Bagan, Ancient City of Myanmar- Page 1

Bagan is ancient. More than 10 thousand temples were built by the kingdom of Bagan, which spanned for more than 1000 years. Today, more than one third of them are still standing. From the humble beginning of Bupaya dated 162 AD, Bagan kingdom reached its peak by the building of the monumental Shwezigon Paya, Dhammayangyi, and Ananda around 1100 - 1170 AD.

Then, the kingdom declined and eventually been abandoned at around 1300 AD. The city of 200,000 was reduced to a small settlement. However, several temples within the area still attracts Buddist pilgrims until today, which standing among them are Ananda, Shwezigon Paya, Dhammayangyi, Hitlominlo, and Sulamani.

The reason of the decline of once the strongest kingdom in South East Asia is yet to be unveiled, although the invasion of Mongolian army is popularly accepted. However, we believe that the empire collapsed not by a single reason, but a combination of many factors.

Itinerary for our 3 days trip. Day 1, we reached Bagan early in the morning around 8:30 am. After a brief rest at our hotel, we visited Shwezigon Paya (with Buddha's relics), Gubyaukgyi (with mural), Bulethi (tall pagoda with good view around), Htilominlo Guphaya, and Ananda (most beautiful temple). We took our lunch at 12:30 pm and took a rest until 3 pm. Then, we visited Thatbyinnyu (the tallest temple), Mahabodhi (the only Indian style temple), Bupaya (the oldest monument), Dhammayangyi (the largest temple), Sulamani, and Shinbinthalyaung before we stopped at Shwesandaw to see the sunset.

Day 2, Betty was not feeling well in the morning, so our trip started quite late in the afternoon. We went to Nyaung U for lunch. Then, we visited Minnanthu Village located east to old Bagan. There, we visited Leimyethna, Tayokepyay, Thambula (built by Queen Thambula), Thon Zu (the only triple pagoda structure), Dhamma Yazika pagoda (the pagoda with 5 faces), and Pyat-Tha-Dar.  We visited Gawdaw Palin before we headed back to our hotel around 6 pm.

Day 3, we checked out from our hotel in the afternoon, visited Bagan Archeological Museum after lunch, and went straight to the airport for our late afternoon flight back to Yangon.

Well, with 3000 temples scattering around Bagan, planning is very important to keep our trip smooth. So, this was we had done- listed all the most unique temples what we wished to visit, such as the most beautiful- Ananda, the largest- Dhammayangyi, the tallest-  Thatbyinnyi, built by the queen- Thambula, and the only pagoda with 5 faces- Dhamma Yazika, then we tried to link them according to the location, together with a few of the lesser temples nearby.

Upon arrival at Bagan Airport, we were required to pay USD10 per person for the admission to the achaeological sites in Bagan. We were then been given a ticket (nice waterproof card). We were checked for the ticket by the guards at Htilominlo and Shwesandaw.

Now, we would like to bring you around with our photos, starting from Day 1.

Shwe-Zi-Gon Paya

This is a huge golden stupa topped by a metal umbrella. It is unique due to the relics of Buddha, which are buried deep under the stupa. It resembles Shwedagon in Yangon. Shwezigon located nearby Nyaung U area, around 3 km from Nyaung U airport.  Initiated in 1060 AD by King Arawrahta, the construction was completed by his son, Kyansittha in 1102 AD.

The stupa stands on three levels of stages. All the stages have been closed to visitors. More information about this temple is available at Bagan Pagodas.

This is one of the most visited temples in Bagan, especially by the local Buddhists.

The galleries built around the stupa make the temple looks inharmony- strong contrast between the old and the new architectures (upper left). Thousand-year-old lion guarding the stupa(upper right) is unique for the split hind legs. Shwezigon is the only temple in Bagan that we came upon a few young monks begging for money (lower right). However, they were not aggressive, and left us alone after a polite rejection. Some of the archaeological facts of Shwezigon was displayed, but too bad, it was written in Burmese language only.

Long corridor that lead to Shwezigon was built (upper left), housing many vendors selling various things. We bought "The Spirit of Bagan" there with one of the vendors. Haggled for 5 minutes, we bought it with much cheaper than what we could get at Shwedagon.

Gu-Byauk-Gyi

Second stop, Gubyaukgyi nearby Shwezigon. Gubyaukgyi means great spotted temple, but it is in fact a very small temple. The interesting part of the temple is the mural drawn inside the temple's wall. However, the temple was too dark inside. To see the mural, we need to bring a torch light. Photo taking is not allowed inside the temple.

As we didn't bring any torch light, we couldn't see much inside the temple. We tried to use auto focus light from our camera, but it had alarmed the security personnel inside the temple. We were warned to keep our camera in our bag.

Gubyaukgyi temple is really small (upper left). The temple has a spire with sculptures (upper right). The stone outside of the temple stated that the restoration of the temple was done with the donation from Mr. Berarg (lower right). Hundreds of these stones are found scatter across the temples in Bagan. It was very hot during our trip. Although the land was dry, we found a blossom flower tree in front of the temple.

