Yangon & Around - Myanmar (Burma) - page 128

MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 01-536 900; http://afrangoun.org ; 340 Pyay Rd, Sanchaung; library 2-5pm Mon,
10.30am-12.30pm & 2-6pm Tue-Fri, 9am-12.30pm & 2-6pm Sat; ) French and local culture is
promoted not only by a library and various French-language evening courses, but also by
various events including film screenings and art shows.
American Center CULTURAL CENTRE
MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 01-223 140; http://burma.usembassy.gov/american-center.html ; 14 Taw Win St, Dagon;
8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri; ) American films are sometimes shown here for free as well as
public talks on various topics. The centre's library has a collection of 18,000 volumes,
including a good Myanmar section.
Shopping
There is quite a lot in the way of interesting art, furniture and antiques to be bought in
Yangon. Unfortunately much of it is too large to fit in most people's luggage and there
are few bargains to be had. Prices for tailormade clothes, however, are among the lowest
in Southeast Asia.
It's worth checking out the many bookstalls MAP GOOGLE MAP (cnr Merchant St &
Pansodan St, Kyauktada) around Bogyoke Aung San Market or along 37th St, which is also
regarded as something of a university library for the people. Several stalls have small se-
lections of novels and nonfiction books in English, French and German.
Every Yangon township has its own zei (market, often spelt zay ) - exploring them can
be fun, educational and a chance to interact with the locals. Fans of fresh markets should
make a point of visiting the hectic morning market along 26th St, adjacent to Theingyi
Zei. Another photogenic morning market unfolds along the southernmost end of 42nd
St, and a tiny but lively night market is held every evening near the Methodist Telugu
Church.
DON'T MISS
CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERIES
The relaxing of censorship has resulted in a blossoming of Yangon's art scene, as
evidenced by a flurry of new galleries joining longstanding exhibition spaces.