30/1/2004
We also came across a lot of gold hunters along the Ayeyawady River on our way from Nyaung Oo to Pokokku.

28/1/2004
On our way from Nyaung Oo to Pokokku, we came across dredgers, which were dredging sand from the bed of river to make water level deeper.

27/1/2004
This is "Winter" Restaurant in Nyaung Oo. It is run by the chief of ThiripitsayaHotel. In spite of not very good decoration, the food is excellent. The food from Thiripitsaya can be available hereat resonable prices.

26/1/2004
Chinese traditional foods are on sale in China Town during the period of Chinese New Year.

23/1/2004
Firecrackers are also on sale hailing Chinese Lunar New Year. Lion dance and drums can be heard because of the noises of drums and firecracker because our office is located in China Town.

22/1/2004
Temporary stalls are opened at China Town as Chinese New Year draws near. There was heavy traffic jam on the road, where traffic jam occurs in normal situation. As the traffic lights was out of order. The traffic police had to control the traffic.

21/1/2004
There are a lot of places in Ayeyawady River, which are difficult for ship or boats to navigate between Nyaung Oo and Pakokku because water was low. The boat we took was stranded very often on the ridges in the river. The captain skillfully found the places where water ran deep and navigated the boat.

19/1/2004
Myanmar government released official figures of upgrading of railways from 1988-2003. The length of rail track in 1988 was 2793.86 miles. It has increased up to 3897.29 miles. Number of railway stations has increase from 487 to 768. Number of Bridges from 5650 to 9056. A total of 154.21 long railway track is under construction. A total of 515.05 mile railway is planed to be constructed. Moreover, number of diesel locomotive has increased from 150 in 1988 to 196 in 2003. Number of short-distance train from 26 to 60. Number of steam-powered train has decreased from 79 to 39. Number of passengers has increased from 36.689 million in 1988 to 61.763 million in 2003.

16/1/2004
A Myanmar movie titled "Nay Ga Mwe De La" (The moon which is born from the sun) was big hit. The main characters are Kyaw Hein and Min Maw Gun. The movie is about a poor drunkard (Kyaw Hein) who dopted and bring u (Min Maw Gun) as a baby boy till he becomes a very famous singer. It feature love of parents. Doulogues ofKyaw Hein and songs of Min Maw Gun are very popular among movie goers.

15/1/2004
Myanmar Tradition boxing tournament was held at Thuwunna Stadium on January. Thematch between formerr champion Wun Chaing and defending champion Shwe Sai ended with draw.

14/1/2004
During a stroll in downtown, I heard the announcement that donations could be made here for those who could not go to Kyaikhtiyoe in person. Buddha images are placed on a float. Donations are made by the group of usher-into-heavens at Kyaikhtiyoe on behalf of donors.

12/1/2004
A hair colour demonstration was conducted in a booth during the market festival at Bogyoke Market. Pop music was played at the shop. There was a crowd of youth because some people were entertaining the visitors with songs. Number of people who have their hair coloured as a style has increased recently.

09/1/2004
An emergency fire drill was demonstrated at the building where our office is located. Firemen from Fire Department demonstrated the use of appratus for fire fighting.

07/1/2004
Myanmar style hot air balloons are flied into the sky during Thidin Gyut Festival. It is said that the tradition is to show the way and pay respects to Lord Buddha who went back to the world from celestial abode one a year. At a wedding reception of a foreign couple who are residents in Myanmar, held the other day, bride and bride groom flied a balloons.

06/1/2004
Academy award presenting ceremony for 2002 was held at Thuwunna Stadium on　31stDecember. Award winning actors, actress and films are as follows.

The best movie Nga Thu Ta Pa Yokkya Mainma (Khin Zar Chi
Kyaw, the main character)

San Yee (Lwin Moe, the main character)

The best director Pa Chi Soe Moe ( Nga Thu Ta Pa Yokkya
Mainma )

Kyi Soe Tun (San Yee)

Supporting actress May Than Nu (the fifth time),

Supporting actor Nyo Win (the sixth time)

The best actress Khin Zar Chi Kyaw (the first time)

The best actor Lu Min (the first time),

05/1/2004
Annual market Festival was held at Bogyoke Aung San market from December 3, 2003to January 3, 2004. It opened till 9 at night. . A sign "Discount" was in front of every ship. But, most of people were coldly window-shopping saying the shops were selling out remaining old things. But, the festival was teeming with youth till midnight.

01/1/2004
Happy New Year!!!

Shops and Restaurants are open as usual because January 1 is not a public holiday in Yangon.