Bulethi (some pronounced as Pulethee)

Bulethi has nothing special, except we could climb up to the top of the pagoda. According to our taxi driver, Bulethi was among a few of the pagodas which climbing to the upper levels were still allowed. He was right. In the name of preservation, most of the upper levels of the pagodas and temples were closed to visitors. Bulethi is located 1.2 km away from Gubyaukgyi, around 400 meters south east to Htilominlo.

In our opinion, Bulethi is worth for a short stop, just to take a view around. Be noted that the floor will be burning hot under the sunlight. It is easier to climb up the pagoda through the side which is less exposed to sunlight.

Group photo before the climbing. our parents gave up climbing due to the unbearable feet burning floor.

The weather was extremely hot. With little rain, the land was dry and lack in green plants.

The pagoda is steep. Shadows provides more comfortable passage to the top.

Scenery west from Bulethi.

This is what we saw south to the pagoda.

Hti-Lo-Minlo Guphaya

Htilominlo means favored by the king and the white umbrella. It was built in 1211 AD by King Nan Daung Mya Min (or King Htilominlo, a few sources refered him as Zeyatheinka as well), to commemorate the incident which he was selected as the new king with the white umbrella used by his father tilted towards him. With the center spire reaches height of 46 meters, Htilominlo is one of the biggest temple in Bagan. Although it is a three storey building, only the access to the ground level is open to public. There are four Buddha statues facing four different directions in the main temple building.

For us, that temple was yet another big temple, which we had put it in our backup list. But since it was located so close to Ananda, so we decided to take a short visit to this temple on our way from Bulethi to Ananda. We just stopped for some 25 minutes before we continued our trip to Ananda.

Htilominlo from the main road.

The gate of Htilominlo (left) leads to the main entrance to the temple (2nd from left). We could see many vendors at the both sides of the main path lead to the entrance. Buddha is the main theme of the temple- murals, statues, souvenirs, etc.

Ananda

Ananda is dubbed as the most beautiful temple in Bagan. It was built by King Kyansittha in 1091. It was said to be built with a blend of Indian and Mon architecture. The highest spire of the temple rises 50 meters above the land, and the building was nicely decorated.  This is definitely an ancient edifice that we should not miss. Detailed description of this temple is available at orientalarchitecture.com. Lack of illumination, the internal beauty of the temple was really hard to be seen.

Topped by golden beehive-like spire, this temple is easy to be identified from afar.

Ananda can be clearly seen outside of the temple's compound (upper left). However, the great view as published in several books are now blocked by overgrown trees. Most parts of the structure were painted in white, including the main gate (upper right), where a long corridor was built to connect the gate to the entrance of the temple (lower right). Many vendors placed their stalls in the corridor. The temple is well decorated.

Earthquake in 1975 had badly damaged the temple. Luckily, this 25 feet tall Buddha statue which has been standing since the temple was built were left untouched. Ananda temple that we can see today is the result from careful restoration.

We went for lunch and took a break after we left Ananda. Our trip in the afternoon continued on Page 2.

[Page 1][Page 2][Page 3]

[Bagan,Ancient City of Myanmar] [Getting Around Bagan] 

[First Day in Yangon- From 38th Street to Bogyoke Aung San Market]

[Second Day in Yangon- From Shwedagon to Karaweik]
[Food in Yangon] [Getting Around Yangon]
[All Our Destinations]

Theertham - Sacred Holy Water

Theertham:

Theertham is holy water in the Hindu mythology. The water contains many medicinal properties. Each deity will have different type of theertham. The water is treated very sacred.

Cultural Beliefs:

The water is generally used to bath the deities. Later that is received as Prasad that is a remedy for all types of sins and Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are protected.

Theertham has to be received by the priest for three times. Ancients states that theertham should not drop while giving or taking on the earth. If single drop theertham was dropped on earth it was considered as great sin for both giver and taker of theertham

“Prathamam deha sudyartham Dwithiyam athma sudthikam
Thritheeyam moksha sidhyartham theerth thapra sanalakshanam”

sipping water for 3 times is to clean the body cleaning, cleaning soul and for salvation.

People also used to believe by drinking the holy water they can fight against diseases.

Theertham preparation:

• Theertham will be prepared in vessel which is made with Copper or Silver or Brass.
• Temples related to Lord Vishnu, Tulasi Theertham (Water mixed with Holy Basil Leaves) will be given to devotees.
• Temples related to Lord Shankar, Maredu Theertham (Water mixed with bael Tree Leaves) be given to devotees.
• Temples related to other deities, water mixed with Cardamom, Cloves, edible camphor will be given as Theertham to devotees.
• Mostly all of the temples will prepare Panchamrut (Made of Milk, Yoghurt, Honey, Sugar candy and Ghee in equal amounts) and will be given as theertham in special occasions.

How to take Theertham?

