Our three full days at sea were a little rough but there was lots to do - lectures and onboard entertainment. We arrived into Yangon, Myanmar amidst rain and fog. We joined an Aussie couple (Dave & Anna) for three days of guided touring in a Toyota van. Myanmar (Burma) reminded us of East Berlin before the wall came down - totally controlled by the military. The black market flourishes. Gas is sold out of old trucks. Schools are controlled by a military minister of education. TV and radio are controlled. Police everywhere! There were a lot of places where we were not allowed to take pictures.
Buddhists (pronounced Bodas) dominate. Tours all focus on Pagodas and Stupas (shrines), the grandest being the Shwedagon one, occupying about 6 city blocks with 11 tons of gold. The way to Nirvana is what they expect from the Buddhas (4 at last count). People prostrate themselves before each Buddha statue. Temples everywhere with Buddhist readings broadcast loudly in the streets. Generally we did not hear other music.
"White elephants" are their good luck charm, (spirit bears?) chained but venerated.
No comments:
Post a Comment