Author Inspiration & Insight
My novels Beauty Beneath the Banyan (BBTB) and Tears from the Sea (TFTS) were inspired from my travels through Southeast Asia. When I came home from my adventure and sat down to write, my travel diary and pictures were an integral part of my writing process. They helped me describe the places I'd visited and recall interactions with people I met along the way. Below you'll find some of the pictures that ignited my imagination and, I've thrown in some... 'just because' they make me smile.
Beauty Beneath the Banyan (BBTB)
Sunsets & 'Just Because' Shots
One of my favourite things to do after a jam-packed day of sightseeing, was to make sure I had myself positioned for an optimal view of the sunset. When I was in Northern Laos, I was fascinated that I could sit on one side of the Mekong River and see Thailand on the other side.
For the Hmong hilltribe who fought against the Viet Cong, when the Vietnam War ended and their US allies pulled out many crossed the Mekong in search of refuge in Thailand—just as Bao’s Grandmother did in BBTB. For the non-swimming hilltribe people, this crossing was no easy feat especially during the monsoon season with gun shots ricocheting all around them.
Just because it's beautiful, more landscape shots of picturesque Laos and the Mekong River Delta in South Vietnam.
For the Hmong hilltribe who fought against the Viet Cong, when the Vietnam War ended and their US allies pulled out many crossed the Mekong in search of refuge in Thailand—just as Bao’s Grandmother did in BBTB. For the non-swimming hilltribe people, this crossing was no easy feat especially during the monsoon season with gun shots ricocheting all around them.
Just because it's beautiful, more landscape shots of picturesque Laos and the Mekong River Delta in South Vietnam.
The Locals & The Monks
Travel is all about the encounters with people, so I’ve included some people pictures from Laos and Vietnam. In my novel, I wrote about the children at Siem Reap, Cambodia (by Arunny's family restaurant) who engage the tourists in a game…Where you from? I know the capital of your country? to earn money. Why???? do I not have a picture of this…ahhh!
And, then there's the monks. I don’t know what it is…but I AM FASCINATED by monks so much so one of the narrators in BBTB is a monk. If you'd like to read more about this fascination, in my blog, I write about a special encounter I had with a monk in Laos.
And, then there's the monks. I don’t know what it is…but I AM FASCINATED by monks so much so one of the narrators in BBTB is a monk. If you'd like to read more about this fascination, in my blog, I write about a special encounter I had with a monk in Laos.
The Trail, Traffic & More 'Just Because'
I debated about putting this picture in because it's SO unflattering of me--you'll know which one I'm referring to as soon as you see it. But...I wanted to show you how tiny one of the entrances into the Ho Chi Minh trail is so I put it in anyway. (Ho Chi Minh Trail is an elaborate trail that snakes through the mountains and jungle. It was pivotal during the Vietnam War for moving the Viet Cong and supplies from the North into South Vietnam).
Another just because—anyone who has toured Asia will tell you the motorcycle traffic is something else. Can you believe it?! I was terrified crossing the street in Vietnam. How did I do it? I found an old lady and crossed with her (seriously, 100% true and happened on more than once occasion).
The War was not confined to Vietnam; it’s impact spilled into neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. When I travelled, through Cambodia I went to The Killing Fields. The Memorial Choeung Ek stupa is filled with the skulls of people who were killed by the Khmer Rouge.
The building (S21) was a high school turned prison where many Cambodians were tortured by the Khmer Rouge. In the last picture, look for the indents in the ground—these are mass graves at the Fields.
Visiting these places was very emotional. You can still feel the heaviness in the air from all the ugly that occurred during the Khmer Rouge’s Reign of Terror. Prior to this trip, I didn't know a lot about the Reign of Terror—it's one of the largest genocides to ever occur—this served as inspiration for writing the novel.
Another just because—anyone who has toured Asia will tell you the motorcycle traffic is something else. Can you believe it?! I was terrified crossing the street in Vietnam. How did I do it? I found an old lady and crossed with her (seriously, 100% true and happened on more than once occasion).
The War was not confined to Vietnam; it’s impact spilled into neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. When I travelled, through Cambodia I went to The Killing Fields. The Memorial Choeung Ek stupa is filled with the skulls of people who were killed by the Khmer Rouge.
