Had a wonderful time in Myanmar in January and February, 2018.
5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for ICST/UCSY
ICST SPZP
Paid respect to Saya U Soe Paing
Paid respect to Saya U Moe Aung
Last rites at Ye Way for Ko Aung Moung (M73)
U Aung Moung
Guest lecture at UCSY
Guest lecture at MARB
Guest lectures at private monk university
Monthly meeting of 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
RITAA meeting (includes Opening Ceremony of Teacher’s Corner
Discussion with Ko Wynn Htain Oo and Sayama Daw Thida
69er breakfast gathering organized by Ko Shwe (EP69)
Birthday celebration by Ko Tin Mg Aye (M69)
Birthday soon kway by Ko Kyaw Win (SPHS63, Germany) for Uzin Victor Aung Chaw
UCC lunch gathering hosted by Ko Soe Myint and Ko Sein Myint
Gatherings with relatives
Meeting old friends
ICST
The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.
Former students from UCC (Universities’ Computer Center), DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) requested me to attend the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY.
San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of Ko Maurice Chee (M75).
Per arrangement of Samantha, Saw Yan Naing picked me up. He is the son of Dr. Saw Naing (Leslie), a nephew of Dr. Myo Khin and a cousin of Ko Soe Lin Maung (ex-UCC).
Gave a short speech as a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”.
The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.
Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.
ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.
UCSY
Gave a guest lecture at UCSY a week later.
Spent several days of my vacation to write and post “Memories of UCC”.
I also wrote an abridged version for publication in the 30th Anniversary of UCSY.
UCC
Sayama Mu Mu Myint is a senior alumni of UCC and DCS. She requested her husband to drive a long way from their home to hand over the “token garawa” from an earlier “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe”.
Soe Lin Maung hosted a lunch micro-gathering (despite his busy schedule).
Ko Sein Myint (EC76, ex-UCC) and Ko Soe Myint (KSM, ex-UCC) hosted a lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha. Ko Aung Myint (AM), Ko Win Myint (Bo Waing) and Ma Nu Nu Aung were also present. We then walked to Saya U Soe Paing’s house and paid respect to Saya (who was having a problem with his spine). Friends of Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69, MEHS 63) advised Saya to undergo a surgery in Singapore.
RIT
Met Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War), Ko Wynn Htain Oo (Mg Mar Ga, M72), Ko Ohn Khine (Gaing Gyi, M70), several members of RITAA, and 69ers.
69er Gatherings
Attended three breakfast gatherings with the 69ers.
Donated US$100 (part to 69er HCF and part to EE 69er HCF).
I hosted the gathering (mostly EE) with Uzin Aung Chaw (C) and Wei Lu (Met) as guests.
Mini-gathering hosted by me
Mini-gathering hosted by me
During my visits back home, several friends gave me rides.
U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.
A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).
Standing:
U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Second Gathering
Ko Tin Maung Aye (M, Accordion) hosted a gathering to celebrate his birthday.
Third Gathering
The gathering on February 24, 2018 was to welcome Ko Win Boh (Robert) and Ko Surinder Singh — both from Australia. Unfortunately, Ko Surinder could not wrap up his trip to Upper Burma to be in time for the 69er gathering. Ko Kyaw Nyunt organized a lucky draw with presents given by Ko Frederick Thetgyi.
Trips
Tiring, but interesting and entertaining to take three trips.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC) offered to sponsor me to spend two nights at a hotel in Bagan Myo Thit. Had been a long time since I visited Bagan / Nyaung Oo.
A sayadaw asked if I would like to attend a consecration ceremony for “Lyaung Daw Mu” (Reclining Pagoda) near the bank of Mu River (in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing).
My beloved wife wanted to do dana at Hinthada for her ancestors.
Learned a lot
I learned a lot from the trips by being a good listener and also experiencing the conditions (infrastructure, culture, …) in different parts of Myanmar.
Cost more to take a taxi to and from the “Long distance bus station” than to travel by an air-conditioned bus.
Takes a lot longer to take the short cut road than to take the longer paved road. It’s worse if one is not aware of unfinished repair work on a dirt road : sharp rocks, pot holes, …
Ha Lin (Old Capital of Pyu) is a Cultural Heritage, but there are no decent roads leading there.
