We have just arrived home after our second visit to Myanmar, much of the time repeating the cruise that we did in 2016 and this time adding 5 days at Ngapali beach.  We enjoyed the first trip so much that we wanted to do it again before the country was over-run by hordes of tourists. Our overall impressions, described in our March 2016 blog, haven’t changed much; Myanmar is still amazing.

This time we were able to observe and learn in a more relaxed manner and we spent as much time talking to local people rather than listening to a tour guide.  In fact this time, for us it really was all about the people. The people, especially those away from the very busy Yangon, were incredibly welcoming, warm, friendly and interested in us. They are very quick with a smile, love having their photo taken – and seeing the photo – and frequently gathered around us to practice their English, even if they knew only a few words.

Democracy and capitalism are new, with the military regime handing over much of their power only 5 years ago. The Government is struggling to provide infrastructure for rampant growth, e.g. 5 years ago there were 50,000 vehicles in the whole country and most of those were 30 – 50 years old.  Now there are 600,00 in Yangon alone. The people are very poor but very resilient, with seemingly endless patience. Old style Buddhism ways would have been to accept their lot but now there are signs of optimism, ambition and a desire for progress. Of course there will always be debate about the benefits of progress but that’s another issue.

Meanwhile here are just a few of our favourite photos.

Monks receiving alms at dawn

One of many interactions with local people.

There are 3,600 pagodas and temples at Bagan, up to 800 years old but hundreds still being used.

The kitchen of a beach-side restaurant where we had a wonderful meal.

Chatting to students outside their school – good fun for all.

That’s all for now.

love from Ted and Jo