News on Burma
 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21556320/

What are people doing with upcoming trips? Have you been able to get visas?

These monks are the new heroes of this century IMHO. The odds of death or imprisonment are probably more than 50%. Yet they continue to forward the cause of their people.

The New York Times has had an excellent series of articles on Burma in the last few weeks. I provided a link to their story on the Moustache Brothers earlier this week.

Yes-- the NYTimes articles were very good.

BTW-- have a great trip, Kathie.

Have a ball, Kathie! I wish I were leaving so soon. I'm counting down the weeks...about 9...until I leave again. Smiles. Happy Travels!

OK, Kathie and Guen you are making me jealous! We are "stuck" here for another 6 months before we go on vacation, lol. I know you'll all have a great time as I see Kathie and C already have their first spa day lined up. I think L and I should do 2 weeks in Thailand next Nov-Dec....seems like everyone goes at that time :)

Aloha!

Thanks for the good wishes, Gloria, Guen and HT. I know we'll have a wonderful time.

HT, you anad Linda should plan for next Nov/Dec. I think the regulars here should coordinate a trip for a big GTG in Bangkok!

Yes, have a great trip Kathie. Very much looking forward to your account.
By the way, after my request for Singapore hotel advice, I was torn between your advice and that of Cicerone. So we have booked Raffles The Plazza on the way home and Intercontinental on the way out. Three nights at each and of course ten nights at 'you know where' in between.
And Burma??? Well it's just so very sad, but at least there seems to be more international concern? awareness? recognition?...just more debate...it seems. That has to be a positive.

The Wall Street Journal has also had several very informative articles including one on another Burmese comedian, Maung Thura. One of his jokes:

"George Bush, Hu Jintao [China's president] and Than Shwe [Myanmar's military leader] went to visit God," Zarganar emailed a friend at just after 9 o'clock Sept. 25, the evening before the crackdown. "Bush asked God, 'When will the U.S. become the most powerful nation in the world?' God replied, 'Not in your life,' driving Bush to tears." Mr. Hu then asked when China would become the richest nation in the world, which drew the same "not in your life" answer from God and tears from the Chinese president, Zarganar wrote.

Finally, Myanmar's ruler asked when his country would have enough water and electricity. This time it was God who broke into tears, saying, "Not in my life!"