Back from Myanmar -- Ying's Forum

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Date Posted: Sun 23/02/03 21:40:05
Author: Simba Chan (Chan Sing Yin)
Author Host/IP: dutokyo117.urban.ne.jp / 210.134.133.117
Subject: Back from Myanmar

Have just come back to Tokyo 10days ago, after traveling for four weeks in Myanmar (for the naive, egocentric and die-hard conservatives like many US citizens, Burma). Went to the Kachin State in the north, and surveyed along the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River for a few week. Camping on the sandbanks of the Ayeyarwady was quite an experience, and the scenery was beautiful: big pagodas along the river soaked in golden sunset, and rows of cranes and geese flew over - this 'homecoming' to their night roosts did not cease after dark as their call could still be heard.

Along the river, people living in the villages are apparently living the same style as 100 years before. I was reading a book on traveling in Myanmar in the early 20th century and found many of its descriptions were exactly the same things in front of my eyes. The only new additions to their life seemed to be just a few more electricity generators, motors, and karaoke.

No, I am not saying that those people should feel sad because they live in such a 'backward' society. They were very cheerful. I am sure they live a much happier life than many of us.

I was in Bhamo on the Lunar New Year Day. Firecrackers were heard because some Chinese lived there. In fact it is not far from Yunnan. Bhamo is one of the towns on the old 'Burma Road' built during World War II. It is only a few hours' drive to the Chinese border.

I made a brief stop-over in Bangkok on 10 February and had beer with Tsui Pak-char. Tsui Pak is still very cheerful and has good sense of humor.

Well, we have not changed much after all.

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