Northern Kingdoms Poetry Journeys

Siem Reap, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Thailand,  November  2- 9, 2012.

The ancient kingdoms of Angkor and Lanna provide the perfect backdrop for the first Northern Kingdoms Poetry Journeys, a two-city, seven-day adventure of culture, workshops, readings and tributes to the written and spoken words.  Festival organiser Loven Ramos is opening his wonderful art Hotel 1961 for readings and workshops as well as lining up some stunning venues around town and among the ruins of Angkor Wat (see program at the end of this post).

 

Some of the poets attending...

Siem Reap, Cambodia schedule:

NOVEMBER 2 (FRIDAY)

11am - Brunch at Hariharalaya Retreat Center, an oasis for meditation in an old Khmer wooden house set in the middle of Rolous, the site of the first capital of the ancient Angkor empire

1 pm - Poetry and Meditation workshop by Joel Altman

3 pm - Poets in Tuktuks - a Creative Visualization workshop by Marcel Milliam

individual dinner and sightseeing

NOVEMBER 3 (SATURDAY)

9 am - Breakfast picnic at Wat Enkosa’s Ankorean ruins with spotlight on Smot, the ancient Khmer form of lyrical poetry

lunch at 1961

3 pm - Experimental Sound Poetry workshop by Jan Cornall

9 pm - poetry in motion + poetry and music + green poetry + open mic performances - all at 1961

NOVEMBER 4 (SUNDAY)

8 am - journey to Ta Prohm

10 am - Ekphrasis workshop by Ms. Marjorie Evasco at Takeo temple, an imposing Khmer pyramid originally built as a state temple but was completely abandoned because lightning hit its peak just before final decorative work was done.

lunch at Angkor Café

1 pm - Poetry by the ruins; readings at the sacred grounds of Angkor Wat led by Ms. Marjorie Evasco

4 pm - Further visits to Bayon and Baphuon temples at the Angkor Thom complex

8 pm - exhibition opening by Oun Savann and Darshana Bolt + readings by the Siem Reader + closing program + open mic performances - all at 1961

NOVEMBER 5 OR 6 - travel to Chiang Mai by land or air

Chiang Mai, Thailand schedule:

NOVEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY)
7pm - welcome cocktails

NOVEMBER 8 (THURSDAY)
10 am - Poets on tuktuks - traveling poetry sessions and paste ups around the Old City with workshop by Marcel Milliam

lunch by the Mae Ping river area (The Gallery Restaurant)
The Gallery 25-27-29 Charoen Raj Rd., Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
For reservation: Tel. 053 248 601-2

2 pm - Water and poetry - poetry release on the Ping River

9 pm - Poetry readings at the Chiang Mai Writer’s Club and Wine Bar

NOVEMBER 9 (FRIDAY)
9 am - Poetry in bloom; readings at the Royal Flora Park