The building (S21) was a high school turned prison where many Cambodians were tortured by the Khmer Rouge. In the last picture, look for the indents in the ground—these are mass graves at the Fields.
Visiting these places was very emotional. You can still feel the heaviness in the air from all the ugly that occurred during the Khmer Rouge’s Reign of Terror. Prior to this trip, I didn't know a lot about the Reign of Terror—it's one of the largest genocides to ever occur—this served as inspiration for writing the novel.
The Last 'Just Becauses'
The Pak Ou Caves overlooks the Mekong River near Luang Prabang, Laos. I LOVED this sacred cave where over 4,000 Buddhas live. It’s places such as this that send my imagination in overdrive.
Because the title of the novel is Beauty Beneath the Banyan—here’s me and a banyan.
Because the title of the novel is Beauty Beneath the Banyan—here’s me and a banyan.
The Pictures that Inspired Tears from the Sea (TFTS)
The Incredible Beaches & Betel
The beach pictures were taken on Tioman Island, in Malaysia. I went to an isolated section called Nipah (only 3 tourist huts). I was amazed by the raw beauty of the landscape. The dense jungle stopped abruptly at the beach and the buzz of cicadas leapt out to greet me. As I walked, curious monkeys swung vine to vine in pursuit.
When writing about Alia's time on the deserted island, my experience in this underdeveloped paradise assisted me both the imagery and the loneliness she would have felt.
This is a portable betel street stall located in Yangon, Myanmar. Betel is a mild stimulant. A betel nut is wrapped in betel leaves and chewed. For added flavour lime, clove or cardamom can be added. Regular chewing stains the lips and tongue a deep orange. I didn't like the taste! But I was more afraid of how my parents would respond—after all that investment in my smile—if I returned to Canada with a bright orange mouth.
When writing about Alia's time on the deserted island, my experience in this underdeveloped paradise assisted me both the imagery and the loneliness she would have felt.
This is a portable betel street stall located in Yangon, Myanmar. Betel is a mild stimulant. A betel nut is wrapped in betel leaves and chewed. For added flavour lime, clove or cardamom can be added. Regular chewing stains the lips and tongue a deep orange. I didn't like the taste! But I was more afraid of how my parents would respond—after all that investment in my smile—if I returned to Canada with a bright orange mouth.
It's All About the People
When I was in Mandalay, Myanmar I had a cyclone driver, whom I adored—I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of him. When he was a teenager his father told him he could only have one vice. He had to choose between smoking or chewing betel. When he shared this story, it was with eyes shining and an endearing bright orange grin. Alia's father gave her older brother Tok the same choice—he chose smoking.
While trekking in Kalaw, Myanmar we encountered women on their way home from the market and I was in awe by how easily they navigated the winding roads with their large woven baskets. (No doubt I'd teeter over). In the novel, Alia's friend Akha told her about a woman from her village who used one of these baskets to forage in the jungle. BTW...The markets were brimming with fresh produce and more chilies than you'd ever dare to eat!
I was captivated by Myanmar. My love and enthusiasm for this country and its people is revealed through Dr. Howard when he reiterated his favourite memories about Myanmar to Alia...a farmer and ox working in the field, men fishing with the aid of their feet, a couple travelling by cart through the countryside, cyclists in Bagan and a field full of soccer playing monks whose shed robes and flip-flops rested on the sidelines...these images still fill my head.
While trekking in Kalaw, Myanmar we encountered women on their way home from the market and I was in awe by how easily they navigated the winding roads with their large woven baskets. (No doubt I'd teeter over). In the novel, Alia's friend Akha told her about a woman from her village who used one of these baskets to forage in the jungle. BTW...The markets were brimming with fresh produce and more chilies than you'd ever dare to eat!
I was captivated by Myanmar. My love and enthusiasm for this country and its people is revealed through Dr. Howard when he reiterated his favourite memories about Myanmar to Alia...a farmer and ox working in the field, men fishing with the aid of their feet, a couple travelling by cart through the countryside, cyclists in Bagan and a field full of soccer playing monks whose shed robes and flip-flops rested on the sidelines...these images still fill my head.