Someone commented : “Most of us just make quick trips to pagodas. Several tourists hire motorbikes to explore both Old and New Bagan (and beyond). They take photos with professional cameras.”
SPHS
Kyaw Wynn (SPHS63) is cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (E).
He rowed No. (3) on the Bow side in our Senior Novice crew.
He hosted a birthday soon kwyay gathering at Shwe Ba ရွှေဘ (အောင်သုခ) Saing. Offered soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (C69) and donated to Uzin’s dhamma projects. Ordered lunch for his old classmates (some of whom I have not seen since our University days). Attendees include Ko Than Win (M69), Ko Tin Tun (M69), Ko Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69, GBNF), Ko Aung Kyi (Arthur, “motorcycle” guy, GBNF), Ko Aye Ngwe (Edwin), and Ko Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK).
Updates
Some are now GBNF.
Dr. Kyaw Thein succumbed to Covid.
Uzin Aung Chaw, Aung Kyi, Khin Maung Bo and Tin Tun (all SPHS63) have passed away.
Aung Myint and Nge Ma Ma Than (ex-UCC) are also GBNF.
The GBNF list for 69ers currently has 139 members.
Had a wonderful time in Myanmar in Janaury and February, 2018.
5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for ICST/UCSY
Paid respect to Saya U Soe Paing
Paid respect to Saya U Moe Aung
Last rites at Ye Way for Ko Aung Moung (M73)
Guest lecture at UCSY
Guest lecture at MARB
Guest lectures at private monk university
Monthly meeting of 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
RITAA meeting (includes Opening Ceremony of Teacher’s Corner
Discussion with Ko Wynn Htain Oo and Sayama Daw Thida
69er breakfast gathering organized by Ko Shwe (EP69)
Birthday celebration by Ko Tin Mg Aye (M69)
Birthday soon kway by Ko Kyaw Win (SPHS63, Germany) for Uzin Victor Aung Chaw
UCC lunch gathering hosted by Ko Soe Myint and Ko Sein Myint
Gatherings with relatives
Meeting old friends
ICST
The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.
Former students from UCC (Universities’ Computer Center), DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) requested me to attend the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY.
San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of Ko Maurice Chee, M75.
Per arrangement of Samantha, Ko Saw Yan Naing came and picked me up. He is the son of Dr. Saw Naing (Leslie), a nephew of Dr. Myo Khin and a cousin of Ko Soe Lin Maung (ex-UCC).
Gave a short speech as a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”.
The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.
Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.
ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.
San Yin Myint (at SPZP-2000)
UCSY
Gave a guest lecture at UCSY a week later.
Spent 3 (or more) days of my vacation to write and post “Memories of UCC”. I also wrote an abridged version for publication in the 30th Anniversary of UCSY. They can be read at hlamin.com
UCC
Sayama Mu Mu Myint is a senior alumni of UCC and DCS. She requested her husband to drive a long way from their home to hand over the “token garawa” from an earlier “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe”.
Soe Lin Maung hosted a lunch micro-gathering (despite his busy schedule).
Ko Sein Myint (EC76, ex-UCC) and Ko Soe Myint (KSM, ex-UCC) hosted a lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha. Ko Aung Myint (AM), Ko Win Myint (Bo Waing) and Ma Nu Nu Aung were also present. We then walked to Saya U Soe Paing’s house and paid respect to Saya (who was having a problem with his spine). Friends of Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69, MEHS 63) advised Saya to undergo a surgery in Singapore.
RIT
Met Saya U Moe Aung, Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ko Ohn Khine (M70), several members of RITAA, and 69ers.
69er Gatherings
Attended three breakfast gatherings with the 69ers.
Donated US$100 (part to 69er HCF and part to EE 69er HCF).
I hosted the gathering (mostly EE) with Uzin Aung Chaw (C) and Wei Lu (Met) as guests.
Mini-gathering hosted by me
During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.
U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.
A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).
Standing:
U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Second Gathering
Ko Tin Maung Aye (M, Accordion) hosted a gathering to celebrate his birthday.
