Remembering a loved one, through food

A monk from the local monastery preached to the family and recited Pali verses.
Today, my family held the annual memorial gathering (yet le) to observe the date of my grandmother’s passing 9 years ago. The yet le is either held at the local monastery or at one of my grandfather’s children’s houses (he has 7 [...]

Customs at Customs

Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei offers a far different experience from Mingaladon International Airport, Yangon.
Those who live or have been to Burma may relate to my experience at Yangon’s airport. As many know, Mingaladon International Airport is not the most advanced airport, a major drift from Taipei’s Taoyuan International Aiport. Bribery and corruption are rampant in [...]

Busy

I have been busy helping out with preparations for a memorial gathering for my grandmother’s death (she died in 1998), which explains why I have not been able to update much this weekend. The memorial gathering (yet-le) will be held tomorrow–I’ll write and post pictures of the food.

Ponna Yi Ka

Part 1 of 20, Ponna Yi Ka (rest available here)
I watched a Burmese movie named Ponna Yi Ka (Pali for Ponna yeik, or “white lotus” today on Youtube. The movie stars Htun Eindra Bo, who plays Ma Thet Shay, whose name literally means “long life”. The storyline is set in colonial Burma (not entirely [...]

Food from Burma

My aunt and uncle returned from Burma today, bringing with them pounds and pounds of Burmese delectables from friends and relatives living in Burma. My mother got her share of goods and letters from her friends and family. I cannot wait to enjoy all of this, including the la phet (pickled tea leaves) and zi [...]

“The Lady” is a tax evader

Aung San Suu Kyi speaks at a rally in Arakan State
According to the Burmese government, Aung San Suu Kyi is a tax evader. The state-run newspaper The New Light of Myanmar, according to New York Times, stated that Aung San Suu Kyi had evaded taxes for the millions of dollars she has received for her [...]

Condemning the UNSC resolution, updated

The New Light of Myanmar has published 17 articles 25 articles 36 articles of Burmese organizations condemning the UN Security Council resolution on Burma since the resolution was vetoed last week. The New Light is published by the Ministry of Information, headed by Brigadier-General Kyaw Hsan. The following is a list of Burmese groups and [...]