Big Dipper

 

I’d heard of the unrest in Myanmar, and wished I knew more about that part of the world. Until recently, all I could tell you was Myanmar used to be called Burma; it’s near Thailand, which was once Siam; and it was one of the countries hit by the tsunami December 25, 2004. Since then, I’ve learned the last king of Burma was exiled to India. After his death, his family was allowed to return. One of his daughters stayed against the royal family’s wishes, having fallen in love with a handsome gatekeeper. (The more I know about her family history, I'm less surprised she wanted out.) Somehow, no one noticed their mutual attraction until she gave birth to the gatekeeper’s daughter. They didn’t live happily ever after, though. The gatekeeper took the princess’ allowance, leaving her and eleven (?!) children to fend for themselves. I still don’t know about current affairs in Myanmar. But I do have an interesting story.