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Smile As They Bow
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12/15 - Southeast Asia > Smile As They Bow * discussion

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Ruth | 682 comments What do you think so far?


message 2: by Ruth (last edited Jan 19, 2016 11:45PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ruth | 682 comments 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 Popo

The 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


Ruth | 682 comments https://youtu.be/KMIOlqJq7yo

A bit of info on the festival.


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