Third Gathering
The gathering on February 24, 2018 was to welcome Ko Win Boh (Robert) and Ko Surinder Singh — both from Australia. Unfortunately, Ko Surinder could not wrap up his trip to Upper Burma to be in time for the 69er gathering. Ko Kyaw Nyunt organized a lucky draw with presents given by Ko Frederick Thetgyi.
Trips
Tiring, but interesting and entertaining to take three trips.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC) offered to sponsor me to spend two nights at a hotel in Bagan Myo Thit. Had been a long time since I visited Bagan / Nyaung Oo.
A sayadaw asked if I would like to attend a consecration ceremony for “Lyaung Daw Mu” (Reclining Pagoda) near the bank of Mu River (in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing).
My beloved wife wanted to do dana at Hinthada for her ancestors.
Learned a lot
I learned a lot from the trips by being a “good” listener and also experiencing the conditions (infrastructure, culture, …) in different parts of Myanmar.
Cost more to take a taxi to and from the “Long distance bus station” than to travel by an air-conditioned bus.
Takes a lot longer to take the “short cut” road than to take the longer “paved” road. It’s worse if one is not aware of “unfinished” repair work on a dirt road : sharp rocks, pot holes, …
Ha Lin (Old Capital of Pyu) is a Cultural Heritage, but there are no “good” roads leading there.
Someone commented : “Most of us just make quick trips to pagodas. Several tourists hire motorbikes to explore both Old and New Bagan (and beyond). They take photos with professional cameras.”
SPHS
Kyaw Wynn (SPHS63) is cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (E).
He rowed No. (3) on the Bow side in our Senior Novice crew.
He Hosted a birthday soon kwyay gathering at Shwe Ba Saing. Offered soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (C69) and donated to Uzin’s dhamma projects. Ordered lunch for his old classmates (some of whom I have not seen since our University days). Attendees include Ko Than Win (M69), Ko Tin Tun (M69), Ko Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69, GBNF), Ko Aung Kyi (Arthur, “motorcycle” guy, GBNF), Ko Aye Ngwe (Edwin), and Ko Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK).
In late October 2019, I visited former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore.
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu were our main hosts.
Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC) & Ma Nu hosted us at their second home in Jahore. Silver took us to Melecca. Earlier he took us to Sentosa which was about to bring down the Lion Statue. He also wanted to jolt my memory of the “Myo Putt Ya Htar”.
There were mini gatherings : 69ers, M73 group with their Saya U Tu Myint, ex-UCC and ex-ICST.
There were micro gatherings : Boe & Ma Phyu, Ma Pale & Ko Ye.
Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu offered Soon at their house in addition to regular ones at Singapore Chan Myay Monastery.
Early November
In early November, we continued our trip. KK picked me up at Mingalardon airport and placed me at a hotel. He hosted two gatherings : speakers & coaches.
We flew to Mandalay to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival. I was a panelist at two sessions : one on Education and another on Poetry.
During a break, Ko Thein Htut (UCC) took me on a quick trip around Sagaing & Mandalay
Received autographed copy from Htein Win (Dat Pon). He had to wait a long time before he could publish his photos and articles about two Dark Moments in Burma : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin & 8-8-88.
Mid November to End of December
There were several gatherings back in Yangon in November and December, 2019.
