Here I am, back in Mae Hong Son and in a way it feels as if I never left. The town is just about the same as last year – a few changes with new restaurants and shops, but basically it is the same. The sad thing is that there are hardly any tourists. Last year, there were quite a few, apparently since the SARS epidemic, tourism has all but ceased and many of the restaurants have gone out of business – very sad.
My return to the IRC offices here was wonderful. Everyone remembered me with huge smiles and warm hearts. There is quite a bit of work to be done during my three weeks here. First, I will be working to help expand the project – integrating it into the school’s curriculum. We will meet with JRS to discuss the possibility of this and coordinate with the KNED (Karenni Education Department?) The refugees would like to expand the project to include building a museum, record songs and instrumental music as well folklore, increase festival performances, and other ethnic minorities within the camps.
Tomorrow, Plu Reh and I go off to Camp 1 for the day.