ALMOST TO BURMA

I forgot to mention in my last blog that have been at sea without our ship’s doctor since Vietnam. Both Dr. Bob and his wife were caught in the typhoon that hit central Vietnam the day we left port, so they were stranded with no way to get back to the ship in time. The ship doesn’t wait for anyone… not even Dr. Bob! He and his wife flew back to Saigon and will be meeting us in Burma tomorrow. We have two nurse practitioners on board, and the ship’s crew doctor is also available in case of any emergencies, so don’t worry… we’re in good hands.
I also forgot to mention that a lot of people on the ship were hoping we would cross the equator because, apparently, there is a nautical tradition to shave one’s head once you cross the equator. We made it to ONE degree of latitude after leaving Singapore, but never actually crossed the equator. Oh well… some other time, I guess.

BURMA/MYANMAR
I find this port to be the most fascinating, by far, of all the ports we will be journeying to, and we haven’t even arrived yet! When I first saw Myanmar on our voyage itinerary, I had absolutely no idea where it was located on a map, nor did I know that Burma was renamed Myanmar by the military regime currently in power. For those of you who don’t know Burma’s history (as I did not), the country has been under a military dictatorship since 1962. It is also is the home of the leader of the Burmese National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has won many prestigious international peace prizes, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Apparently she has won more peace prized than even His Holiness the Dalai Lama! How is it possible that practically none of us have heard of her?
In 1988, the Burman people staged huge demonstrations against the military government and a military coup handed control to a new General, Saw Mung, who promised democratic elections in 1989. The elections took place, but Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest by the military. Despite her imprisonment, the National League for Democracy won an overwhelming victory at the polls (over 80%).
Unfortunately, the military regime did not, and has never to this day, turned power over to the NLD. Aung San Suu Kyi has been released and re-imprisoned under house arrest 3 times since 1989 and remains under house arrest today.
The United States has imposed major sanctions on Burma, and we have been told that only approximately 8000 Americans visit Burma each year. We have also found out that no one can reach Burma, legally, by sea, so Semester at Sea must fall under some sort of exception policy in terms of travel and tourism. I will find out more tomorrow at the Diplomatic Briefing when we arrive in Burma.
The people of Burma, as evidenced by the election results in 1989, largely do not support nor do they represent their government. The people of Burma are primarily Theravada Buddhists and are under extreme pressure and threat not to speak ill of the military regime. We have already been warned not to engage any Burmese person in political conversations that may put them at risk. I have also heard that the Burmese people are absolutely wonderful, caring, beautiful people who are anxious to meet foreigners since they are so isolated and repressed.
I am SO curious about this country. I cannot wait to meet the people who live there! We will tell you more soon! We arrive at 1600 today but we don’t get off the ship until the next morning.