RIT Gatherings
RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering
Golden Jubilee of 69ers (Main event at Gyogone Campus, Reunion Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at his old office compound)
Lunch hosted by Ko Tin Win (Min69)
Guest of Class of 72 (M72 Annual Gathering & PZP, additional : Indian Lunch, Chinese Dinner)
Guest at All Mechanical Gathering
Dinner by Ko Nyunt Htay (Met73)
Birthday Lunch by Ko Myint Toe (M71) & Ma Nwe (Met74)
UCC / ICST Gatherings
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of UCSY/ICST
Several ex-UCC gatherings (MICT, Sweetie, Soon Kyway by Ko Soe Win & KZ, …)
SPHS Gatherings
Wedding of Eddie Shein’s daughter
Soon for Uzin Saya Beatson
RUBC
RUBC Annual Regatta
Attendees include : U Tin U (Most Senior Past Captain), U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain, GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain, GBNF), U Sein Htoon (Past Captain), U Myo Myint (Gold), U Tun Mra, U Tin Myint (GBNF), Dr. Thein Hlyne …
MARB
Visited new Building
Thai Tarot Master donated Air Conditioners
Sun Lun
Meditation sessions
Received two books from Junior Win about her grand parents U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
Miscellaneous
49th Anniversary of Saya Dr. Soe Win & Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
Thar Yay (သာရေး) Zeyar
Nar Yay (နာရေး) Ma Cherry
Other gatherings : Ma Hazel, my friends, my spouse’s friends…
Thanks for the rides : Ko Ohn Khine, Ko Win Maung (Lake), Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Ko Tin Win, Ko Ye Myint, Ko Aung Myin Bo, younger son of Y Patail …
Visited former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore
Hosts
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu were our main hosts
Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC) & Ma Nu hosted us at their second home in Jahore. Silver took us to Melecca. Earlier he took us to Sentosa which was about to bring down the Lion Statue. He also wanted to jolt my memory of the “Myo Putt Ya Htar မြို့ပတ်ရထား”.
Gatherings
Mini gatherings
69ers
M73 group with their Saya U Tu Myint
ex-UCC & ex-ICST
Micro gatherings
Boe & Ma Phyu
Ma Pale & Ko Ye
Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu offered Soon at their house (in addition to the regular ones at the Singapore Chan Myay Monastery).
Early November
Continued our trip
KK picked me up at the Mingalardon air port and placed me at a hotel.
KK hosted two gatherings : mostly professional speakers and coaches.
ILF
Flew to Mandalay to attend the 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival. I was a Panelist at two sessions : one on Education and another on Poetry.
Panelist
During a break, Ko Thein Htut (UCC) took me on a quick trip around Sagaing & Mandalay.
Did not meet Ko Kyaw Kyaw Soe. He had to take a trip to see his ailing son.
Received an autographed copy from Ko Htein Win (Dat Pon). He had to wait a long time before he could publish his photos and related articles about two Dark Moments in Burma : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin and 8-8-88.
Mid November to End of December
There were several gatherings back in Yangon in November and December, 2019.
RIT Gatherings
RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gathering
Golden Jubilee of 69ers (Main event at Gyogone Campus, Reunion Dinner organized by Ko Aung Min at his old office compound)
GJ of Graduation
Lunch hosted by Ko Tin Win (Min)
Guest of the Class of 72 (M72 Annual Gathering and PZP, additional : Indian Lunch, Chinese Dinner)
Guest at All Mechanical Gathering /Dinner
All Mech Gatherinng
Dinner by Ko Nyunt Htay
Ko Nyunt Htay
UCC / ICST Gatherings
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of UCSY/ICST
ICST PZP
Several ex-UCC gatherings (MICT, Sweetie’s apartment, Soon Kyway by Ko Soe Win & KZ, …)
Sweetie
SPHS Gatherings
Wedding of Eddie Shein’s daughter
Soon for Uzin Saya Beatson
With Sayadaw Beatson
RUBC
RUBC Annual Regatta
RUBC
Attendees include : U Tin U (Most Senior Past Captain), U Maung Maung Than Tun (Oldest Past Captain, GBNF), Dr. Myo Tint (Past Captain, GBNF), U Sein Htoon (Past Captain), U Myo Myint (Gold), U Tun Mra, U Tin Myint (GBNF), Dr. Thein Hlyne …
MARB
Veda
Visited the new Building
Thai Tarot Master donated Air Conditioners
Sun Lun
Some meditation sessions
Received two books from Mi Mi Win (Junior Win) about her grand parents U Khin Maung Latt and Daw Khin Myo Chit
Miscellaneous
Birthday Lunch by Ko Myint Toe & Ma Nwe
49th Anniversary of Saya Dr. Soe Win and Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin
Thar Yay (Zeyar’s house warming …)
Nar Yay (Ma Cherry’s demise…)
Other gatherings : Ma Hazel, my friends, my spouse’s friends…
Thanks for the rides : Ko Ohn Khine, Ko Win Maung (Lake), Ko Tin Aung Win (Oscar), Ko Tin Win, Ko Ye Myint, Ko Aung Myin Bo, younger son of Y Patail …
Updates
There were restrictions (for Travel & Gatherings) during the pandemic.
