A newcomer's first impressions of Yangon/Rangoon

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Well, I've mislabelled this blog, because I was here for a few days in 1978, but anyway....

The first significant impression I have, is that the "atmosphere" in this place reminds me of Vietnam , the first time I visited in 1996, a while after Doi Moi had begun to take effect. The immigration officers are stern, the failed provision of road and power infrastructure is even more evident than in Vietnam, yet there's a feeling of expectancy, cautious optimism, and amongst the youth, energy.

The food is so much better than I remember from the 1978 visit - but that was the Ne Win era, with more poverty , and restaurants few and far between. And of course in those days I travelled REALLY cheap.

Although I've met some very interesting people in the past couple of days, you mightn't see them here, or read that much about them. Instead, you get some pictures of food, buildings, pagodas and statues. 😊

The YMCA building where we stayed in 1978 is still standing and houses all kinds of activities, including a library! More of which, later.

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Photos

Contrast in Yangon
The view across the road from my hotel

Ripe for renovation
Will it be renovated to a museum, a cultural centre, or a hotel??

Pickles
Pickles

More food
More Food

and more food
and more food

a whole street full of food
a whole street full of food

turns into things like this
turns into things like this