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April 29th 2009

Published: April 29th 2009

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Valerie and Steve

Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

The old-fashioned way.

Burma (otherwise known as Myanmar or "The Golden Land") - 8 January to 4 February

Burma was the most culturally unique country we visited in South East Asia and it made the biggest impression on us. We didn’t know much about the Burmese way of life before we got there but by the time we left we were well educated about the human rights abuses committed by their military regime. It became the most difficult part of our travels as we heard of all the troubles the people endure. Most Burmese are Buddhist and while they have in the past protested against their unelected government, violence and lengthy jail terms (80 yrs!) dissuade others. They also believe if they live well this life they will be rewarded in the next and so this may have something to do with their more passive attitudes. The country is also made up of over 100 ethnically diverse groups and perhaps these will need to become more united before there is a better opportunity for change. Also as long as China and Thailand support the regime economically, the people have little hope.

Many tourists keep away from Burma in protest of the government

Swedagon Paya

Golden Stupas everywhere in Burma.

and its violation of its citizens' rights, but if you are careful in how you spend your dollars you can minimize the amount the government receives, with the majority going to the locals. We feel it is important to visit so that there are witnesses to what goes on and so the people do not feel so isolated. Media, internet and cell phone usage is strictly controlled.

The population lives in a very traditional way, evident in their traditional dress, agricultural methods and transport. What touched us the most is that everywhere we went the Burmese were incredibly happy to see us, greeting us with big waves and smiles.

Highlights

• Golden stupas in Yangon
• The men's traditional dress of the longji (a tight wrap-around skirt)
• The women's charming Thanaka bark makeup (two large circles on the cheeks) - protection from the sun
• Village trek in Kalaw, visit to local medicine man
• Boat ride on the peaceful Inle Lake; encouraging cats to jump at the Jumping Cat Monastery
• Sharing food with fellow train passengers on the way to Hsipaw
• 2 day dusty motorcycle ride through the country to Namsan village;

Burmese Fields

Agriculture in Burma.

overnight stay with local family
• Mustachio brothers comedy performance - admiring their bravery at continuing to speak about life under a military regime, after having spent years in prison in hard labour camps.
• Visiting the temples of the Bagan plains by bicycle - hundreds scattered amongst the goats and cattle of the countryside; watching the sunsets from the tops and marveling at the timeless breathtaking beauty of this strange land

Lowlights

• Dodgy tums
• Trouble accessing Gmail, Hotmail and various websites due to government blocking the internet
• Having to make polite chit-chat with the momma (tobacco-chewing), stoned military when you know they’re committing crimes against their people and you’d rather have nothing to do with them
• Worrying about getting the locals in trouble with the police for discussing anything political
• Finding out museum keepers mentioned in our Lonely Planet guide book are now stuck in jail for discussing politics with tourists
• Having to carry around huge wads of cash - (the highest nomination equals 1 US dollar)
• Burmese obsession with only accepting perfect US dollars
• 10 year olds working all day in cafes when they should be in school

Burmese House

Traditional house.

(the government is keen for the people to remain as uneducated as possible)
• Not being able to take the local buses we wanted - 80%!o(MISSING)f the country is out of bounds for tourists
• Worrying what would become of these lovely people when it was time for us to leave

Additional photos below

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