Min-ga-la-ba Myanmar
I have long wanted to travel to Myanmar. Previously known as Burma, the country has had a troubled history and the population has spent many years under military rule.
Between the Bay of Bengal and Indochina, Myanmar is a country whose land is divided among many ethnic groups spread over territories that are all independent states. Chin, Shan, Kachin, Rakhin, Karen, Mon and others that are dissolved in the jungles of the north to the border with India and the east, between China and Thailand.
Myanmar has a proud cultural history which is very old and significant. In Myanmar, religion and culture are central to the way of life, with at least 90% of the population stating their religion as Buddhism. The soul of this nation is steeped in Buddhism that makes these people patient and persevering. Many people are very poor. Farming is the dominant way of supporting the families. Despite the poverty levels, most people seem remarkably content with their lives, willing to share what little they have. Their generous hospitality towards strangers is expressed as “Min-ga-la-ba” – which means “may auspiciousness be upon you” or “Hello” or an offer to share their meager meal with us.
Myanmar is changing rapidly. Since the West lifted its long-standing economic sanctions, investment has been pouring into Myanmar. There are signs in Yangon announcing new department stores and condos. Huge billboards advertise skin whiteners and western designer clothes. There are many expensive cars clogging the roads. It is too soon to predict what Myanmar will be like in some years. But what is already clear is that it will be different from its past and from its present.
Min-ga-la-ba Myanmar
I have long wanted to travel to Myanmar. Previously known as Burma, the country has had a troubled history and the population has spent many years under military rule.
Between the Bay of Bengal and Indochina, Myanmar is a country whose land is divided among many ethnic groups spread over territories that are all independent states. Chin, Shan, Kachin, Rakhin, Karen, Mon and others that are dissolved in the jungles of the north to the border with India and the east, between China and Thailand.
Myanmar has a proud cultural history which is very old and significant. In Myanmar, religion and culture are central to the way of life, with at least 90% of the population stating their religion as Buddhism. The soul of this nation is steeped in Buddhism that makes these people patient and persevering. Many people are very poor. Farming is the dominant way of supporting the families. Despite the poverty levels, most people seem remarkably content with their lives, willing to share what little they have. Their generous hospitality towards strangers is expressed as “Min-ga-la-ba” – which means “may auspiciousness be upon you” or “Hello” or an offer to share their meager meal with us.
Myanmar is changing rapidly. Since the West lifted its long-standing economic sanctions, investment has been pouring into Myanmar. There are signs in Yangon announcing new department stores and condos. Huge billboards advertise skin whiteners and western designer clothes. There are many expensive cars clogging the roads. It is too soon to predict what Myanmar will be like in some years. But what is already clear is that it will be different from its past and from its present.
