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Welcome to Mekong 08
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Mekong Naga Expedition 2008 (MNE08) Is the brainchild. of Jan and Jackie C.
It started with a conversation about wanting to do an alternative holiday, One combining exploring, with a cause. And after discussing this, decided on the "Land Mines and UXO (Unexploded Ordiance)" issue, As it is still a major factor in the "Killing and Maiming" of civilian life and livestock, in South East Asia.
So the idea of doing the Mekong from Laos to Saigon ( Ho Chi Min ) was born.
  
Jan " Giac Tri " with Buddhist Arahat
  
Linh Son Tu Temple London
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About the Barge
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We contacted a Maldivian boat builder, Based in Bali, Indonesia, Mr Abdullah Saheem, "( With his experience in building Phinisi Schooners)", to come up with a suitable non motorized craft, based on the traditional rice barges of Kerala India. The emphasis on ecologically sustainable materials used in construction. The trip will be done as much and as possible utilizing the natural flow of the Mekong River. And we will start the Expedition on the Mekong in Laos and its contributories, by Zodiac Rib, and the Houseboat/Barge on the last leg of the journey from Cambodia to South China Sea.
We contacted Samudra shipyard in Kerala, India. www.samudrashipyard.com Who has the perfect vessel design for this purpose. And we will utilize Saheems skills to build and finish the Barge upon arrival in Cambodia, working with local craftsmen to finish the deck house with its zero carbon impact solar panels and it's luxuriously "interior designed" layout, keeping in the traditional design, without losing the Kerala Backwater feel, which has made these barges so famous.
The Luxury House on Water -
The Houseboat-Barge Design will be in form of a Kettuvallam. A traditional Indian, Kerala Canal Rice Barge, The large traditional ricebarge will be converted into a luxury houseboat. The boat will be 27 metre long, with Three (3) Bedrooms and Two (2) Bathrooms, a Living room, Dining room, Kitchenette, and a Open Deck lounge, The houseboats is powered by a small inboard diesel/biofuel engine, allowing the Kettuvallam to cruise comfortably along the backwaters. see link to Samudra Shipyard above.
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The Purpose
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We want to be able to offer both financial and manpower assistance in educational and rehabilitation projects, And to instigate school friendship programs such as "Adopt & Sponsor a Local School", with Schools in Scandinavia and Europe, to further add assistance to rural educational school projects in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
During the journey we will explore the Sights and Sounds of The Mighty Mekong, and look at the way of life for all those who live and make a living along the river, discover the folklore and cultures of past and present.
The Journey will highlight the plight of the victims of landmines and create awareness of the aftermath of landmines on the civilian population, and their countries as a whole. We will also look at the ecological issues relating to the Mekong river system.
When the War is Over, The Landmines keeps KILLING
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