• Right palm should be bent and should be resembled like a cow ear. 
• Index finger should be bent to touch the thumb. 
• Left palm with a piece of cloth should be under the right palm for support.
• Theertham should be taken 3times. 
• Before sipping you should take the right palm with theertham near to both eyes and sip in sitting posture.

Interesting Facts:

Ancient people used to drink water from Copper vessel as the metal have the ability to kill bacteria and virus in water. Now a day’s people are following ancient methods of keeping water over night in a copper vessel and consuming in early morning.

 Scientific Reasons:

• Water stored in metals like copper, brass or silver will decrease the heat in body and helps the body to absorb essential salts and nutrients. Copper is vital nutrient for body in production blood along with Iron.  
• The holy basil leaves used in theertham act as a tonic which fights against fever, cold, cough, sore throat, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders, stress, mouth infections, insect bites, headaches, skin and tooth disorders. It also acts as nerve tonic to sharpen the memory.
• The Beal Leaves in theertham can cure many health problems such as Stomach ulcers, controls diabetes and cholesterol levels, acts as anti microbial and anti inflammatory, relives constipation, and relives diarrhea and dysentery.
• The holy water mixed with Cardamom, Cloves, edible camphor helps in digestion, detoxifies the body, controls cold, flu, cancer and blood pressure, acts as anti inflammatory ,relives tooth pains & respiratory infections, Enhance sexual health, cures nervous disorders, fights against epilepsy.
• Panchamrut mixture nourishes the body increases strength and potency, It boosts physical stamina, intelligence, grasping power, creative abilities, improves skin color, increase the quality of sperm or ovum.  

L'info est un long buzz tranquille

Jean-Philippe est un pote sympa. Durant 48 h, il a gracieusement nourri un écosystème journalistique en léthargie estivale, générant articles, bandeaux publicitaires et pognon. Du Figaro au Gorafi, vous n’avez pas pu la rater si vous passiez quelques minutes sur internet hier : la photo de la photo du petit Grégory (mort assassiné en 1984) utilisée dans une publicité pour la crèche du Festival de Jazz de Montreux, c’était la sienne. Le scoop, c'est grâce à lui.

Dans ce billet, il revient sur le buzz dont il est à l'origine et sur ce que lui inspire l'énième épisode de ce que devient l’information sur le web : du pute-à-clicking. 

Je lui laisse la plume.

(La photo originale de @koramarok) 

" “Le petit Grégory sur une publicité pour le festival de Montreux” (LePoint.fr), “Le visage du petit Grégory dans une publicité” (LeFigaro.fr), “L'incroyable gaffe du Montreux Jazz Festival qui utilise une photo du petit Grégory Villemin dans une pub !” (JeanMarcMorandini.com) etc...

Autant de papiers parus sur le web ces deux derniers jours sur une histoire partie d’un tweet et d’une photo dont je suis l’auteur. Et je regarde, mi-médusé, mi-agacé, le développement de cette affaire. Au-delà du fait-divers, il y aurait bien des questions à se poser concernant cette news. Prendre un peu de hauteur, changer l’angle et dépasser le buzz.

1 / L’historique où des journalistes à l’affût sur Twitter

Tout part d’un tweet public envoyé à Guy Birenbaum à mon retour du festival de Montreux. Sachant qu’il tenait une chronique sur les réseaux sociaux, ce genre d'EPIC FAIL pouvait l'intéresser. Il m’a tout de suite demandé des preuves ou du moins des précisions (il sera un des seuls). Nos messages sont publics, et comme sa portée dans la twittosphère est plutôt conséquente, ça a immédiatement fait boule de neige. Entre le moment où j’ai posté ma photo sur Twitter et la publication des premiers articles, il s’est passé trois heures. Je n’ai été contacté QUE par Maxime Bourdier du Huffington Post, afin de faire son article. Et le soir par France 3 Lorraine pour une interview par téléphone où je certifie l’authenticité du document (ainsi que France 3 national).

2 / L’utilisation de la photo

L’émoi suscité par l’utilisation de cette image est immense, car l’affaire du Petit Gregory est encore dans toutes les mémoires (ou enfin presque). Mais, ne peut-on pas considérer que le simple fait de télécharger une image sur le net et utiliser sans autorisation la photo d’un gosse est, en soi, un gros problème ? Et plus largement, utiliser une photo sans se demander s’il y a des droits d’auteurs, sans la sourcer, n’est-ce pas aussi un FAIL ? Bizarrement, les médias n’en parlent pas. Et pour cause. Ils font pareil. L’origine de la photo du magazine de Montreux est par exemple non précisée dans l’article du Point.fr, au profit d’un “DR” (droit réservé : en gros, on ne cite pas le nom et on serre les fesses pour que personne ne réclame les droits) commode. Mieux, certains journalistes sur place qui n’avaient rien vu ont profité de l’info piochée sur Twitter pour refaire une photo de la photo, mais la leur cette fois [NDLR : que je leur pique tiens].

(ci-dessus d’intrépides journalistes de terrain particulièrement bien informés.)

