3. Burma. Why Go To Burma Now?

Akha Woman of Kengtung Buma

Packing for the journey, I asked myself....What is the reason to travel all the way to Burma

Is all the effort worth the adventure?

Getting to Know You ....  What a Challenge

          More questions followed as I looked at the unending list of must dos before departure.

 Do I really want to leave our comfy setting in Yakima for the unknowns that we will face each day on our trip?  Will I be able to connect with those fiber artisans and visit their tribal villages.?  135 distinct ethnic races creates great confusion for me as I try to study their locations, lifestyles and art wear.   The multitude of names for all the tribes, their sub groups, and locations is rather overwhelming as well.  

     

     Did Lewis and Clark or Christopher Colunbus feel that way too.  They didn't even have the Lonely Planet Guide Book  as a reference! 

     I do realize that much of Burma is changing fast....and the village life too.  Tourism is swamping the country.   Yes, I want to be there soon!

    I have decided to write some of my dreams and goals for the journey...and am begin  to move into the Burma world.  

Great Map of Burma Journey

     Kengtung in the east of Burma and near Thailand is going to be our best connect with the villagers and fiber women.  Its rugged terrain to its sense of isolation and most tourists just don't visit it.  Thus, this is my area of fiber focus.   Here, near Kengtung, we will be able to trek in the Shan highlands to villages of Tai Lu, Tai Khun, Tai Nuea, Akha, and Lahu villages.  I have decided this is sufficient to study in some depth for our journey.  Fortunately, I am somewhat familiary with the incredible supplementary warp weaving of the Thai Nuea from our time in Thailand and I love the mastser pieces  and beauty of their work.  

   Also, the Akhas and their incredible head dresses have always inspired me.  One observer, Jim Goldman, commented several decades ago "that the Akha view of art is something one wears...  I totally agree.

     I am now feeling better about our journey and will continue to proceed preparations with energy.

       Are you getting ready to join me?  Departure date is October 28 and be at Yakima Airport checking in by about 4:30 am.....See you soon.