Saturday, November 17, 2012

Visit to Aung San Suu Kyi's Office - PhotoHunt

PhotoHunt theme : New/Mural


On my Yangon trip, I was hoping to meet Myanmar's pro-democracy leader and Noble Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. I travelled to the headquarters of Myanmar's opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), hoping to catch a glimpse of her. On the day I went, she just left for India. arghhhh ...... 



Many tourists are now able to freely stop and visit the NLD office. It is a hive of activity as foreign media beseige the run-down office with requests for interviews or to film almost every day.

Next to the headquarters was a shop that sells souvenirs and paraphernalia bearing the image of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The merchandise brings in funds for the party. Hope they can sell more so that they can build a brand new office.


I was free to browse and take pictures. I found this picture of Aung San Suu Kyi speaking to her supporters in front of a mural of herself.


You can buy the party's manifesto here.


Merchandise bearing the once-banned image of activist Aung San Suu Kyi is a hot seller here. I bought some T-shirts and badges as gifts for my nephews and nieces.


Later, our guide brought us to the personal residence of Aung San Suu Kyi at University Avenue. Security was tight and we were not allowed entry. There were quite a number of tourists who stopped by to take pictures. We took some pictures and left, I was disappointed not to be able to meet Aung San Suu Kyi.





33 comments:

  1. Did you go to Myanmar with a (tour) group on your own? If the latter, how easy is it to go on one's own these days? Also, have you seen "The Lady" -- the movie about Aung San Suu Kyi?

    Oh, and woah re your NEW blog format/design! ;b

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    1. YTSL,
      I went with a tour group as it was my first trip to Myanmar and I don't know the language. Many locals don't understand English. I have problems ordering food or giving instructions to taxt drivers.

      Do lots of reading up about the country and places you want to visit before you go. Preferably have a local or someone who knows the country well to bring you around and do translation.

      Thanks for the compliment on my NEW blog template. I like it too. :)

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  2. Always an interesting post with your Mural...I like your magazine look... Thanks for coming to see my mural.

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  3. So you did catch a glimpse of her huh! :D Must be inspiring. :D

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    1. No, I didn't. She flew off to India for an official visit. :(

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  4. You are always so busy doing interesting things, ECL. Take me along next time, please! happy weekend.

    Happy weekend.

    new & mural

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    1. Mar,
      I would love to take you along on my trips. You would be a fun companion. :)

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  5. What a wonderful experience that would have been (well, not as wonderful as if she had actually BEEN there but you can't have it all). Great catch for this week'w theme.

    Have a super weekend.

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    Replies
    1. I almost had a meeting with her..... so near yet so far. :(

      Hope there will be another chance.

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  6. Interesting take on both themes, such a disappointment for you that you couldn't meet her !

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  7. i'd be disappointed, too! she has a fragile look on her, it's hard to believe she has such a strong will power.

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    1. Hi Luna!
      In recent decades, Aung San Suu Kyi's struggle is one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Asia. For her unflagging efforts, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1991. I am truly fascinated by her courage and resilence.

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  8. Gosto do conceito das suas fotos, sempre uma abordagem diferente! Um abraço!

    O mirante da imagem

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    1. Translation : I like the concept of your photos, always a different approach! A hug!

      Thanks Bia Hain. I always try my best to present them in different ways. *Hugs*

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  9. I am sorry you were not able to meet her during your visit. She is an inspiration to many.

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  10. Mural sure tells a story it kind of like looking at large or should I use the word "Extra Large" story of the area.

    Coffee is on.

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    1. peppylady,
      There were quite a number of murals around the office and the city. Mostly religious ones.

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  11. Times has certainly changed and what we learned in school have given back our Geography to teachers already. Was confused over the news in one of the overseas channels when the news reader said Burma. It dawned on me what he had meant after seeing the seeing news about the releasing of prisoners from jail that he meant Myanmar which I was confused with Cambodia. Just like the name changing of Beijing from Peking and Chennai from Madras. Nice tour of Aung San Suu Kyi's office and sorry you missed her this round and also tQ for the interesting info.

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    Replies
    1. I was told cannot use the word Burma in Myanmar. :P

      It was just a short trip and there is a lot to see and do in Myanmar. Not used to the inconvenience due to lack of facilities though. Would likely visit again in a few years' time.

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  12. it would have been a great honour to meet someone like her. she's such a courageous woman, mother and leader.

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  13. It would be an amazing honor to meet her! But I would be honored to just see what you did.

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  14. Sounds like an interesting trip and experience. Its too bad you could not meet her though.

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    Replies
    1. Gain lots of knowledge and friends through this trip despite the disappointment of not meeting the great lady.

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