Sur le site du Figaro.fr ou de Morandini, c’est encore mieux, il n’y a aucune indication [NDLR : et Morandini attribue l'info à France Tv]. Forcément, une photo faite par un amateur, twitto de surcroît, pourquoi la sourcer hein ? Pourtant, c’est quasi la seule à leur disposition pour illustrer le sujet, une seule autre étant parue sur le site de l’antenne FN de Boulogne Billancourt le dimanche, soit deux jours avant la mienne, comme l’indique le blog Big Browser du Monde.fr.

Une éventuelle demande préalable avant utilisation ? Pareil, faut pas y compter. La photo est partout, mais je n’ai au final que 6 demandes officielles pour son utilisation dans des papiers. Entendons-nous bien : je me contrefous que cette photo, prise en 2 secondes avec mon smart-phone, soit reprise comme illustration, mais bordel, ça ne choque personne que l’on pique une photo amateur sur le net pour illustrer un sujet sur le vol amateur de photo sur le net (thèse avancée par le festival) ? Ce point intéresse peu vu que l’unique angle d’attaque est le FAIL + Gregory avec en visée un buzz à fort potentiel de click, pour un investissement quasi nul des rédactions.

3 / En rester au Buzz du Fail

Le Festival de Montreux explique la bourde par le fait qu’une stagiaire étrangère a réalisé la pub. Pas un journaliste pour demander comment se fait-il qu’un festival si renommé, si prestigieux, ait recours à des stagiaires pour réaliser son journal interne ? N’a-t-il pas les moyens de se payer de vrais pros pour réaliser un document forcément en flux tendu, plutôt que de pressurer des stagiaires inexpérimentés et corvéables à merci ? Avec les prix pratiqués [Pour info, le concert de Prince, c’était 140 euros en fosse et près de 250 au balcon], ne peuvent-ils pas dégager un budget com’ qui tienne la route et qui permette d’acheter une photo à 10 euros sur Fotolia ? Le recours aux stagiaires et aux bénévoles, c’est dans quelle proportion ? Ne serait-ce pas des fois un des effets collatéraux de la sous-traitance à outrance? Quid aussi de la chaîne de validation ? [NDLR : les parents de Grégory portent plainte contre le festival au moment de la publication]. Parce qu’à un moment, le stagiaire est face à un maître de stage censé superviser son boulot non ? Non. Pas une question à ce sujet. Est-ce à croire que les rédactions reprenant le buzz, pratiquent parfois de la même façon, spécialement l'été ?

@koramarok - 18.07.2013"

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Mes conclusions: 

JP sera peu remercié comme source de l’info. Le graphiste pas réembauché par le festival. Les rédactions qui font désormais leur marché sur Twitter se sont jetés sur l’os sans parfois vérifier l'info, et sans aucune analyse allant plus loin que le simple FAIL. Evidemment tout ceci sera oublié dans deux jours pour mieux recommencer le surlendemain.

Mon conseil : 

Si jamais vous diffusez un document à fort potentiel de buzz, ne le faites jamais sans l’éditorialiser au préalable et donner VOTRE point de vue (et pas en un tweet ou un statut Facebook). 

Brétigny et les pillards de l'apocalypse

Toujours glaçant de constater qu'une approximation peut enflammer un segment de population, comment dire, un peu à cran. 

Dans les heures suivant le déraillement meurtrier du Paris-Limoges vendredi dernier en fin de journée en gare de Brétigny-sur-orge, le consommateur d'actualités aura assisté à une énième démonstration de la plaie qu'est devenue la course à l’information continue.

Parallèlement, dans la soirée, il aura également pu constater une multiplication de propos racistes (voir ici) sur les réseaux sociaux (jusqu'aux responsables politiques FN et UMP) au sujet de caillassages sur secouristes et policiers et de vols sur les victimes par des jeunes.

Tout part d'un article sur le site d'Europe 1 publié vers 22h et reposant sur le témoignage d'une policière du syndicat Alliance, et de quelques tweets de journalistes, immédiatement repris sur le site du Figaro puis sur une réacosphère au taquet.

Seulement voilà. C'est faux ou, au minimum, largement exagéré. Caillassages et pillages sont démentis le lendemain par le ministre des transports, les policiers et les secouristes eux-mêmes. En gros, deux connards ont dû piquer un téléphone portable et quelques mecs s’énerver (c'est mal) parce que des policiers leur ont dit de dégager du périmètre de sécurité (c'est normal) et ça a été répété, amplifié, déformé. Mais tu comprends, comme c’est la banlieue donc la zone islamo-occupée terrifiant ces grands penseurs de droite qui donnent, missel et abécédaire de la défiscalisation au poing, des leçons de peur à la France entière depuis le 16e arrondissement, on ne va pas prendre le temps de nuancer. Ça ira bien comme ça, direction Fdesouche en home page. L'info c'est ici et maintenant coco, et si t'es pas content t'as qu'à t'informer sur Gulli.

