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).
After taking long trips, it was time to slow down and take a rest.
Dr. Ba Han enjoys driving. He has driven from Texas to other states including California and New York.
Due to the possibility of bad weather (thunderstorms, heavy rains, floods), we decided to play safe.
Short trips
Good weather permitting, Dr. Ba Han took us to tourist attractions in his neighborhood.
May 14, 2019
Fort Worth Stock Yard
FW 1FW 2FW 3
On May 14, 2019, we visited the “Fort Worth Stock Yard”. In the early days, Texas Long Horns were traded at the Exchange. For tourists, two “cow herding” shows were performed daily. There are a few guys who make money by charging $5 to mount a “Long Horn” and take pictures.
May 15, 2019
Fort Worth Water Garden
FW WG
On May 15, 2019, we visited the “Fort Worth Water Garden”. It ha four sections. People would come to enjoy the cool environment especially on hot days. The architect incorporated soothing sound effects.
May 16, 2019
Oklahoma Border
OKB
Texas does not permit gambling. Some travel to the “Winstar Casino” located in Oklahoma just a few miles from the border of Texas. It has sections named London, Paris, Madrid, Beijing, …
In several states, Native Americans are allowed to operate casinos. Oklahoma is one of them.
Spare time
The trips were short. They allowed Dr. Ba Han to do some urgent work from his home.
He loves history. He gave me three books to read in my spare time.
His sisters in Yangon were interviewed for the book “Yangon Echoes”. They received an autographed copy from Virginia (co-author). Except for some inadvertent errors (possibly introduced in the translation of the interviews), the book covers good material.
“George Washington’s Secret Six” describes how the Culper Ring saved the American Revolution.
Another book was by a Taiwanese-American researcher who spent two years (2007 and 2008) in Myanmar to study Sino-Burmese culture and practice. The book was bought in Yangon for K5000.
Side bar : Book presents
Over the years, I received book presents.
Some were from authors (e.g. Tekkatho Moe War, Ashin Kesala, Saya Des Rodgers, Junior Win, Htain Lin, Maung Swan Yi, U Ye Sint, Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC), Sayadaw U Jotalankara, U Hla Myint).
Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS60) air mailed me the book (written and published by his former students and colleagues for his 70th birthday present) from Australia. The postage was comparable to the price of the book.
U Wint Khin Zaw (A79) air mailed me the book (autobiography of his father “K” @ BBS U Khin Zaw) from Australia.
Some were from “Sar Pay Chit Thu Myar”.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) posted me two books that he brought from Yangon. One covers “U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin”. The other is a trans-composition of Zawgyi’s poems.
For some time, I have read and/or listened to book summaries provided by blinkist.com
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.
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
Visited former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore
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.
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.
In July 2015, Ivan Lee (M69) sponsored a whirlwind trip from New Jersey to Canada and the East Coast of US. Provided car & gas. Drove part of the trip.
Fred Thetgyi (M69) drove most of the way. Volunteered as the group’s photographer.
U Aung Khin
Former Professor and Head of Mechanical Engineering at RIT.
U Aung Khin
The plan was to meet Saya at his house in Windsor around 7 PM.
We were a few hours late.
Saya was patiently waiting for his former students.
We chatted for a while.
Saya hosted my spouse and I to spend the night.
Ivan & Fred joined us for breakfast the following day.
All were thankful to enjoy Mohinga and Ah Kyaw.
Saya gave us mementos from Windsor.
Souvenir
Dr. Aung Gyi
Former Rector of RIT.
Dr. Aung Gyi 1
Visited Saya & Daw Emma at their house in Napean.
Spent two nights.
Dr. Aung Gyi 2
Saya drove us around the town.
Daw Emma prepared delicious dishes.
Thousand Islands
The following day we visited Thousand Islands. Daw Emma bought a present for my Myee.
I took a trip to Singapore to visit former classmates, colleagues & students in Singapore
Hosts
Singapore 1Singapore 2
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu Kyu Hlaing were our main hosts
Ko Ngwe Soe (Silver, UCC) & Ma Nu Nu Yee 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 (Hla Win …) with their Saya U Tu Myint
ex-UCC & ex-ICST
Micro gatherings
Boe Ba Shan & Ma Phyu Phyu Win
Ma Pale Shein / Pearl & Ko Ye
Ko Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu Kyu Hlaing 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 (EC83, UCC) took me on a quick trip around Sagaing & Mandalay.
Did not meet Ko Kyaw Kyaw Soe (UCC). 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 Ko Aung Kyaw Myint / Eddie Shein’s daughter
Soon for Uzin Saya Beatson (ဦးကုသလ၊ Physics teacher & Scout Master at SPHS)
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
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 Maung Maung Lay / အဘ။ U Maung Maung Gyi, U Aung Myint — are GBNF.
