I feel fortunate to be celebrating Thingyan with the Burmese community this year. The days of preparation and all the wonderful foods are simply amazing. I managed to do my radio broadcasts in spite of all the commotion as I visit the various enclaves and enjoin in the merriment and excitement that leads to the Water Festival.

In the process I’ve spoken with many people who’ve survived Than Shwe’s holocaust. I’m still taken aback by the callous disregard he has for these beautiful people of the jungle. The stories of survival and their epic journeys still baffle the imagination. Yet these human beings still wear a smile, sing their songs and continue with their traditions. Dare I mention the wealth of flavors and culinary delights that scintillate my taste buds?

In any event when I return to my news desk I will undoubtedly have a wealth of new stories to tell, some happy and some sad. But for now I am going to prepare for the Water Festival and sneak over to the kitchen then grab me a bowl of rice and some of that scrumptious Tea Leaf Salad.

Happy New Year!

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

New Warnings: added by Ann from Irrawaddy

Melamine, Chemical Dyes—What’s the Next Poison to Spike Burmese Food?
A host of tainted foodstuff plagues Burmese shoppers.