This is the conclusion of my series of posts about Burma (1, 2, 3).

It’s a relief to be done. Ever since I stepped off the airplane back onto American soil, the enormity of the task ahead started weighing down on me. Part of the reason that I have been falling behind on this blog is fear of the sheer amount of work ahead of me.

Through paring down, editing and uploading the photos I took on this trip, I have learned quite a few things.

1. Just like in my work, I should break down large tasks (like sifting through thousands of photos) into small manageable subtasks. I have established an incremental, systematic workflow.
2. My photoessays are about the photos; words come second. Having to think about and write these posts left me paralyzed. I learned to just let it go and let the photos speak for themselves. If you ever want to hear the stories behind my photos, I’ll just tell you in person.
3. I didn’t take enough photos of my family. I was so caught up in taking perfect photos I could post online that I forgot what I really sought out to do. I want to tell my life story through these photos. The most important parts of my life are the people in it.

I’ll leave you with the last of the photos from my trip.

 

Chithra was forced to wear her scarf as a dress to cover her knees

 

 

 

Chithra at the first temple we visited in Burma

 

 

 

Water along paths that is available to the public

 

 

 

Bogyoke Aung San Market

 

 

 

Bogyoke Aung San Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

The view from our hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chithra running from pigeons she tried to feed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking barefoot on Escalators inside temples (where shoes are forbidden)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photographers shooting the sunrise in Bagan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My amazing family