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BURMA
SE Asia 2004 (part IV)
Alex Mumzhiu2006-03-22 19:12:23
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their distinct uniforms. It is like being in a masquerade ball. The Muslims of different denominations are distinguished by the color of their skullcaps. The Buddhist monks wear orange robes. And there are all sorts of minorities, Mon, Chin, Kayah, Achin, Shan, Kayin and so on. You may create a word from three or four letters and it will be the name of Burmese minority.
Unlike many other places in the world, I did not notice any hostility between them. It was like in the Biblical Eden, where all sorts of animals live peacefully together. It was probably the side effect of military dictatorship. In dictatorial states people are united against oppressive government and do not have energy left to fight each other. Also, like in former Soviet Union, the government probably suppress uncontrolled nationalistic sentiments.
In this sense the freedom and democracy bring a lot of problems along with them. You may recollect what happened with former Yugoslavia after bloody dictator Tito died. Unfortunately first purpose the people use freedom for, is to get to each other throat.
It is different sort of outdoor cafes in Rangoon. In one of them, populated mostly by Muslims they drink some kind of white liquid. I ordered that (I did know what), it was kind of yogurt.
People are extremely friendly to foreigners, like nowhere else. They greet you and ask questions. This is genuine interest, they do not try to sell you something after. It is similar to what used to be in the Soviet Union, where people expressed genuine interest and sympathy to these brave foreigners who broke through the iron curtain.
Except for Rangoon I visited Mandalay and Bagan, a must to visit places on every Burma visitor's list.
This story happened to me again and again. When I visit these famous (recommended) places especially with good tourist infrastructure, handicap access, information kiosks and stuff like this, I cannot get rid
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See photographs from:
Burma (Myanmar) Gallery
