Burma Myanmar

Oh Burma how lovely you are. The country is an absolute gem and I feel so privileged for having had the opportunity to live and work there in 2012. The wonder of Shwedagon, particularly at night, makes the rat race of Yangon worth dealing with. Inle lake, famed for its fishermen and their unique fishing style was a worthy stop as well. I was even able to sample some wine there at the Red Mountain Estate vineyard which I accessed via bicycle...perhaps some foreshadowing to the bicylce/wine antics of 2013 (more on that later). But one of Burma's highlights is the Shan state. Home to some of the most warmhearted individuals one could hope to meet and a gateway to some of the country's exciting hiking and trails. In 2012 there were still no ATMs, cell phones or any high-speed internet. But I've since been told that all of that is quickly changing with the "opening up" of the country. So if you're at all interested in seeing it in its original, untouched glory now is better than later... Photos from top down: Shwedagon at night, meditation time, water jars outside a temple, peppers and spices, young monks out for morning almsgiving, Inle Lake fisherman, cheroots (Burmese cigars hand rolled by girls and women), Shan village home with green tea drying outside, local Shan gals (I love her Shan style longyi), me with a sweet local Chinese girl who invited us in for lunch