... from Myawaddy, Burma

We walked across the “Friendship” bridge into Burma, watching boats of illegals going back and forth underneath us.

It was like crossing from the US to Mexico, only in this scenario, the US is Thailand. Burma makes Thailand look like a rich country with great infrastructure and healthy dogs.

The only really pleasurable part of the experience was in the immigration “office”, where we listened to a Brit trying to haggle with the Burmese guard on the entry fee. The Burmese immigration officials, incidentally, are the nicest of anywhere I’ve ever been, but were still unable to reduce the price. 

"You may know it better as Myanmar, but it will always be Burma to me."

 -Mr. Peterman, Seinfeld Episode "The Foundation"

... from Mae La Refugee Camp, Thailand (Part II)

Things I’ve learned about snakes:

1) To kill a snake, hit its head with a stick, then cut off the tail. The snake's life is in its tail.

2) Snake meat is the second most delicious to human meat. (I'm told.)

3) A pregnant woman can’t be hurt by a snake’s poison. If the snake bites her, it will die, because she has her own poison.

4) If you are bit by a snake, try to catch it so you can take it to the hospital. It will help the doctor to know what kind of snake bit you.  

Our house

... from Mae La Refugee Camp, Thailand

Teaching in a refugee camp, I’m quickly learning that my job entails more than just traditional classroom responsibilities.

One of the extras included directing a play to be performed for several hundred people at graduation. I lamented that my sister is not here, who works professionally for theaters. The Vice-Principal told me firmly, “It’s good she’s not here. Now you can learn.”

It's a good motto. I'm realizing that I dread doing practical things. I often wish someone more competent, resourceful, or tougher was here to do the stuff that needs to be done. But now I can learn. 

Andrew with our two stars