Eighteen 69ers & several family members succumbed to Covid
Some ex-UCC — U Mg Mg Lay, U Mg Mg Gyi, U Aung Myint — are GBNF.
For many years, Ivan Lee (M69) hosted Annual RIT-UCC gathering at his New Jersey home.
The Guests usually included Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi, Saya U Soe Paing, RIT alumni (e.g Fred Thetgyi) and UCC alumni (e.g Soe Myint) mostly from the East Coast). Some — Tun Aung Gyaw, Sein Myint — are alumni of RIT and UCC
In June 2018, the special guests included Saya Dr. Tin Win & Daw Lily from Southern California, Saya U Aung Myint from New Zealand and Daniel Tint Lwin from Singapore.
Ivan suggested repeating the Whirlwind Road Trip taken in July 2015 to visit Sayagyi U Aung Khin in Windsor and Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi in Napean, Ottawa.
Visit Sayagyi U Aung Khin
On 23rd June, 2018, the following visited Sayagyi U Aung Khin in Windsor, Canada.
Saya U Tin Win (M62)
Daw Lily Win (Khin Hta Yee, T72)
Saya U Htun Aung Kyaw (ChE67)
Saya U Aung Myint (M69)
Ivan Lee (M69)
Fred Thet Gyi (M69)
U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69)
Paying respect to Sayagyi U Aung Khin
UAK 1UAK 2UAK 3
Updates
At a later meeting, the attendees proposed to form MASTAA
My poem “The Ngapali Beach” was published in Forward Magazine
Received 15 Kyats for the poem
Illustrator received 50 Kyats
Bohmu Ba Thaw was Chief Editor of the Forward Magazine. He jokingly asked me if I would be interested to join his staff.
U Sein Hla was Assistant Editor
Three Visits
My first visit was during my student days with my cousin Ko Thaung Lwin & friends. We stayed at U Tha Gyaw Wai’s Bungalow (managed by my uncle U Thet Toe).
At a nearby bungalow was the Amyotha Yoke Shin movie crew with U San Maung (Gerald, RUBC Gold & Coach). They were shooting a film starring Wah Wah Win Shwe and directed by U Min Naing. Ko Gerald asked me if I would be interested to join them on the way back to Rangoon via Taung Goke.
The ride on the truck over the Taung Goke Pass was rough and tough. At Taung Goke, we were hosted by a cinema owner. He offered the movie audience a free show if they could translate the Burmese titles into English. One submission was “Fly away bitter bird” (Pyan Lay dei Nget Khar ပျံလေတဲ့ဌက်ခါး).
The rest of the trip involved a boat ride after a long delay and a train ride.
My second visit was with my beloved spouse & two young sons. We stayed at Amyotha Yoke Shin Bungalow managed by U Mya Maung, elder brother of Saya U Tin Htut (M).
My third visit was as Guest Lecturer for Ngapali Luyechun Camp in 1988. I spent some time chatting with other Guest Lecturers including Saya U Kyaw Myint (DG of Higher Education, former Physics Professor at Mandalay).
I know a few people who have taken annual trips to Ngapali.
(2) Inlay
Poem
Poem 2
My poem “Phaung daw-u Festival” was published in the Thadinkyut Supplement of the Working People’s Daily (WPD).
Received 15 Kyats for the poem
Four Visits
Inlay Luyechun
My first visit was as Luyechun to Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965.
My second visit was as a guest of Peter Pe (SPHS) in October, 1965. Maung Maung Aye decided to join us. We were greeted at Nyaung Shwe by Thar Oo (Shan Pyay).
We stayed for a week in Inn Paw Khone in Inlay Lake. Peter’s cousins (including a medical doctor) hosted us. We attended the Phaung Daw-u Festival.
