BURMA ON ZOOM
Poor Burma! The country was full of natural resources and promise after gaining independence in 1948, but decades of repressive military rule left it isolated and impoverished. After gaining a measure of democracy, Burma (named Myanmar by the military regime) was welcomed back to the international community, only to be shunned after its brutal expulsion of the Rohingya people.
But there is more to Burma: Glittering gold statues of Buddha, a town of 3,000 ancient temples and pagodas that rivals Angkor Wat, friendly, welcoming people. East Falls resident Roger Marsh will talk about his 10-day tour by boat down the Irrawaddy River, visiting famous sites as well as small towns seldom seen by foreign tourists, where villagers opened their homes and shops to us. It wasn’t all sightseeing. Our guide shared his remarkably frank views of Burma’s history and current challenges.