Myanmar
2007 Myanmar has been attractive to me for years for its famous Golden pagodas and a country that has as yet not caught up with the globalizing world. I debated the thought that visitation would be supporting the ruling junta. In the end the desire to see a land long lost won over. The Golden Pagodas in Yangon and Mandalay are indeed quite a sight. The ruins of hundreds of pagodas in every direction in Bagan is enchanting especially at sunset.
The country is a throwback to the days of 1970’s at best and may be even closer to 1950’s. All cars on the streets date back to 70’s Japanese cars. Most of them kept going by indigenous engineering. No catalytic converters existed during those days so the pollution is remarkable given the small number of cars on the street. The pace of action is decidedly slow with most people still dressed in the traditional Burmese garb. One of the attractions of traveling to undeveloped countries used to be the differences in dress and appearance. It is all lost now with every country participating in globalization. That is definitely not he case here. People are honest, simple and truthful. I managed to leave my Mp3 player in the Plane’s backseat. I managed to get it back the next day. The reason given was that it is a Buddhist country. Buddhism is indeed taught every year through high school.
Political discussion is not allowed and there are large government posters warning people not to listen to rumors. All the government ministers dress in Military uniform. The newspaper does not give you any information and is universally ignored. The Military is independent in its budget and ability to support itself and even owns farmland. Most people wish that their child gets a government or military job. Aung San Suu Kyi remains hidden and even asking the directions to her place can get you in trouble. Most essential items are rationed. Gas was selling at $5/litre on the black-market. You are only allowed to purchase 20 liters a month. People wish a return to the days of the Kingdom that was not as suspicious as the current military regime. The regime is essentially propped by business with India and China. Credit cards companies do not operate neither do ATM’s. The dearth of dollars is evident in all prices in Hotels and restaurants quoted in Dollars. The internet is blocked in access to Gail, Hotmail and Yahoo mail. Some enterprising establishments do have ways to workaround. Local food is greasy and risky. Most foreigners eat Chinese food.
Despite the list of issues mentioned above it is a worthwhile destination. The attractions are unique and the people a pleasure. It is a bargain destination in the days of dropping dollars. One unique place to stay was a man made lake called Inle lake. It has 50000 inhabitants all living in houses over stilts. They even farm in floating gardens.
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