This was my first week back to work. I feel pretty much over jet lag. I spent most of this week preparing for a meeting Friday with a visiting Harvard professor who was able to provide critical feedback on the future direction I had proposed. Although the concept went over well, the rate of Myanmar’s grid expansion is a big question mark, which makes risk analysis challenging.
On Saturday Taiei and I went to a mall to check out some furniture. Now, this is not your typical Western-style mall. Think of this more as an outdoor or street market stuffed into a huge building. It reminded me of the local shopping in Mong Kok, Hong Kong.
We also went to a very cool place called Helping Hands, which takes reclaimed furniture and turns it into modern pieces and also helps and trains individuals who they employ. We bought this cutting board, which is an interesting shape ($22 and made of teak wood — after cutting it they rubbed olive oil over it as a natural stain. I was surprised that it stayed that color after washing it):
Finally, we picked up a TV this weekend so that we can watch movies at our apartment.
Today, I ran in the YOMA Yangon International Marathon. To be clear, I didn’t actually run a marathon. I was signed up to run the 10K, but due to the fact that I hadn’t had a chance to train, I decided to step it down to the 3K (“Fun Run”). I really enjoyed it given that many of the folks from Proximity were running that distance as well.
Finally, I thought I’d add a new element to this post and share two of my current favorite songs:
“Make Peace” by Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau (the link will take you to Youtube)
N°084 by relaxdaily (the link will take you to soundcloud)
Life in Myanmar 
Maybe your employer will sponsor you to run in the Hartford Connecticut Marathon this coming October! Hope you had fun in the run and enjoying your new TV. I enjoyed listening to the songs.
Happy to hear you had a good first week back to work!!! I like seeing all the food on your counter!!!! enjoy your new TV!!! Take care
Deb