Geo: 21.3667, 95.4667Today, we took a leisurely walk in the morning around the base of the mountain with a local guide to learn about the volcanic geology, flora and fauna of the surrounding ecosystem. We then visited a medicinal plant nursery where we learned about traditional herbal medicine preparation using selected forest plants sustainably harvested from our environs. Then, we headed to the town of Popa to visit the fruit and vegetable market where local people come to buy and sell foods and wares. After lunch we departed for Bagan, visiting a toddy palm plantation where we learn how every part of the palm—flower, nectar, sugar—is used to make food, alcohol and handicrafts. Late in the afternoon we reached Bagan, where we had dinner and will spend the next two nights.Bagan was the original "holy land" ... read more

Geo: 20.5672, 96.9159We began the day with a visit to a protected wetland sanctuary that's home to more than 350 bird species. We saw a number of herons, warblers, cormorants, barbets, wild ducks and egrets. We had a Burmese lunch at Inthar Heritage House, a beautiful wooden structure built on stilts in the middle of the lake. Downstairs is a Burmese cat sanctuary, the product of a breeding program established to import and restore the elegant breed to its native Burma, where it had become extinct. We also visited a local cheroot factory where Burmese cigars are made, stopped by a longboat building shop, took a look at the floating tomato gardens, toured the gilded Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and visited a weaving factory.The average annual income in Myanmar is about $200; 70% of that is ... read more

Geo: 20.7192, 96.8235This morning we took a 2 hour flight to the town of Heho, continuing on a 2 hour drive to Kalaw and Green Hills Elephant Camp, where we learned about Asian elephants. The camp protects a large tract of native forest habitat to shelter and sustain wildlife, including elephants. We hiked on nature trails in the jungle, then prepared and fed the elephants one of their daily meals, and helped scrub and wash them in the river After our visit with the elephants we drove to Inle Lake, then cruised on "longboats" to the lakeside resort where we'll spend the next three nights.... read more

Geo: 25.2819, 51.5175After a 14 hour flight from Miami, we landed in Qatar around 4:40 PM local / 8:40 AM EST. We have a 2 hour layover before heading on for a 5 hour flight to Yangon, Myanmar. We are scheduled to arrive there at 5:00 AM local on 2/1/2016.... read more

Geo: 13.1591, -59.6369... read more