June Isolation

Editing

June has been a fluctuating month, mood wise and energy levels. I have had to go out less, which suits me given the current fears I have about the chaos of unlocking. I am never sure what M.E. is going to throw at me and this month it has been particularly erratic but very debilitating. So when I have had some energy, not often enough, I have been editing.

I went back to my photos of Burma, and the three times we visited while we were living in Thailand. The following pictures are of the Shwedagon Paya we visited several times. I remember the feeling of absolute calm that came over me when I walked onto the marble floor. The awe at the size and intricacy of the shrines and temples. I can still feel that sense of awe. The first time we saw monks and nuns and Burmese pilgrims and a spattering of tourists. The country was just opening up after the release of Aung Sang Su Chi. Feelings were optimistic and western countries were sounding hopeful for investment.

Shwedagon gold

Now, with the story of the Rohingya and their dash for Bangladesh the country has the stain of genocide on it’s reputation. I wholeheartedly condemn the actions of the military and the subsequent silence from Aung Sang Su Chi. I hope that some of the population also condemn their horrific actions. As I have not been back since I do not know what the story is on the ground. I do know that in countries like Burma the general population do not know what is going on. The few fearless journalists who investigated were jailed for speaking out so we know that, at least, some did not swallow the propaganda wholesale.

this image ©Paula Bronstein exhibited at Visa pour l’image Perpignan 2017

title - The Unwanted - The Rohingya

http://www.paulaphoto.com for more of her extraordinary work

Shwedagon is a beautiful place and I can only hope that the spirituality that I felt there will one day come to the fore and that the military will have to face up to their cruel and barbarous actions. And I also hope that Aung Sang Su Chi will find the courage to condemn them for what they did. Unlikely right now but who knows what might happen next. Meanwhile take a look at this incredible place.

figures who represent the dark aspects of the human psyche

raining but still peaceful in Shwedagon

It takes an hour minimum to walk around the paya

the central stupa which is said to hold the 8 hairs of the Buddha.

. As in many countries across the world, the Burmese are hospitable welcoming people. For the most part, the atrocities were committed by the military. I remember when we were leaving on one of our trips, the traffic ground to a halt and we waited in the sweltering humid heat for 20 minutes so that one of the general’s convoy could cross the road we were travelling on.

The following are a few other shots from Burma, people, women and children. Most of the people are very poor, a poverty that we couldn’t comprehend.

smoking her cheroot while waiting for customers to buy her produce.

These nuts were being sorted, he was trying to help.

Young nuns asking for food in the market

So a journey through some of my memories. Editing and making better. Even if I have ME I can still travel in my mind.

Thank you for reading