27/2/2004
Government official paper carried development in Shan State (South) during the time of present government. The figures show that auto telephone exchange has increased from one in 1988 to 8 in 2004. A total of 28 rural post offices has been opened. Number of microwave stations has increased from 2 to 15.In education sector, number of basic education school has increased from 1930 to 2331. Colleges from one to six. And two universities have opened.In health sector, number of hospitals has increased from 39 to 49. Station-hospital from 13 to 26. Rural health care centers from 45 to 49.In energy sector, number of diesel-fired power station increases from 22 to 48.Hydropower stations from 1 to 4.

25/2/2004
A habit of keeping pets has existed in Yangon. Puppies were on sale on side walk with my shelter for them. With the thought the puppies being stray dogs, the prices of the dogs were asked. It was K 18000 a puppy. Which breeds are they?

23/2/2004
An art exhibition of 32 finalists of Myanmar Contemporary Art Award 2004 sponsored by Myanmar Times was held at Sakura Tower in Yangon. There were 227 entries to the award, Total prize money for first, second and third amount to US$ 6000. Some revenue from sales of paintings will be donated to International Friendship Group. First prize went to scenery 22 by Zaw Win Pe. The paintings will be on display in Hongkong in March.

20/2/2004
A market place which is about 30,000 sq-m wide. Live deers and cobras are mostly sold here. There are rows of restaurants where Chinese delicious cuisines are available at reasonable prices. Half of first prices asked is the actual price when it comes to clothes. Only Chinese Yuan is accepted although this region is in Myanmar territory.

18/2/2004
This is a distillery in the suburb of Keng Tung. Rice is fermented in the transplant bags which are placed in a lone. Then, juice is extracted from the fermented rice by man-power. The juice is steamed in a pot. That is how local brewed alcohol is made. When tasted, it went down through my throat like fire because it has 70 percent alcohol. It did catch fire when it is burnt. It is said that local people drink it on the rock.

16/2/2004
We came across Akha nationals who were transplanting paddy on our way to Khun Pa O village, two hours' drive from Keng Tung. Villagers work collectively. Children take care of their baby brothers and sisters. It is interesting to see them working in the field wearing the same traditional costumes. The scene is like the one which could be seen in Showa in Japan 30 years ago.Men seem to go hunting and women take care of cultivation.

13/2/2004
Platforms in downtown were on repair. The work is carried out by Yangon City Development Committee and also by residents on the respective roads with their own fund.

11/2/2004
Mice live everywhere. We often come across them at our office where there is no food. Rat poison was on sale on side walk. Three small packets cost K 1000. It is said it kills rats on the spot if they eat it. We need to take great care not to eat it by mistake.

09/2/2004
Journal carried the news to upgrade Yangon International Airport. The project includes construction of a new building at the airport. On completion of the project, the airport will handle 1000 arriving passengers and 1000 departing passengers at the same time. The project targeted to finish in December 2005 is estimated to cost US$ 36 million and over 15292 million Kyats. Asia World Company is implementing the project.

06/2/2004
Ceramic wares made in the northern regions of Mandalay were transported to Ayeyarwaddy delta through Ayeyarwady River and ships go up to Mandalay along the Ayeyarwady River with rice loaded.

04/2/2004
In Ayeyawady river, you can see the fisherman catch fish.

03/2/2004
Internet kit of Bagan Cybertech is on sale with prepaid system. The only things you need are PC and phone line. What is different is that there is no need to register at Bagan Cybertech. The prices for 15-hour-use in three months and 60-hour-use in six month range from 8000 Kyats to 28000 Kyats. It is available at super markets and reception counters of hotels.