The Streets of Rangoon, Burma...

Burma is a very unique Asian Country. on the western side of Thailand facing India--Myanmar/Burma is a beautiful country that lives in the shadow of a repressive military government. Driving around the streets of Yangon/Rangoon ones quickly sees that results of a minimalist economy and people that live with infrastructure and buildings that are very old indeed. In 3 days, I saw hundreds if not thousands of vehicles...yet only 2 or 3 were near being "new". Often the taxis are falling apart whose inside door panels have worn off. Yet, this very buddhist country is pround of its heritage and past. The Shwedagon Pagoda looms big over the city and is the most holy of buddhist shrines in all of Myanmar. Buddhist monks claim it is 2500 years old; however most archaeologists claims it was built in the 6th century. the 321 ediface is awesome in many respects. Upon visiting the pagoda grounds--(in barefeet), on quickly realizes this is a very active place of worship for thousands and is home to virtually 100's of buddhas! In other ways, Rangoon is a very beautiful place filled with the traditions of the burmese people--from daily walking and running around the Kandawghi Lake bridge, practicing tai chi on the shorline in groups, to selling their wares on the streets of the city. It truly is another world away. A good reminder that the Western world is in the minority on earth today. ~Doug Horchak