Once you get over the fact that there is no mobile signal (due to the embargo there are no international roaming agreements) or Internet connection, and that you're completely disconnected from the world, Myanmar emerges as a beautiful and untouched jewel, completely unspoiled by tourism and external influences. It's the Golden Land. You may think that globalization has hit every corner of our world, but there still are places where commercialism and true authenticity prevail. Myanmar is one of those rare places. And consequently, the question arises … 'for how long', for the potential for tourism is tremendous.
Just imagine, the majority of people still wear non-western clothes. Both men and women wear longyi's which look something like long skirts. Similar to sarongs. Women still adorn themselves with symbolic chalk markings on their face, which are made from tree-bark paste. In an odd way it looks like primitive makeup, yet it is defiantly original given today's world of L'Oreal and Revlon girls. The roads, especially outside of the largest city Yangon, are devoid of cars. Instead, ox carts can be seen moving along and rickety trucks transporting hordes of people, many of which are hanging off the sides. And mobile phones? A gadget that is indispensable in today's globalized world? Barely seen! In fact, still today the cost of getting a SIM card is over $1,000, thus it is a luxury that very few can afford. Actually, the locals have realized that it's more economical to share the SIM card amongst several family members. People are ingenious! Likewise, international calls are prohibitively expensive. So instead, the locals talk to each other, smile and interact in a humanly way and not via electronic means. Believe me, it can be surprising to experience that. The Burmese actually take time to talk to you, with no sense of rush or urgency. I read in several guide books the adage 'Why use 10 words when a thousand would do'. I have to say that the Burmese really have a knack for talking and talking and talking. It's most probably because they don't have an iPhone. How refreshing.
As Asia streaks by on the highway of development and commercialism, combining its heritage with a mixture of modernism, Myanmar is the Asia of 75 years ago. Slow moving, beautiful, peaceful and full of smiles and curiosity.
As with many other South-East Asian countries, Myanmar also has a very distinctive colonial past, which to some degree the current government is trying to shake off. Once the British colonialists left, a lot of the city names reverted back to their original form. No different with the country name. Burma is the name the Brits gave to Myanmar, simply due to the original name being unpronounceable to the Anglo Saxons. Burma originates from Burmese which is actually the main race in Myanmar. Today however, the country is once again known as Myanmar and the main city, formerly Rangoon, is now again Yangon. I always find it amusing to observe how various countries in the region have shunned the old British rule. The classic example in Myanmar has to do with the road system. The colonialists of course introduced left-hand drive, but as soon as the Brits left some 35 years ago, the government decided to switch to right-hand drive. Perfect. Except, all the cars on the road are still left-hand drive! After many decades, the transition is still in process.
Myanmar is the largest of the South East Asian countries. It is the size of both UK and France combined, with about 41 million inhabitants. It's still a deeply religious country which thankfully you can still observe on a daily basis. Given that it's 89% Buddhist, this is the land of temples and pagodas. And monks everywhere. You will notice the young boys with burgundy robes and shaved heads walking down the streets with pots in their hands, asking for their daily food donations. After noon their diet consists of liquids only, so till then they must obtain and consume all their solid food rations.
Of course, there is always that pesky question re the military regime in Myanmar. I'm not going to delve into political questions. It's not my interest. Yet all I can say is that there were very few visible remnants of military power. I never felt unsafe, the people we talked to never held back with their opinions, everyone smiled and was content and to my knowledge I wasn't followed (which is what the Lonely Planet and the other guides continuously warn) and going through immigration was a breeze!
Yes there is poverty. But there is also happiness and authenticity. Smiles and kind gestures. History and rich culture.
And if there is one line that stayed with me after our trip, which beautifully encapsulates the feel of Myanmar, is the buddhist teaching 'if you can control your hunger, you can control your anger.'
> read more on the basics of visiting Myanmar ... cash, mobiles, transportation, etc ...
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