Tales of woe and wonder…

​Weekly laundry service  provided (!) and first grocery shopping. Success! Yay! 

[sage advice, above my headboard] 

I had another interesting meetup with a remarkable young man, Nyanthar. He's Burmese and connected throughout Asia in eco-human rights issues. He’s essentially in exile in Chiang Mai, supporting the underground eco-political activists in Burma. It’s amazing their underground communication network between towns there. 

Leave it to me to gravitate to the exile communities: Tibetans in Kathmandu, the Burmese here. Of course it makes sense: peaceniks & tree-huggers, “alternative-types” (his phrase) find each other all across the world - ☺️. 

Nyanthar is Buddhist, too. Among many other things, he was teaching mindfulness to kids in Burma. And a magazine editor, before it was shut down by the military following the coup. He’s given me all kinds of tips and connections. 

Frankly, I was awed and humbled in his presence, and I was gladdened that he understood.

I got to telling him about Cuba and Ore, and how she tells me half her heart is in Havana. He confided that his mental health is challenged missing his family, the funerals of a writer-friend, the soil he walked on all his life. Not quite a tear, but poignant moments. For both of us. 

I wanted to take his photo, particularly for his “Resting Grinch Face” green hoodie. But too polite to ask since he’s essentially (somewhat) of an outlaw in Burma, and I wouldn’t want to in any way compromise his work.

My groceries are in the fridge. Coffee at home tomorrow morning. And Greek yogurt! 

Now to dinner. I have my eye on a place close by. I was invited by a couple of German women to meet at the night market, but I’m not sure if I’m up for any more hubbub today. I gather there’ll be plenty more opportunities.

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