Southeast Asia

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. South East Asia is a fascinating, atmospheric and exotic world full of unspoiled nature and cultural treasures and a region in which both past and present live side by side and unite in a wonderful way. Myanmar, The Land Of Golden Pagodas: for decades the rulers of what was once known as Burma closed the country's doors to the outside world and many of its fine religious sanctuaries were badly neglected but they have now gradually been given the respect that they deserve. Inlay Lake is home to the Inthas, one of the many tribes that came to Myanmar from various of South East Asia's neighbouring countries. Throughout the area are the floating plantations of the Inthas on which tomatoes, cucumbers and beans are cultivated. A journey on the Shan State Express provides passengers with a fascinating insight into the life of the Shan people whose lives are dominated by agriculture. The north west of Myanmar is known for its many splendid sacred buildings such as Mingun's Hsinbyume Pagoda that was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It was constructed according to the architectural rules of Hindu Buddhist cosmology and symbolizes the World Mountain of Meru.. One of Taiwan's most important centres of arts and crafts is located in the west of the island, Lukang, an ancient and idyllic town full of age-old traditions whose large number of beautiful temples is most impressive. In Cambodia and around forty kilometres north of Phnom Penh is the former capital city of Udong. Today only the remains of the city's former splendid buildings indicate that it was the last centre of Angkor's power with hundreds of dwellings and temples. The ruins of Ayutthaya indicate the impressive dimensions of the former capital of ancient Thailand and one of the mightiest royal cities in South East Asia.

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia form the geographical and cultural region of Indochina, a word created at the beginning of the nineteenth century to highlight the influence of China and India on this part of South East Asia. Due to its magnificent natural landscapes and variety of historic sanctuaries Vietnam is one of the most interesting counties in Asia and despite its three million inhabitants the capital city of Hanoi has a relatively calm, old fashioned and provincial atmosphere. South of Hanoi in the Gulf of Tongking the delta region of the Song Hong extends into one of the most beautiful natural miracles in the world, Ha Long Bay in which both small traditional fishing boats and pleasure boats move between its sixteen hundred islands. Economically, Cambodia is a third world country but its many cultural treasures indicate its rich history. The country's most famous sanctuary is Angkor Wat which measuring a thousand metres long and eight hundred metres wide is the largest sacred building in the world. In Laos that unlike Cambodia has no access to the sea, time seems to have stood still. With picturesque karst covered mountains as a backdrop the small town of Vang Vieng enjoys a beautiful location and has developed into a popular tourist destination especially with backpackers from all over the world who are in search of adventure. The Khmu Tribe is one of Laos' primeval peoples that is the largest sub-group of the Lao Theung tribes that earn their living mainly in agriculture by the planting of rice and coffee as well as through animal breeding and hunting. Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia: three neighbouring countries that form one of the most fascinating cultural areas in the world. Exotic gems with a dramatic history!

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Even though the Mekong originates in the Tibetan Highlands and flows through China, its true source lies within South East Asia, in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, fascinating countries whose inhabitants can look back proudly on both a colourful and glorious past. Around thirty five kilometres from the capital of Pnohm Penh the jungle temple of Ta Prohm is a unique combination of both nature and culture. Colossal feigen, banyan and kapok trees cover the splendid temple site and their huge roots intermingle with the ruins and thus give the sanctuary a magical atmosphere. Most of the country's traditional dances date back to the Angkor Period. The dancers of the classical and extremely complex Apsara dance once enjoyed great respect and were given the status of divine beings and they were considered to be mediators between Heaven and Earth. For many centuries the Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia, was a vital source of water for around ten per cent of Cambodia's population. It is also of great importance for wildlife. Innumerable villages and houseboats fill the Tonle Sap with life. Furthermore, the extraordinary biodiversity of the indigenous bird population is truly remarkable. The lake, and particularly the bird reserve at Prek Toal, are a true paradise for ornithologists. Over four hundred Buddhist temples are to be found in Bangkok. One of the most important is the magnificently designed Wat Phra Kaeo that, in addition to many other valuable treasures, also contains the Emerald Buddha. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is an exceptionally beautiful city with many lakes and parks. Despite its three and a half million inhabitants Hanoi is a relatively easy-going city. It boasts an amazing number of beautiful and historic monuments. The Mekong is a unique habitat that comprises some of the most impressive countries in South East Asia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, countries whose fascinating cultures are both historic and enchantingly exotic.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. The Shan State Express is the sonorous name of a unique train that travels to the north of Myanmar and to the legendary kingdom of the Shan. It passes through some of the most splendid scenery in South East Asia. We begin in the famous city of Mandalay that has a population of around a million and is a centre of Burmese art.Mandalay was founded around 150 years ago and is therefore a relatively young metropolis.It owes its existence to an outstanding monarch, King Mindon who, wishing to escape from his kingdom's turbulent past, had a brand new royal city built. The journey on the Shan State Express begins early in the morning in Mandalay Train Station.Immediately after leaving the city we encounter wonderful scenery that is strongly influenced by a remarkable backdrop of mountains and unspoiled Nature.The railroad travels in a zigzag up the mountains which enables it to negotiate severe slopes that would otherwise be impossible for it to climb vertically. With the arrival of the railroad an increasing number of small farming villages developed most of which were populated by the Shan.Accounting for around 8.5 percent of the total population, the Shan are the largest ethnic minority in Myanmar.Their culture has been a major contribution to the historical development of South East Asia. At numerous railway stations Westerners are sometimes a little wary of the various snacks on offer.When a tempting skewer of food suddenly turns out to be a grilled locust the appetite can sometimes disappear within seconds! The continuing journey on the Shan State Express travels once more into the countryside.Picturesque hills line the route that is close to a famous militarily name, the Burma Road. The Shan State is truly one of the most colourful areas in South East Asia.Due to the extended train route from Mandalay to Lashio the time is hopefully not far away when the poverty of this region will be replaced by a new era of well deserved prosperity.

"Burma: Triumph of the Spirit". From the stunning Schwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon to the haunting landscape of Bagan, where more than 2,500 pagodas lie in ruin, Burma is a land of beauty and devotion. Despite decades of a harsh military rule, the spiritual life of the Burmese endures, as do centuries-old-temples that cover the landscape. Followers provide daily offerings to thousands of Buddhist monks in Burma. These selfless acts of giving are one of the main tenets of Buddhism. Quiet devotion is an enduring way of life in the reclusive nation of Burma. "Jerusalem: Mosaic of Faith". Although Jerusalem may be a city of conflict, it is also the home of intense spiritual faith for three religions. It is considered a holy land by Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Torn down and rebuilt countless times in the name of God, Allah, and Yahweh, Jerusalem: Mosaic of Faith, chronicles this divided city. This episode explores each religion's claims on this ancient city of faith. 55 minutes.

2-Volume Set. Martin Sheen narrates this 2-volume collection with a tour of Vietnam, Burma and Cambodia that focuses on the history and culture of these ancient, enduring civilizations and their developing state today. Although reminders of war are still evident, this is a story about the people, their culture, history, heritage and desire to move forward. Titles include: AWAKENING VIETNAM, EMERGING BURMA, and CAMBODIA. 60 minutes on each cassette.

2-Volume Set. Martin Sheen narrates this 2-volume collection with a tour of Vietnam, Burma and Cambodia that focuses on the history and culture of these ancient, enduring civilizations and their developing state today. Although reminders of war are still evident, this is a story about the people, their culture, history, heritage and desire to move forward. Titles include: AWAKENING VIETNAM, EMERGING BURMA, and CAMBODIA. 60 minutes.