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Recently returned from three weeks in Myanmar (or Burma, as the British government still insists on calling it). A joyous experience, but one which still leaves me uncertain as to the country's future. Whilst there have certainly been some limited signs of an opening up and a relaxation in certain of the restrictions placed upon the people, including the welcome recent release of a small number of political prisoners, it's far from evident that this extends to some of the more underlying issues.
That there is now open dissent visible on the streets is undeniable - from the posters of Aung San Suu Ky being sold on every streeet corner in Yangon to the Art of Freeedom festival presenting dissident films - but it yet to be determined whether this is a superficial act on the part of the ruling USDP to achieve the raising of sanctions or a more meaningful change in the way the country is governed. And for whom it is governed.
Sadly, much of the country remains out of bounds to foreigners (unless facilitated by expensive government operated tours), however, where ever I travelled I found a beautiful country with warm and generous people eager to invite you into their lives. And, indeed, full of hope.
Burmese Days
Recently returned from three weeks in Myanmar (or Burma, as the British government still insists on calling it). A joyous experience, but one which still leaves me uncertain as to the country's future. Whilst there have certainly been some limited signs of an opening up and a relaxation in certain of the restrictions placed upon the people, including the welcome recent release of a small number of political prisoners, it's far from evident that this extends to some of the more underlying issues.
That there is now open dissent visible on the streets is undeniable - from the posters of Aung San Suu Ky being sold on every streeet corner in Yangon to the Art of Freeedom festival presenting dissident films - but it yet to be determined whether this is a superficial act on the part of the ruling USDP to achieve the raising of sanctions or a more meaningful change in the way the country is governed. And for whom it is governed.
Sadly, much of the country remains out of bounds to foreigners (unless facilitated by expensive government operated tours), however, where ever I travelled I found a beautiful country with warm and generous people eager to invite you into their lives. And, indeed, full of hope.
Burmese Days
That there is now open dissent visible on the streets is undeniable - from the posters of Aung San Suu Ky being sold on every streeet corner in Yangon to the Art of Freeedom festival presenting dissident films - but it yet to be determined whether this is a superficial act on the part of the ruling USDP to achieve the raising of sanctions or a more meaningful change in the way the country is governed. And for whom it is governed.
Sadly, much of the country remains out of bounds to foreigners (unless facilitated by expensive government operated tours), however, where ever I travelled I found a beautiful country with warm and generous people eager to invite you into their lives. And, indeed, full of hope.
Burmese Days