December 31st, 2014 – January 1st, 2015

I can’t remember specifically what drew us to Myanmar back when we began planning this trip. I do remember the original wish was Nepal, but it would be too cold in January when we’d be there. I think Brittany had pushed for it- as something unique and exotic and a bit off the beaten path that we might not otherwise get to. All I can say is… thank GOODNESS.

We landed on the night of the 30th, and had 2 nights planned in the capital before flying to other parts of the country and back. As a nation that’s new to tourism, infrastructure across the board is still a bit WIP. Read: totally sketchy and timetables = lol. Local travel (air, bus, etc.) should be booked through your hotel to avoid any confusion, and to ensure things are actually still happening. Even calling the day before to confirm, we had one case where our flight was cancelled when we got to the airport, and were shuttled onto another (eerily similar) airline with a quick stopover for the plane to refuel and the pilots to have a cig on the tarmac before our destination. But that’s just how they roll.

The major thing that still stays with me from Myanmar is the genuine hospitality we experienced. Traveling throughout chaotic Asia forces you to be a bit more on guard than normal, so when a man ran off with my backpack once we got to our hotel, I was moderately concerned. But no worries, he was just happy to help bring it up to my room while I was checking in. As a culture, they’re just so excited to finally have travelers wanting to visit them. Every need is looked after, and everyone has such a genuine helpfulness it’s eerie at first. But once you get used to it, it’s such a warm, welcoming sentiment. An easy place to fall hopelessly in love with.

I’d recommend at least a full week in Myanmar to see it all. Overnight busses are available, but if you have the budget- flying is the way to go (despite the sketchy schedules and average-at-best safety measures). It’s also a very interesting political time. The military regime seems to finally see the value in foreign tourism and investments, but could just as easily shut the door at any moment. A quick learner on national hero Aung San Suu Ki is also a must to understand the current climate. Now is the time to visit before it gets to overrun with tourism.

We stayed at the most wonderful hotel in town, Motherland Inn 2, and they even threw a massive BBQ for New Year’s Eve for free. It seemed like the entire staff had their families there, and everyone was so excited to celebrate. It was definitely one of the mellower NYE’s I’ve had in my day, as it was a stretch staying awake until midnight, but it’s always amazing how temporary communities come together to collectively celebrate things.

Cheers to new countries, new friends, and good old fashioned hospitality.

Yangon = Progress

 

 

It’s good to know every culture has it’s own counter. With mohawks and studs.

Shwedagon Pagoda, in the heart of Yangon. This massive gold-plated pagoda was unfortunately under scaffolding, but still majorly impressive. Photos don’t do it justice.

One of four entrances that flank football field-length hallways leading up to the main pavilion, all decked out in massive lion statues for protection.

Documenting what I could eat from the BBQ, as something miiiight have gotten lost in translation but they basically told me most everything was sprinkled in peanut powder. So I was stuck with fried rice, an orange, beer, and their version of jungle juice.

The new friends we made to play cards with and keep each other up until midnight 🙂

Happy new year 2015!