The Asian nation of Burma (aka Myanmar) has been in the news a lot lately thanks to an oppressive military government that is finally showing signs of easing up.  Secretary of State Hilary Clinton made a visit a few months ago, and long imprisoned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was recently released.

All of this means that  this cool little country is about to explode.  In a good way.

Burma is like Thailand before the tourism.  Some call it “old Asia” where local customs still outweigh western homogenization.  Women grind tree bark to make thanaka sun screen.  Men wear longyi saris.  One legged rowers on Inle lake paddle their canoes with their feet while scooping algae using wooden poles.

If you’re thinking about visiting Asia or want an off the beaten path adventure, now is a great time to think about visiting Burma.  Get there now while it’s still relatively untraveled!

Jeff’s cousin recently returned from Burma, and her detailed trip report can be found: here

Shots here are from a 2003 trip.  Above: Tending crops at Bagan temple complex  Below: 1. Hand weaving silk fabric 2. Outdoor Market, Inle Lake  3. Thanaka sun screen  4. One-legged rower, Inle Lake  5. Buffalo Soldier 6. Gold Leaf (applied to statues as an offering) is so fine it can be absorbed into the skin like makeup