We then visited Taunggyi to see Peter’s uncle U Maung Maung Latt (Ah Matt Choke အမတ်ချုပ်of Nyaung Shwe Sawbwa ညောင်ရွှေစော်ဘွား). We attended the Mee Bone Byan Pwe မီးပုံးပျံပွဲ
My third visit was in the mid 2010’s via a Tour Company which arranged a Tour Guide, and car, a private boat and a night stay at a hotel in the Lake.
The photo shows a rainbow in the background.
Rainbow over Inlay
Sad to see the declining state of Inlay (e.g. low water level). We also spent some time in Taunggyi and the nearby cave in Ho Pone.
My fourth visit was in January 2020 as the last leg of PSA 2020 Tour. We stayed at a hotel near Inlay Lake. Two PSA members gave a short course to the hotel employees. Some went for the Hot Air Balloon ride. Some opted for a boat ride in the Inlay Lake.
(3) Sydney
In June 2006, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend three mini-gatherings.
Annual Dinner of Engineers mostly RIT Alumni
Engg Dinner in Sydney
Gathering hosted by Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC) to pay respect to Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder of UCC) and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (National Advisor, Board Member of UCC)
UCC Alumni in Sydney
Lunch for Old Paulians in Olympic Park by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, Geology)
Ko Tha Hlaing (EC83) is the son of Dr. Freddie Ba Hli and my cousin Daw Myint Thwe. He gave me the book “This is Sydney” as a present.
Book Present
(4) Niagara Falls
Visited Nigara Falls twice.
My first visit to Niagara Falls two decades ago from the US side.
Ko Mya Aung, Ko Tin Ohn, Ko Mg Mg Myint and I rented a car and made a quick trip.
My second visit to Niagara Falls was made in July 2015.
Ivan Lee (M69) provided his Mercedes for a trip to Canada and the East Coast of USA.
Fred Thetgyi (M69) drove most of the journey so that Ivan could rest. On the way to Windsor, Canada, we visited Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.
Niagara 1
Niagara 2Niagara 3Niagara 4
(5) UK
England
Peter
Hosts : Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) & Daw Win Mar (Reading, England)
Wales
Mg Mg Kyi
Hosts : U Maung Maung Kyi & Daw Khin May Than (Ogmore-by-the-sea, Wales)
See posts
(6) Texas
Hosts
Dr. Ba Han
Dr. Ba Han & Daw Lillian (Fort Worth)
San Lin
U San Lin & Daw Hla Hla Myint (Dallas)
Myo Tin & KZO
U Myo Tin & Dr. Khine Zin Oo (Temple)
(7) Seattle
KMZ
U Khin Maung Zaw (Side trips to Oregon & Vancouver)
(8) East Coast
Maryland
East Coast Reunion
Dr. L Sein Myint
U Thein Han
U Thein Han & family
U Wynn Myint Aung & family
Washington, D.C.
U Htin Lin & family
Tri-State
U Aung Thu (New York)
Fred, Ivan, Tom
Ivan Lee (New Jersey) : Side trip to Canada & East Coast
Tom Liu & family (Connecticut)
Pennsylvania
Fred Thetgyi & family
Massachusetts
TAG, Maw
Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw & Daw Khin Maw Maw (also Cape Cod for their son’s wedding)
(9) SoCal
U Tin Htut
Saya U Tin Htut & Daw Irene
Steeve
Steeve Kay (QTCM & KFF)
U Aung Khin
U Aung Khin & Daw The The
Daw Phyu Phyu Kyaw
U Tin Htoon, KMZ
U Tin Htoon & Daw Helen
Ed Saw
(10) Canada
U Aung Khin
Sayagyi U Aung Khin (Windsor)
Dr. Aung Gyi
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma (Napean)
U Zaw Oo (Vancouver)
(11) Singapore
Win Latt
U Win Latt
TAW
U Tin Aung Win & Daw Wah
Ngwe Soe
U Ngwe Soe & Daw Nu Nu Yee (Side trip to Jahore & Malecca)
Kyu, Pale
U Zaw Tun & Daw Kyu Kyu
Pale Shein & Ko Ye
KMM
U Khin Maung Myint
(12) Myanmar
5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
ILF
Host : ILF Board
2020 Myanmar PSA Tour
Host : U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing & family
(13) Visit to Burma by Foreign Leaders
During our younger days, three N’s : Nu (Burma), Nehru (India) and Nasser (Egypt) celebrated the Burmese New Year (Thingyan Festival). They helped found the Non-Aligned Movement.
