LETTER TO OUR READERS
Dear Readers,
This issue covers the monsoon months of July, August and September, when in some parts of Myanmar there are heavy
rains but in some, just enough to turn the land emerald green.
We are proud to display on our cover the only photo so far published of
a rare orchid Phalaenposis mannii variety alba for our story on the jewel-like flowers of the jungles, Myanmar
orchids. Although we cannot take you to their natural habitat we hope their photos will enchant you
enough to see for yourselves. ..or to grow some. With improved links with the international orchid community, Myanmar orchids should
become well known and we hope our introduction will tantalize you to discover still
more.
To plan ahead for adventurous tours, we give you articles of infotainment
on the conquest of Saramati Mountain, 12550 ft (3825 meters) high, deep in the land of the Naga nationalities. Another article on exploration
is about the lost ancient city of Sagar, hidden away in the Shan
mountains.
In the three months of monsoon which is also the time of Lent, what is
more appropriate than an essay on the cutting of marble Buddhas, a craft still highly popular in spite of the already existing hundreds of
thousands of images!
Our short story this time is about the goodwill and affection the country
people have for visitors and their love of festivities and charitable works.
I hope this iss.ue will give you the incentive to explore our country more
deeply in its diverse aspects.
STOP PRESS
It is learnt that a team of Myanmar and foreign bird enthusiasts had rediscovered a rare bird species thought to be on the brink of extinction
and last spotted in Myanmar nearly 90 years. ago. Gurney's Pitta (Pitta
gurneyi) was found in the southern Tanintharyi region of the country.
Happy planning!
The Editorial Board
