My trip to Burma last fall took me completely by surprise. This is a country that has had economic sanctions imposed upon it by the international community for nearly 20 years. Surely it would be struggling.
I expected what I experienced in 1992 in Vietnam. Women begged me to help them find an American husband so they could flee the country and families joked about me taking their youngest child home because they couldn’t afford to keep the baby themselves.
There was no sign of this desperation in Burma. Quite the contrary, people are relatively well off (at least in the cities) and bursting with excitement about the recent changes in government and the impending opening up of the country to the rest of the world.
Hillary Clinton’s visit and Aung San Suu Kyi’s release from house arrest are indications that things are changing. Rapidly.
Burma has made it to the top of numerous lists for the best destinations in 2012. No doubt why. Despite the government’s heavy-handed politics and one of the worst human rights abuse records, the people are gentle and friendly, and the landscape and architecture stunning.
Golden pagodas, like Shwedagon in Yangon (above), pop up all over the cities and in Bagan (below), pagodas and temples dot the landscape.
What surprised me most is that the small amount of money that people DO have, gets poured into the maintaining of these pagodas. Above all, the Burmese are devout Buddhists and the good karma that comes from donating money or gold leaf for the upkeep of their places of worship is paramount.
This devotion makes the country magical on so many levels.
There are few travelers going to Burma at the moment. That is sure to change (and yes, I feel a bit of guilt about contributing to that). But it should be on your must-see list.
Of course if you’re interested in experiencing Burma for yourself, you can join me on our women-only tour to Burma in the fall. It’s selling out quickly so don’t hesitate in sending in your deposit.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Burma Photos (Part II – People)
Burma Photos (Part III – Food)
Women-only Tour to Burma (Myanmar)
Burma Photo Gallery
Beth Shepherd says
Just gorgeous. Lucky you!
Heather I. says
My husband and I are planning a trip there this summer and are super excited! While I would have loved to have gone with a lovely group of ladies, this is one trip I cannot do without my beau. And as a teacher, it’s a little tough to get away in October. Anyway, thank you so much for all that you do. I poured over your books about 3 years ago for my first trip to India – yup, first trip as I’ve been back several times – and they were such a help. 🙂
AlexBerger says
Their visual style has always fascinated me. Great shots!