Burma aka: Burma, Myanma Naingngandaw

I was concerned about the intense poverty coupled with the military dictatorship in place. The leadership is not easily swayed by international opinion or they would let their Nobel Peace Prize winner free from house arrest. They desperately need economic development and roads but using forced refugee labor has been alleged in the North of the country.

I would not recommending going to Burma until they recognize their democratically elected president. It’s really sad there with the thousands of internally displace peoples who are starving and sick. I witnesses many of types of suffering there at a clinic near the Thai/Burma border where I volunteered.

only went to the border with thailand and crossed over for the day at the golden triange. pretty interesting place. but wouldn’t like to stay… lovely people…

The people in Burma were the friendliest I met on my Asia trip. They were always wanting to help and to talk. They talked to me about the oppressive regime they are living under. A couple monks invited me to talk to their English school they hold at their monestary.

We always tried to give our support to small hostels and local buses instead of supporting the government run businesses. However, some things cannot be avoided; such as the fees to visit some of the archaelogical sites.

Bagan was a phenomenal archaelogical place to visit (would have been even better if I wasn’t “templed-out” after months looking at Budhist temples and having visited Angkor Wat).

I flew in from Bangkok since the land border crossings are still dangerous due to freedom fighters/terrorists (depending on your point of view).

I visited a lot over the space of 2 years – about once a month at least. I love this country’s people and culture.

I have visited here a lot – on business from Bangkok. Both in Yangon and upcountry. I love this country’s people and culture

It might be worth visiting actually, but the political situation isn’t very good and so I only stayed there for a couple of hours before returning to Thailand.

I have been twice to Burma, once on a tour, the second,independently.

Stay in the Strand Hotel in Rangoon. You will be swept back in time. The movie Casablanca, and Humphrey Bogart will come to mind.

In Pagan,you will see a temple everywhere you rest your eyes.
How is this world treasure, so unknown?

Be sure to buy a Buddha in a bottle, and a set of
antique opium scales. And you will snap more
pictures,than you have ever taken before. The people love to have their pictures taken.

And most importantly, you will see a deeply religious people, that love Buddha more than material possessions.

Myanmar is like the Irrawaddy river. Ancient, placid, turbulent from time to time. We have found a wonderful people, amazing views; we have attended at the most crowded Festival I have ever had; it seemed to me that we were in another era (19 century, at least); the food is good, the weather was fine (we were in mid october), the people everywere very very poor (but always full of joy). Western people are like people from Mars, for them. We left some blankets to a family, they were so glad…it was like a big present. I will never forget the eyes of a little girl that passed by, telling us “free me from this misery, please”....

Only had the chances to visit Yangon, due to work. This is from Armed Force Day 2005.