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Smile As They Bow
12/15 - Southeast Asia
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by
Ruth
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Dec 23, 2015 01:01AM
What do you think so far?
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I've read a couple of chapters. The book is thick with culture so not a quick read - I find myself looking up some unfamiliar words. What I've learned so far. Nats are Burmese spirits. One inherits the spirits they worship from their mother or father. There are 37 Great Nats and many others. A Natkadaw is like a shaman who leads the worship of the nats.I would love to visit this place to view the statues of the 37 nats:
Mount PopoThe point of view is certainly interested as the narrator drifts from one brain to another as the diverse festival goers happen to bump into each other at the festival.
What do you think of this quote from a pickpocket?
"Pilgrimages and pilfering go together. Praying and scouting for prey."
The thief bemoans that his take will barely cover his offerings to the spirits. It must take faith to motivate a thief to give!
Burmese Kyat