Ces trois articles reviennent sur le déroulement de l'intox :

- Bretigny, Cacophonie sur les pillages Slate.fr

- D'Europe 1 à la fachosphère, comment la fausse rumeur s'est propagée ? LePlus

et celui-ci, très précis: Rumeurs et propagandes, quand les droites extrêmes surfent sur la mort et la douleur Debunkers de hoax

Deux aspects dans cette histoire :

1 / A ma droite. Le business des chaines d'info continue: hystériser l'actualité en permanence pour capter le spectateur et valoriser l'espace publicitaire. On peut créer du clash, meubler sur du vide. Ici, durant les deux heures de flottement foutraque suivant l'annonce du déraillement le temps pour les équipes d'être operationnelles les chaines useront des témoins anonymes par téléphone (paye ton édition spéciale). On pille à l'antenne de la photo twittée, de l'Instagram non sourcé, les mots "scènes de guerre" et "apocalypse" sont rabâchés par les animateurs d'actualités. Disons qu'à défaut d'informer précisément, ça crée du mouvement et un climat. Nous n'en savons pas plus, mais nous progressons dans l'émotion continue. 

2 / A ma droite extrême. Sur ce préchauffage initial autour d'un drame à fort potentiel d’identification, peut s’opérer tranquille une abjecte récupération politique par l'axe FNUMP. Faites entrer les barbares. Ce soir Papy Voise prend l'Intercités.

On doit s'interroger sur ce qui permet à une goutte d'eau (des actes isolés condamnables) de devenir un jet hydropulsé, à une fausse rumeur de se propager aussi efficacement sur internet. Et de pointer nos idées reçues (on y a tous cru au moins un moment), tout autant que la responsabilité des journalistes qui fout d'un grain de sable une tempête de cailloux. Avant même d’avoir la confirmation de la non-survenance des faits (soit le monde à l'envers de l'information), on pouvait légitiment avoir des réserves sur leur véracité. Dans le catalogue d'images amateurs bon marché diffusées dans la soirée, pas une de vol ou de violence. Parmi la poignée d'envoyés spéciaux tweetant avoir vus des échauffourées, pas un pour sortir la moindre vidéo. Des journalistes dont les caméras ne filment pas un tel scoop, pas même capturé avec leur téléphone portable ? De trois choses l'une. Soit ils sont nuls, soit ils ne sont pas sur place, soit ils sont nuls et ne sont pas sur place (en langage technique, faire une Aphatie). 

Intox + course à l'info + récupération expresse par le FNUMP pour un impact maximal sur le cerveau reptilien des mononeurones de droite.

Un cas d'école de la manipulation de l'actu. Jusqu'à la prochaine fois. Ce chaos continu de l'info-pulsion favorisant la prolifération des propos haineux décomplexés ayant été, comme à l'accoutumée, un franc succès. 

Plus loin, le traitement médiatique de ce drame est aussi la démonstration que pour être mieux informé, mieux vaut parfois ne pas trop s'informer.

Illustration : Vautourus-Fnumpus, se nourrit exclusivement d'infos en décomposition.

Articles connexes :
- L'antimatiére
- Le fabuleux destin de la vidéo des pieds de l'homme qui allait à St Domingue en RER
- Le pouvoir de l'info spectacle

Review on Nokia Lumia 520

The most amazing thing in Nokia Lumia 520 is its cheap price and higher performance. This is first phone Windows phone launched with Windows 8 OS under the range of 10000 INR.

Let’s check out the key features:-

As, we all know that like all other Lumia devices this phone is also equipped with 1 GHz dual core processor with 512 MB of RAM, which really powered the phone to give higher performance while browsing or playing high resolution games like Asphalt or Need For Speed(NFS). I didn’t found any difficulties in playing all these games and as well as in multitasking. But the disappointing thing, the phone becomes heat while playing few minutes of HD games.

Nokia Lumia 520 is inbuilt with the 8 GB of internal storage space with extended memory slot kit option.

The phones integrated with 5 MP of rear camera and no secondary camera. There is very less option available for photo shot. The camera performance at night is good but in day light it was little dull and tint around the captured images. It’s has 4.0 inch of IPS display which perform a very sharp and smooth pictures quality.

The sound quality of phones was below average and also it lacked in Apps.

Overall the phone is worth to buy. This is really splendor Windows 8 phones which make your every day special.

If anyone wants to ask question, just leave comment below. 

De la difficulté à répartir les tâches et changer les couches

 

J'avais le choix pour ce petit coucou au cœur de mon absence du blog (pour de bonnes raisons croyez-moi) : évoquer le retour de Nicolas Sarkozy ou le caca. 

J'ai choisi le caca.

Ces jours-ci une micro polémique est née sur au sujet du projet de loi sur l’égalité homme / femmes de Najat Vallaud-Belkacem. Le texte propose entre autres une réforme du congé parental (actuellement il peut s'étendre pour la femme jusqu'à la troisième année de l'enfant, dès le premier enfant). La ministre des droits de femmes réaménagerait ce congé avec 6 mois supplémentaires pour l'homme. Il n'en fallait pas plus pour provoquer le courroux beauf du patriarcat hexagonal terrorisé par toute brèche dans l'empire du chibre (et s'occuper de son enfant c'est quand même pas un boulot de mec, où va s'arrêter après ? On va quand même pas faire le ménage non plus !). 

