The proprietor of the cafe has created a wonderful environment for the cats with little houses for them. The cats’ corner is kept at bay from the cafe tables by an enclosure.
The cafe is carefully decorated with great indoor decorative items to create a spacious feeling. The traditional and quirky lamps, the manicured garden and plants add vigour and vibrance to the place.
As the day got dark the place gave off a soothing and romantic atmosphere as the lighted lamps magnified the name of the cafe — Farm Sweet.
I must say I was blown away by the variety
of food from western dishes to tomyam. The tomyam didn’t live up with its sweetness but it gave me a satisfying spiciness which matches that of sambal belacan. This cafe is obviously a standout in Ubon Ratchachani.
WARM HOSPITALITY
The next day was my visit to the Ubon Rathachani University. Basically, Ubon Ratchathani city prides itself on being an educational hub that offers a number of universities and colleges.
The Ubon Ratchathani University is set in a rural setting and spaciously laid out. It is a leading university in the Greater Mekong Region, producing graduates of high quality, and creating knowledge and innovation for a sustainable society. The university has 10 faculties, one college and another campus in Mukdahan, offering a number of bachelor, master and doctoral programmes.
As I was walking into the science faculty I realised that all the staff and lecturers were clad in black.
Upon further investigation, I was informed that the staff were mourning the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After 70 years on the throne, the world’s longest reigning monarch played an inconspicuous political role and contributed greatly to his country’s stability and unity.
The king’s rich legacy nourished areas related to farming, public health and traffic alleviation. The king is a beloved father figure who has gained respect and will be mourned for a year from Oct 14 2016.
In fact many shops and markets were filled with black clothing for sale. Those who wearcoloured clothes are encouraged to pin a black ribbon on their shirts to separate them from the students.
As I walked into the faculty, I watched the way the students showed their respect to their lecturers. Their reverence for their lecturers was mindblowing and humbled me.
They were always ready with their greetings and bowing gesture. Smiles were permanently pasted on the faces of the staff at Ubon Ubon Ratchathani University. I felt good to be a visiting lecturer at this university.
It made me realise the nobility of my vocation as I completed my mission here. While I was here to impart knowledge, the people of Thailand taught me greater knowledge about the sanctity of knowledge and respect for life.
But personally, the beauty of Ubon Ratchathani was beautifully summed up by my friend Nipawan.