Between Katha and Shwebo in Sagaing Division we came across some tiny huts before the village of Taw Sa Khan. We have refined our search for the poorest people. There are always split bamboo or leaf shacks at either end - but outside - a village. Here live the people who don’t own land so therefore cannot live in the village. Having no land, they cannot farm. How do you feed yourselves asked Saya Htay? We cut up trees (Eucalyptus not teak) and sell the wood in Shwebo or we make charcoal and we can eat bamboo shoots. These people are really poor and it gives Win San, Saya Htay and I much happiness to give them such useful gifts. Thank you to all who gave them.
Quote of the day: Dogs bark at me here, I commented. Yes, Myanmar dogs don’t like the smell of foreigners, said Win San. So much for Givenchy, I thought. We didn’t make it to Chattin National Park in Sagaing Division. We drove for three hours with the road getting worse and worse. When it became really bad I asked Win San to turn around. We were all disappointed. However, I decided I could forego the possibility of seeing leopards, tigers, deer and many snakes (cobras I was informed) rather than the probability of having to buy Win San four new tyres for his taxi.
The day ended
well with, yes, you’ve guessed it – giving away glasses! At Leshu village they
are farmers growing mainly peanuts, rice and various species of bean. This
evening many will be reading for the first time in a while.
Today we head
back to Mandalay for a couple of days before setting forth to Bagan and the
Ananda Pagoda Festival.
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