Thailand is called the land of smiles, but in my opinion Myanmar is the real land of smiles. People are so incredibly friendly, charming and loveable despite their government. The food is so-so, although in Yangon and Mandalay you can find excellent Indian food. Bagan is a must-see. If you been to the Angkor Wat area in Cambodia you will find Bagan a big relief. Almost no tourists, amazing views and it just feels like you are walking in a fairytale in a forgotten corner of time. And by all means, go outside the so-called 'Tourist Triangle' of Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. Outside those areas is where the true beauty of Myanmar can be found. And true beauty you will find, in every aspect. All in all, I find Myanmar a fine mix between South-East Asia and India. Go there if you can, but travel by yourself and try to spend as little money as you can on government-owned hotels etc. It is impossible to avoid the government completely, but it is possible to let most of your money go to the local people. I love Myanmar.
I mean you should not go on a package tour, but travel independently. By all means, hook up with some people, just do not spend any money on government-directed package tours.
yeah saw this ages ago... But didn't you go to China recently spacer? *ahem* http://www.tibet.org/ *ahem* generally i dont like punishing people for there governments mistakes, same is true in burma, as long as the money goes to the locals (its possible to make it does with a little effort, or so ive heard) as much as possible then I don't see the problem...japan dropped the A-bomb twice but people still go there, America is responsible for the deaths of millions of civilians the past 40 or so years too with all there intervention, yet people still go there...Get my point?
No I didn't go to China, so there!! In that doc about Burma, the pro-democracy people are telling tourists not to go to Burma.
Ireland sure I told you before I was back home. Found out yesterday I got a job aswell, don't start until Jun 22nd unfortunately though. Still at least I have one sorted and I can start saving to go again. How are you gettin on with the saving anyway, have things picked up?
Yeah, just doing shitty factory/industrial work... Hoping to be back in August... Yeah you did tell me you were back home, I forgot...I dont come here much anymore... I'm planning to set up a website , sell clothes shipped back from bangkok, and probably some pashmina scarfs from kashmir, and also thangkas from kathmandu and pokhara (I have friends who are thangka artists there who are very interested). People back here are up for posting them out to customers, for a little cut. So hopefully this'll keep the money rolling in so I can hang around concentrating on writing and travelling...I may teach english here and there voluntarily or for just a little bit extra cash inbetween. Right now i'm just focusing on saving the capital to go ahead with this. Really looking forward to it Could work out very nicely.