Le classieux polémiste Eric Zemmour lui conseille ainsi de "s'occuper de ses fesses" en rappelant que le rôle de père doit se circonscrire à un rapport éducatif viril à base de baffes dans la gueule entre 16 et 16 ans et demi. Plus étonnant, la secrétaire générale déléguée de l'UMP (enfin l'une des 30, après on s'étonne que le parti soit en faillite), Valérie Pécresse, considère que l'homme à mieux à faire que changer les couches de son enfant. 

En témoigne ce petit échange entre l'ex ministre et votre rédacteur, recordman 17 secondes 2 dixièmes au changement de couches les yeux bandés au Pampers beach masters de Pampelonne. 

(En fait, Valérie Pécresse propose tellement de développer le congé parental des pères, qu'elle veut l'interdire pour le père et la mère au premier enfant.)

C'est bien parce que cette proposition de loi heurte une résistance culturelle dure (en langage technique, le couillotropisme) que la droite la résume aux couches souillées. Elle balaye en fait bien plus largement la question du rapport du travail et de la vie familiale, ainsi que de la répartition des tâches domestiques à la maison (équivalant souvent pour les femmes à un travail à temps partiel en + de leur emploi avec en moyenne 4 heures par jour, soit 1h45 de + que leurs conjoints). Ceci expliquant peut-être que la Ministre devient le punching-ball tranquille de la droite dans son ensemble (et même de la gauche parfois). 

NVB, le 11 juillet 2013. 

Comme souvent, le buzz évacue le contenu du texte de loi. J'en rappelle les grandes lignes en fin de billet. 

Sur le congé parental, le constat est implacable:

- En moyenne, les femmes qui ont un enfant voient leur rémunération décrocher de 10% par rapport à celle des hommes. 

- 96% des bénéficiaires actuels de la prestation qui finance le congé parental (CLCA) sont des femmes. 

- Les hommes ont renoncé à 30% à prendre un congé parental par peur d'un effet défavorable sur leur travail ou leur carrière (même l’aménagement d'un temps partiel est encore mal vu dans les entreprises, et très compliqué dans les TPE). 

- Les mères sont plus souvent freinées par l'aspect financier (39%). 

- C'est souvent le salaire le plus bas du couple qui s'arrête de travailler et comme la cascade des inégalités est cohérente (la rémunération des femmes est en moyenne inférieure de 27% à celle des hommes), c'est la femme qui s'y colle (et cotisera moins pour sa retraite du coup, et paf double peine !). 

- Après la naissance d'un enfant, une mère sur deux arrête son activité professionnelle contre un père sur neuf. Toujours selon l'INSEE (n1454, juin 2013), la moitié des pères (et trois quarts des mères) qui n'ont pas pris le congé disent qu'ils auraient pu être intéressés. 

Rééquilibrer progressivement le partage du temps et des responsabilités entre l'homme et la femme va évidemment dans le bon sens. A noter qu'un congé parental peut se prendre à temps partiel. En plus, il s'articule ici d'une création nette de 100.000 places de crèches (lé congé s'est développé face au déficit de places) et 75.000 solutions d'accueil supplémentaires à l'école maternelle (275.000 en trois ans). Il y a le contenu de la loi d'un côté, et aussi le message contribuant à changer les représentations figées que l'on se fait du rôle de chacun. Ce message est clair : n'ayez pas peur d'être un père impliqué dès le départ, ne sacrifiez pas votre vie professionnelle en étant mère, rééquilibrons le job au sein du couple.

Dans ce domaine, malgré la loi de Najat Vallaud-Belkacem (dont on pourra évaluer les premiers effets sur le congé parental masculin d'ici un an ou deux), il restera encore de la marge. Que Zemmour, seigneur du domaine conjugal, prince de la torgnole et tuteur de mes couilles, soit rassuré !

Les grandes lignes du projet de loi (à la rentrée au Sénat). Texte à consulter ici.

- Réforme du congés parental (avec aménagement pour les collaborateurs-trices libéraux)

- Interdiction de soumissionner aux marchés publics pour les entreprises qui ne pourront justifier du respect de leurs obligations légales en matière d’égalité. (Ca, ça va faire mal).

- Garantie contre les impayés de pensions alimentaires. (40% des pensions alimentaires ne sont pas ou mal versées, et cela touche 9 fois 10 des femmes). En plus de la prestation la CAF se retournera contre le débiteur avec des moyens coercitifs qu'une femme isolée n'a pas.

- Renforcement de la protection des femmes contre les violences conjugales, avec notamment la généralisation du téléphone grand danger.

- Renforcement de la parité : doublement des amendes pour les partis politiques hors la loi, extension de la représentation équilibrée à tous les établissements publics.

Articles connexes :

- Mes nuits sans Zemmour

- Un 8 mars toute l'année ? 

