Abstract:

"Renamed Myanmar by its ruling junta, Burma is one of the world's poorest nations due to decades of of iron-fisted military control and despite its valuable natural resources and priceless national treasures. This program presents an intriguing glimpse of Burmese life, ranging from washing the sacred Buddha at the Maha Muni Pagoda and the intitiation of young Buddhist novices amid the runis of Bagan to farming the amazing floathing gardens of Lake Inle. Issues including Burma's 40-year civil war, the vital role of the railway and the cinema, and rampant suggling are addressed as well."