Last week I went to Burma, the country I've wanted to visit since I was a little kid. It was AMAZING. I went alone so I hired a guide, who was great - he spoke English really well and took me to a lot of places off the beaten tourist path, as well as some of the major attractions. I went to three cities, Yangon (biggest), Mandalay (second biggest), and Bagan (amazing archaelogical ruins). I went to factories and markets and villages, rode a boat down the Irrawaddy River and took an overnight local bus (and had to go through government security checkpoints). A lot of people were worried about me going there alone, but I never felt unsafe and I would recommend the country to anyone as an amazing destination. It has almost no tourists compared to the rest of SE Asia because of the military government, but it is relatively easy to stay in private hotels and use private travel companies and restaurants, so you can really limit the amount of money that goes to the junta. The people are amazing, and they seemed to really appreciate the fact that I came to visit - I think they like tourists because it shows that the West hasn't forgotten about them, despite the pointless sanctions that the US has put on the country. Frankly, the government is in power because of trade with China, so sanctions from the US do nothing to weaken the government and simply lessen the influence that the US has in the country. If our government didnt simply turn its back, maybe we would be able to negotiate with the military and help to get the country on the road to democracy. Anyway, that is my viewpoint - better to be moderate and make some slow progress than to be totally idealistic and just ignore one of the worst human rights violators in the world and hide under the premise of "sanctions," which are just lazy.
The country is gorgeous, the people are wonderful, and there are some truly amazing things you will never see in any other country. I took over a thousand pictures - enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027110&id=1325940161&l=50117d6704
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027123&id=1325940161&l=33702e46f9
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027127&id=1325940161&l=49c89017fc
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027160&id=1325940161&l=758bd3a3f0
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027166&id=1325940161&l=85c6dca7eb
I come home in a little over a week! So excited, although I will be sad to leave my new home, Asia.
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I know that part of you will be sad to leave Asia, but we are happy you will be back in the USA--we miss you!
ReplyDeletexoxo
The pics I have looked at so far are fabulous Nicole. Love the ones of the young monks lined up and wondered if they were going to shower, breakfast or what. You are a very brave little girl! Papa and I also know you will be sad to leave Asia but we miss you & can't wait to see and hug you. Be safe.Grandma XXOO
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of you and your guide. I'm interested in all the little temples in thecountryside...are they markers for the deceased? They look so small. The countryside is different from what I expected...the animals look well taken care of.
ReplyDeletexxoo