Other leaders such as David Ben Gurion (Israel), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) and Daj Hammarskjold (UNSG) also visited Burma.
Nehru (India)
Photos : Compiled by Win Aung Gyi (Maung Aung Mon)
Saya U Hla Myint (Charlie, M65) and Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65) co-chaired the RIT Alumni Gathering.
Organizers include U Thet Tun (Henry, M75), U Wint Khin Zaw (A79), and U Sein Win (C80).
Attendees include Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli, RIT Alumni & family members, U Aung Zaw (UCC) and some Doctors
Ko Htay Aung (EC80) provided tickets to attend the Gathering.
UCC Gathering
UCC Gathering
Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC) hosted the UCC Alumni Gathering at his house.
Ma Kyawt cooked Mohinga.
We paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli and Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe
BOB Gathering
Dr. Than Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS66, Geology Professor) hosted the BOB Gathering at the Olympic Park built for 2000 Summer Olympics.
Attendees include Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (from Canberra), U Win Boh (Robert from Queensland), U Htay Aung (Victor), Stanley Saw (from New Zealand) and Philip Smythe (Burma Selected in Swimming & Diving).
Ko Bonnie invited U Pantra.
Updates
Several are now GBNF. They include Dr. Freddie Ba Hli & Daw Myint Thwe, Dr. Chit Swe, U Aung Zaw and U Myo Win.
Most RIT alumni were from Sydney. A few from Perth & Auckland (New Zealand) attended the Alumni Gathering.
We had frequent flyer miles with United Air Lines.
Booked round trip flight from SJC (San Jose, California) to DFW (Dallas / Fort Worth in Texas) via DEN (Denver, Colorado) after consulting with Dr. Ba Han (SPHS66, IM1 73, who lives in Fort Worth) and U San Lin (Robert, MEHS67, EC73, UCC, who lives in Dallas).
There are several twin cities in the USA. They include
Dallas & Fort Worth (in Texas)
Minneapolis & St. Paul (in Minnesota)
Seattle & Tacoma (in Washington)
DFW is an International air port near Dallas and Fort Worth.
Dallas also has a local airport named “Love Field” (which is used mainly by Southwest Airlines).
Robert agreed to pick us up at the DFW air port and host for two nights.
Dr. Ba Han agreed to host the remainder of the trip, and also show us around selected cities in Texas.
Break from FB
I did not take my lap top.
I did not log in to FB for the duration of the trip.
May 8, 2019
We flew from SJC to DEN on the morning of May 8, 2019.
At the DEN airport, we learned that “due to thunderstorms, only a limited number of inbound flights to DFW were allowed.” The estimated time of departure from DEN was adjusted twice. After more than two hours delay, the plane took off and landed in DFW about two hours later.
Robert and his spouse Daw Hla Myint (Marina, EC73) picked us up at DFW. They treated us to a Texas BBQ (Barbecue). We learned that Robert had become a vegetarian, but would occasionally order BBQ for his grandson.
They hosted us for two nights.
May 9, 2019
They showed us around Dallas (including the infamous depository used by Oswald, the ranch used in the TV series “Dallas”, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Robert
Robert studied at RIT & UCC. He worked for TI (Texas Instruments) in Singapore. He was relocated to TI in Houston. He retired in 2018 and moved to Dallas to be near his son Dr. Vincent & two grandsons.
Vincent and his wife are medical doctors. They hosted a dinner near the swimming club of their elder son.
U Boon PinU Boon Pin and wife
Robert’s father U Boon Pin is a 1948 – 49 classmate of U Soe Aung (PWD) and U Gyn Kho (PWD, Dr. Ba Han’s uncle). He retired as Deputy Chief Engineer of Railways.
Robert’s mom passed away in Taiwan in 2020. She has two sisters. One married Albert Teoh (the eldest of 15 Teoh siblings). Another is the mother of Johnson Lim (C7x).