- Passe ton bac d'abord

Illus : Seb Musset

Getting Around Yangon

Visa

First of all, we need visa to enter Myanmar. We got our visa from Myanmar Embassy in our country, through a travel agency. Pearl Holiday in Kajang settled our visa in 4 working days. The price was RM150 per person (RM120 for visa and RM30 for transportation and insurance). 

We learnt that visa application is available online, which we just need to fill in online forms and pay using credit card. We can get the visa upon our arrival at Yangon airport. The online service, however, required about RM220 per person. 

Currency and Exchange

We changed USD to Kyat in Yangon airport as Kyat was not available in Malaysia. The exchange rate we got was approximately USD1 to 860 Kyat in Yangon International Airport, while we got USD1 to 910 Kyat at Bagan. On our return trip, the best rate we could get at the airport was 925 Kyat to USD1.

There are many money changers in Yangon airport, so we don't have to rush to fill our wallet and purse with Kyat. Why not take a walk around and look for the best rate? By the way, in order to exchange our USD to Kyat, we need to fill in a form- name, nationality and passport number are required. 

Well, we found that it was more convenient to use USD to pay for the entrance of tourism spots. However, when it came to shopping in night market or eating at the stalls by the road, using Kyat might ease complicated convertion. By the way, please be sure that the US Dollar note that you bring to Myanmar is flawless, or it will be as good as an plain paper. The hotel receiptionist might reject the note with even a single crease on it.

 The food menu is in Kyat (left) while the entrance fee is in USD.

People

The pace of living in this city was slow, about the same as Phnom Penh, but slower than Bangkok and Hanoi. Even slower compared to Kuala Lumpur. Down the street, we couldn't really feel that we were actually in a city with 4.5 millions people around us.

We could see people sitting on small chairs prepared by food vendors by the street all day long, drinking and eating, chitchatting, or reading a book, or tapping on their China-made smart phones.

People in Yangon like to sit beside the road, while enjoying their food and drink with their family and friends (upper row). As publishing newspaper daily is now permitted, more people are expected to have a copy of newspaper in their hand (lower left). The yellow flowers (in lower right) are popularly used as decoration.

Longji is the favourite costume for men in Yangon. Yongji is sarung type of cloth that ties at waist to cover the lower part of the body.

This photo was taken 7:30 in the morning. Two boys were walking down the street, carrying stuff for their business. The boy on the left was applying thanaka on his face. Thanaka is local sun block that produced from thanaka wood. Instead of getting the wood from the jungle, it is now available in the market. By the way, Mr. Psy will be very proud seeing his "horse-riding" style have found its way onto the t-shirts in Yangon.

Monks are everywhere, walking in sandals, cladding in reddish robes, and carrying containers for food donation.

Religion is a big part of Yangon. The temples were never lack of visitors.

Most of the people in Yangon were friendly, but couldn't communicate in English. In our three days' trip, we only met with several people with good English, a count with our fingers- two of the staff in the hotel which we stayed, a taxi driver who drove us to Shwedagon together with the tour guide there, a restaurant owner, a security guide at Trader's Hotel, and a few more.

Smile and wave. That's what we did most of the time, after starting a conversation in English, with Burmese in return. Lucky, Yangon was not a complicated maze. Finding way around was not difficult without asking anyone.

We highlight the language barrier, not to keep people away from visiting Yangon. Instead, we really need to prepare ourselves for more DIY, or find yourself a guide.

Place to Stay

The hotels in Yangon were over-priced. A small, old run-down hotel could handsomely charge USD30 per room per night. The hotel that we stayed, with the service at most 2 stars, asked for USD68 per night. The reason, demand rose high above supply. Some said the hotel's licence was strictly controlled by government. True or not, more hotels have to be built to cater the demand from the tourists.

Aung Tha Pyay Hotel was located at 38th Street at Yangon down town (upper left). It was a small hotel in the middle of shop lot. Taking the room and service into account, it was over-priced. However, it was new, and all the facilities were in good condition, and we couldn't find any better in vicinity. That's why we spent all three Yangon nights in that hotel. The photos show the lobby (upper right) and room for two (lower right) of the hotel. We found that the view facing the main road was not interesting, the people there tend to sit at the balcony and look right at us when we opened the window.

Staying at the down town area put us closer to the old Yangon. The historical buildings, although not well-maintained, were still attract tourists. Sule Pagoda, China Town, Bogyote Market, and many Yangon Heritage buildings were within walking distance from down town.

Traffic and Transportation

The most convenient way to move around was by taxi. The buses and small trucks were the public transportation that we could opt for. However, we had to get familiar with the routes before we squeezed ourselves on the fully packed box-on-wheels.

We took taxi most of the time. There was no taxi with meter, but the price is very much fixed- USD10 from the airport to downtown, 2,500 Kyat from our hotel to Shwedagon and so on. Room for bargaining was limited.  With or without air conditioner, the fare was the same. So, we always preferred the one with air conditioner.

