I am in Yangon visitng sites and organizations. We landed two days ago but I feel as if I have been here for a week. We have met so many people working with local and international organizations - before and after cyclone Nargis. The people are friendly and helpful and the food here is incredible.
The country and the city was not what I had expected at all. Like many people in the U.S., we listened to the news of the cyclone and how difficult it was to work in this country. We heard about the government corruption and the difficulties international NGOs were having. But what many in the U.S. do not hear is the wonderful work some people are doing and how exciting and vibrant a place it also is for international NGOs, community based groups and organizations wanting to help the people here.
This afternoon, we went to a wonderful gallery in the middle of town. After the cylcone, many old and large trees were blown down and littered the roads. A co-operative worked with the government to create a site and hired craftsmen and master carvers to work with the fallen trees to create beautiful sculptures. The Burmese have a long history as master carvers and their skills were used to create these sculptures that will eventually be sold in an auction later this March.
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