The Cola WarsSo Pepsi fired the first salvo in the Cola Wars by announcing, the day after (US) sanctions were lifted, that it would be manufacturing and distributing in Myanmar asap. There are now rather disturbingly large billboards around town featuring some guy called Messi who apparently drinks Pepsi. This does not make me want … Continue reading The Cola Wars
culture
Banking in Burma
I went to the bank last week. Not something to write home about, you might think, we all go to the bank now and again (or do we? Surely it’s all cybervirtual banking these days?). In any case, this was an eye opener.Contrary to popular belief there are banks here, and even ATM’s these days. … Continue reading Banking in Burma
Alfie’s Nursery
Alfie’s Nursery So Alfie has completed his second week at the spectacular Network Nursery and today for the first time I was able to drop him off and pick him up. I couldn’t get him home! He loves the place and the best thing for me is that I get loads of feedback from the … Continue reading Alfie’s Nursery
Ten Things to Do in Yangon
Ten Tourist Things to Do in Yangon With a mind to having guests here in the upcoming dry season (though in fairness baby’s arrival has rather put paid to a lot of planned visits, Nov – Mar being the optimal time to be here and us being in Thailand Dec – Feb) I’ve begun thinking … Continue reading Ten Things to Do in Yangon
Food Shopping
Shopping (from about Feb 2011) I’ve just been food shopping and realise I must jot down some observations before it all becomes too commonplace. I love foreign supermarkets wherever I go but City Mart is certainly an eye-opener. And it is the one supermarket chain geared towards expats. Fruit is like the opposite to home, … Continue reading Food Shopping
Aung Sang Sui Kyi
So I have just met the Lady, Aung Sang Sui Kyi (pron: Ang Sang Soo Chee) or Daw Sui as she likes to be called. My first and probably last meeting with a Nobel Prize Winner, the Peace one at that. By virtue of being secretary of the IFG here in Yangon, I also got … Continue reading Aung Sang Sui Kyi
Pregnancy Second Time Around
Pregnancy Second Time Around Well it’s not fun I can tell you. Then again, I’m not sure fun is how I would describe it first time around either. But at least then there was the ‘firstness’ of it all, the excitement and sheer wonder that we had managed to get pregnant in the first place, … Continue reading Pregnancy Second Time Around
Alfie Genius Boy
Alfie – Genius Boy* Yet again our boy seems to have taken one of those leaps in development that leave us all a bit breathless on the sidelines. It’s like a growth spurt but at warp speed so that one day he seems quite an ordinary toddler and the next he has grown up immeasurably. … Continue reading Alfie Genius Boy
Where to Have Baby?
Where to Have Baby? Wow, our little apple pip is not only causing havoc to my digestive system but is also part of an ongoing logistical nightmare. Where are we going to chose to have our baby? As I mentioned previously, we can’t have baby here for various reasons, but primarily that in case anything … Continue reading Where to Have Baby?
Pregnant and Abroad
Pregnant and Abroad So, here we go again! I’m 7 weeks pregnant and Alfie’s little sister or brother is due on 16th January 2012. I’m already sick as a dog and feel fluey, tired and miserable. Headachey, queasy and VERY grumpy. I don’t recall being in this bad a mood last time round but I’m … Continue reading Pregnant and Abroad
Vicky Blades 