I have recently committed to raising funds to help an eye hospital in Rangoon run by a monk who is renowned in Burma for his social welfare work. In September I visited the hospital and the monk to observe first-hand what they are doing. After reading this, if you wish to donate, please let me know.
The clinic opened in November of 2004 and since that time has been run completely on a donation basis. All treatments given here are free. Over ten years, the hospital has grown larger, even through all the political upheaval. Although it is known as an eye hospital today, thanks to donations from Burmese they are able to provide care for patients in need of:
From its opening in 2004 until today, Shwe Pyi Hein Clinic has offered free medical serves to over 460,000 patients. The cost of treating over 200 patients everyday is about $320 a day or about $9500 a month. Another $6000 a month is necessary to pay for staffing, upkeep, automobile expenses, and general expenses. About 150 patients a month undergo eye operations. Patients are allowed to stay overnight at the hospital after surgery. Everything is free, including food and medicine as well as transport to and from their homes. Accommodations are also provided for the doctors and nurses who perform the surgeries. Moreover, accommodations are also provided for accompanying family members of patients. The present hospital was constructed using donations from the Monk’s association and the general public. The hospital including apparatus, beds, etc. cost about 400,000 dollars. All doctors, nurses and medical staff are volunteers as are most of the office staff. The address of the clinic is Shwe Pyi Hein Monastery, Pyi Thar yar, Bauktaw, Yankin Township, Yangon. Tel; 95-1- 541493, 95 9 730 56569, email; shwepyihein@gmail.com, Web Page: www.shwepyihein.org
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I participate on a regular basis in two farmers markets. Both are very enjoyable, diverse, entertaining and worth a visit.
The Reston Market, Reston Running from the beginning of May until the end of October, this Saturday morning market is a real treat. Produce and food vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetable to ice cream and cakes take over about half of the parking lot of the plaza by the lake. This market is probably the most ‘scenic’ of any in the DC area. On sunny day, visitors stroll through the market, musicians are playing, a clown performs for the kids, there are lakeside outdoor restaurant, and of course, great shopping. In short, it is a delightful place to spend a few sunny hours on a Saturday morning. In the craft section of the plaza, besides my own not unattractive set up, there are about 40 other vendors selling jewelry, soap, art, olive oils, towels, clothing, carvings, toys, bath products, and whole host of other goods. (http://therestonmarket.com) The Reston Market Lake Anne Plaza, Reston Saturday, thru Oct 29, 8 AM to 1 PM The West End Farmers Market, Alexandria This is a small but very delightful Sunday market that attracts vendors from over Virginia, Maryland and even from as far as Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. You’ll find a wide variety of produce and flowers, along with specialty vendors offering cheeses, yoghurts, jellies, bread and sweets. In amongst these vendors, there is a host of other vendors (including me) selling colorful and interesting crafts. The market is located just of Duke St. the edge of Ben Brenman Park. The West End Farmers Market Ben Brenman Park 4800 Brenman Park Dr Sunday, May 2 – November 2010 9 AM – 1 PM These are photos of our journey to the ‘lost’ city of Mrauk U, in western Burma. I say ‘lost’ because it is really quite off the map… First you fly to the provincial town of Sittwe on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, not too far from Bangladesh, and then you board a small boat to go upriver some 7 hours until you come to this amazing town of ancient temples in the middle of…well,…nowhere.
Mrauk U was the last royal capital of the Arakan Empire that flourished some 600 years ago, and is filled with temples and pagodas dating back to the 15th century. The most revered is Shittaung Pagoda, built to comemmorate the defeat of the Portuguese back in 1535. It is famous for its amazing collection of 80,000 Buddha figures. Unlike Bagan, home to hundreds of towering temples and pagodas in central Burma, Mrauk U is still a functioning town. So, a visit here is really like turning back the centuries. Enjoy scenes along the river as we wend our way up to Mrauk U, explore the market and town, and visit the centuries-old temples with a few human interest shots included as well. Do note our trusty politicians posing with Burmese heroine Aung San Su Kyi. After a few days of Arakanese adventures, we reverted to true form and found our way back to paradise: Ngapali Beach—one of the great unknown, untouched beaches left in the world. Not a jet ski in sight! |
About meAn inveterate traveler, I have spent a great deal of time searching for new arts and artisans, mostly in Asia. I am drawn to Asia thanks to my 25-year tenure living in Japan. During that period I traveled extensively and often in Southeast Asia. Upon returning to the US, I formed Arts of Asia in order to share the qualities I admire in Asia with my friends and customers in the US. To support this mission, I continue to spend 4 months a year abroad. The search is never ending! Archives
February 2023
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