Besides, we walked a lot at Yangon. Most of the main roads in Yangon were built with pedestrian walkway, so we had no problem walking around the city. Just bring an umbrella, and a bottle of drinking water, and a pair of comfortable sandals, and you can start your exploration right away. 

Road in Yangon was dominated by imported cars. Astonishingly, there was almost no motorbikes on the road. We were told that tut-tut had been banned to enter the city. But what had happened to the motorbike and bicycles? The drivers in Yangon were obedient, and most of the cars drove graceful. No red light violation was seen.

There are several ways to move around. If you are mentally unprepared to be packed into a small lorry (upper left), or getting onto a bus without any idea where the bus will go (upper right), then taxi will be your best choice (lower left). Getting a taxi is easy at Yangon. Trishaw is rarely seen around the city.

Street

The main street was clean and tidy, with walkway prepared for the pedestrians. Some of the places were quite crowdy. Many comments pointed that Yangon was in fact one of the safest city in the world. That's true. The last thing that we could feel on the street was getting robbed. The second last, being run over by anything with wheels.

39th Street in Yangon (upper left). Road crossing was safe (upper right). Well, at least, the vehicles stop when the traffic light turned red. Vendors narrowing down the pedestrian walkway (lower right), and food stalls beside the street.

Book stalls selling second hand books can be seen on the street (upper left). We could see dogs on the street once in a while. Lucky, the dogs were tame (upper right). Public phone was something unique. We needed to pay to the operator sitting next to the phone before we start dialing (lower left). We saw one very talented young girl selling her drawing beside Bogyoke Aung San Market.  

If you have seen the flats of five or six storeys, and wonder how the people living on the top floor getting down the street, buy some fritters, and getting back to the dining room without sweating, well, the secret is in this photo. These ropes were hanging from the residence's balconies, so that the delivery guys below can tie the stuff on the rope. Pulling up the breakfast is far better than going through the staircase, twice.

There were many abandoned colonial-time buildings along the street. These buildings, either totally abandoned, or only been occupied on the ground floor. In many places, these buildings have long found their way into tourist's directory, or have been bought and refurbished into luxury hotels or restaurants. Well, in our opinion, just a little bit of polish, these buildings will turn into attractions that shine brighter than any sapphire and emerald that we could find in Yangon.

Totally abandoned (upper left) and partially used buildings. These hundred years old buildings are the hidden gems of Yangon.

Drinking water was available on the street, free of charge. However, there was one problem- it couldn't slip through our lowest hygienic requirement. The containers and the cups were shared by the whole city. We saw the people passed by just took one of the cups, drank, put the cup back, and left.

The weather was hot. What could be better than putting a drink station beside a public phone? The water is free, the only thing is, there is only one cup for everyone.

Shopping

Yangon is not an exciting place for shopping. We could survive in a city without any shopping mall. However, in Yangon, getting souvenirs for our friends and family was more challenging than we thought. Most of the clothes, key chain, handphones, sandals, except for food and beverages, if not made in Thailand, then should be made in China.

During our three-day stay, we went to several places for shopping- Bogyote Aung San Market and area in vicinity, China Town, and streets around our hotel.We brought home a few hand-made fridge magnets and rattan works at Bogyote Market, which were authentic to be considered as "made in Myanmar". Then, we bought some Myanmar coffee from a local departmental store. We visited two departmental stores in Yangon- newly opened Parkson at Montgomery Road (near to Bogyoke Market) and Gamone Pwint Shopping Centre at the junction of 42th Street and Merchant Road. The international brands sold there were more expensive than what we could get in our country.

Bogyoke Aung San Market, the place that we could come out with local made souvenirs in our hand.

Some of the local made items on sale- hand made bracelet and necklace (upper left), jewelleries (upper right), clothes (lower left), and fridge magnets with wooden decoration.

Gamone Pwint Shopping Centre at the junction of 42th Street and Merchant Road. By foot, it was just 5 minutes away from our hotel. It was a good place for us to stop and enjoy the cooling air inside. Food court at the top floor good only for one thing- no need to wipe away the dripping sweat while eating.

Yangon's street was dotted by vendors- snacks, drinks, noodles, fruits, books, clothes, handphone accessories, etc.

Food
We have our sharing about food in Yangon in another post.Please read it here.

Overall Remark

Yangon is a good place to spend a few days. Everthing was cheap, except the accommodation. Although there were lack of stunning sceneries and exciting shopping centres, the old colonial buildings and the variety of food could compensate in another way. 

The public transport was not friendly to tourists, which made the taxi the top choice for us. English was limited, but the friendly people and extremely safe street brought merits to the city.

We shared our experiences in Yangon in other posts as well. Please refer to the links below, or you are most welcome to visit All Our Destinations too.

[First Day in Yangon- From 38th Street to Bogyoke Aung San Market]

[Second Day in Yangon- From Shwedagon to Karaweik]
[Food in Yangon] [Getting Around Yangon]
[Bagan,Ancient City of Myanmar] [Getting Around Bagan]

[All Our Destinations]