"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."
Burma, (or The Union of Myanmar) as it is called by the Military Junta, is a country where magnificent and ancient Buddhist Temples gaze out serenely over a nation restless for change. Burma has plenty of pagodas, life-giving rivers, lush mountain forests, and intricately-drawn cities. For the last 30 years, its people have been ruled by a notoriously repressive military government, the Tatmadaw. Travel to Burma poses a moral question because the bulk of the tourist revenue falls into the government's coffers. However, the notion that interaction with Burmese people and culture helps to encourage change. Does it? I don't know...I guess we'll have to wait and see. Burma's main cities: Rangoon and Mandalay are situated along the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady), and the 1,000 mi. The Irrawaddy valley is surrounded by a great horseshoe of mountain ranges, which rise the east to the highlands of the Shan Plateau.
The vast majority of Burmese people live in the lowland regions of this river valley. This fertile expanse, that sits within the tropical monsoon belt, is one of the world's great rice-growing regions. Burma's population includes dozens of different racial and ethnic groups, including the Mon, Burmans, Kachins, Chins, Shans, Rakhine, and Karens, each of which have historically dominated a particular area of the country. Although Burmese is the major and official language, more than a hundred local and regional dialects are spoken throughout Burma.
YANGON, MYANMAR
My first stop was in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon). Stayed in Yangon for about 4 days. My friend Matt and I went to see the Shwedagon Pagoda that sits high atop the sacred shrine of Singuttara Hill, and houses relics of The Buddha encased in gold and in jewels, the Shwedagon pagoda is a wonder to see.The beauty of the architecture and design will take your breath away, as will the sparkling, light catching jewels. This beautiful holy place is, filled with history and legend.
The people of Myanmar are predominantly Buddhist. All in all, there are 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar, each with their own culture and language.
And you will find the glittering and vast Shwedagon Pagoda, full of history, spirituality and lore.
In the streets of Yangon you will find sugar cane stands everywhere. On a hot day if you want to quench your thirst try some sugar cane juice. I didn't! Why? Because.....
You will find food that has been described as some of the best in the world.
You will see a lot of these street side restaurants that locals go to and the food is pretty inexpensive. You can get a tasty meal for as little as $1.50. Yes! $1.50...
Fresh vegetables and fruits are abundant in Myanmar. You can go to the local farmer's market's and buy everything fresh almost everyday.
This is a documentation of my experience of what I saw and captured in Myanmar. It is a sad place and I think most of us are blessed and should be thankful for what we have. The Burmese people survive on very little and yet they always have a smile on their faces and are always accommodating and willing to help when you need it. This is only the 1st phase of what I documented. More to come.