May 10, 2019
Dr. Ba Han joined us for lunch at the Dallas Chinese temple that offers excellent vegetarian dishes for a suggested donation of $7.
He then drove us to Temple to meet our common niece — daughter of his elder brother U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) and my elder sister Sayama Daw Tin Tin Win (RIT Chemistry).
My niece Dr. Khine Zin Oo & her spouse U Myo Tin treated us a dinner at a restaurant which offered dishes from Texas and Louisiana.
The weather reports indicated heavy rains and floods in parts of Texas (e.g. Houston) on May 11, 2019.
So we decided to visit Austin that day. My niece Dr. Khine Zin Oo and her husband U Myo Tin took us to Austin Sitagu and the Austin Capitol.
Austin Sitagu
Austin 1
We offered soon to the resident monks (including an American monk). Several meals were prepared by a former Sushi shop owner from California.
The visitors included
Dr. Doris Maung Oo : spouse of Thura Tin Maung Aye (BAF, GBNF)
her daughter (classmate of my elder son at TTC)
her son-in-law
niece (daughter of Dr. Alice Maung Oo).
State Capitol
Austin Capitol 1Austin Capitol 2
We joined the tour at the Austin Capitol (which at one time claimed to the tallest among the Capitols in the USA).
The tour guide explained the six flags of Texas and showed us the two chambers and the Dome.
May 12, 2019
Dr. Ba Han took us to Houston to see NASA and to visit our cousin U Oo Thwin (Michael, alumnus of Rutger’s University).
NASA
There were two tram rides at NASA.
One tram took us to the Mission Control room.
We were not aware that the Mission Control room had been emptied (as part of the renovation for the Golden Jubilee of the Apollo 11 flight in July, 1969). The docent highlighted the importance of Mission Control for the NASA missions in general and the Apollo missions in particular.
Another tram took us to the Training Facility of the astronauts. There were several interesting items on display.
Both tram rides stopped at the “Rockets site” with three vintage rockets.
U Oo Thwin (Michael)
We paid respect to our cousin Ko Michael (son of my maternal uncle) at his house. He has five children and some grand children. His eldest daughter Capy (who had moved back from Seattle after her mother passed away) and his younger son Nyi Nyi were there that day.
His friends include Sao Aung Myint (John Khun Kyi).
May 13, 2019
Dr. Ba Han took us to San Antonio and Fredericksburg.
The tourist attractions at San Antonio are the Alamo (which gained fame in the Davy Crockett movie) and the River Walk beside a man-made canal (with a depth of 3 to 5 feet). We took a book ride.
We visited National Museum of the Pacific War at Fredericksburg, Texas. One exhibit was dedicated to Admiral Nimitz. He and Dwight D. Eisenhower were the two five star generals during Second World War. One exhibit was funded by the George H W Bush foundation. A two-day pass for seniors cost $12.
We returned to Fort Worth.
Fort Worth
Daw Tin Tin Aye (Lillian, T72) is known as a “Ah Phwa” to several Myanmar (Mon, Chin, …) families in Fort Worth. She is happy providing social services especially to the new comers. Due to her busy schedule, she could not join Dr. Ba Han for the trip to Temple, Austin, Houston, …
During her visit to Yangon, “Good Morning” Kyaw Myint took her to the M72 Reunion.
Lillian keeps in touch with her close friends from T72, but she cannot recall the names of several sayas and others from the Class of 72.
Dr. Ba Han’s family
Dr. Ba Han (SPHS66, IM1 73) is the younger brother of U Win Htein (SPHS56, Purdue, PWD), U Myo Myint (EC67, RUBC Gold) and U Myint Thein (B.Com, cox of our Novice crew) & the elder brother of Daw Myint Myint Thein (Susan, DAC).
He has a daughter Hester (who is a teacher) and two grand children. His younger son Harry is doing internship at a hospital in San Francisco.
He retired twice (once in New York and once in Texas).
He has come out of retirement and is now working (some weeks from home and some weeks on-site).
During our trip, he delegated most tasks to his assistant, but he still had to take phone calls and/or “Telepresence”.
He belongs to a big extended family. He is a cousin-uncle of U Aung Win (Owen, M71).
HlaMin 