I realize I didn't really mention much about the history or current political status of Burma so here goes a little of what I learned.
In the 1800′s, the country was invaded by the British and eventually stripped of all it’s natural resources and exports, until one brave General in the Burmese Army stood up for his country and helped regain independence from the British (only to be assassinated for his efforts soon after); so while the local people assumed life would improve under Burmese military rule, it actually worsened horribly and they were forced to “put up and shut up” with how their own government robbed, jailed and killed them – until the brave General’s daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, stood in her father’s shoes and has spent her entire life fighting for her country (of which she has spent almost 20 years under house-arrest for daring to oppose the government). The Burmese military government have run their country into the ground, and refuse to allow the outside world to know the truth about how they are running the country. The people are lied to, and killed for even speaking badly about the government, let alone daring to do something about it.
But despite all these hardships, the local people are still smiling – and singing, always singing. And not that quiet, under your breath when nobody is nearby singing, I’m talking full heart-and-soul effort into each word of their chosen love song, all the time, and it's so beautiful to witness.
Everyday I was blown away by their genuine kindness. No matter how hard life is and has been, they still believe in honesty and generosity to those around them. I only wish more of the world was just like them.
In the 1800′s, the country was invaded by the British and eventually stripped of all it’s natural resources and exports, until one brave General in the Burmese Army stood up for his country and helped regain independence from the British (only to be assassinated for his efforts soon after); so while the local people assumed life would improve under Burmese military rule, it actually worsened horribly and they were forced to “put up and shut up” with how their own government robbed, jailed and killed them – until the brave General’s daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, stood in her father’s shoes and has spent her entire life fighting for her country (of which she has spent almost 20 years under house-arrest for daring to oppose the government). The Burmese military government have run their country into the ground, and refuse to allow the outside world to know the truth about how they are running the country. The people are lied to, and killed for even speaking badly about the government, let alone daring to do something about it.
But despite all these hardships, the local people are still smiling – and singing, always singing. And not that quiet, under your breath when nobody is nearby singing, I’m talking full heart-and-soul effort into each word of their chosen love song, all the time, and it's so beautiful to witness.
Everyday I was blown away by their genuine kindness. No matter how hard life is and has been, they still believe in honesty and generosity to those around them. I only wish more of the world was just like them.
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| This man walked with me around the pagoda telling me the best spots for photos then he gave me a leaf from the Buddha tree which will bring me good health |
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