Myanmar’s telegram system buzzes on (The Diplomat)

On a street stacked block by block with colonial British buildings, the Government Telegraph Office doesn’t instinctively stick out. Like so many of its neighbors, the façade is grimy and crumbling. There always seems to be a soft trickle of water flowing from exposed blue plumbing pipes, which water lively patches of ferns and moss …

Continue reading Myanmar’s telegram system buzzes on (The Diplomat)

Myanmar’s traditional form of boxing — Lethwei (CNN)

I got into journalism because I get joy out of giving a voice to the voiceless. This past week, my latest feature for CNN did just that. In covering the Thut Ti Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Club in Yangon, I got to share personal perspectives of a centuries old martial arts from the stewards that love …

Continue reading Myanmar’s traditional form of boxing — Lethwei (CNN)

The world’s last great mobile revolution is about to begin

There is a village of thatched wooden and bamboo huts just outside a Monywa in northern Myanmar where even the richest family has nothing more than a dirt floor and rickety TV set. One household has spent years of savings on a large red and black Sony stereo system, but other that these electronic luxuries, wealth is …

Continue reading The world’s last great mobile revolution is about to begin

Myanmar railroad: A bumpy ride to rebuilding

I've been on some tough journeys before, the kinds of trips that make you thankful to whatever being you pray to when they're finally over, and proud that you were courageous and bold enough to take them in the first place. On the road to Angkor Wat from Bangkok, my hired taxi came to an …

Continue reading Myanmar railroad: A bumpy ride to rebuilding