Burma

Bangkok
Thailand
January 5, 2005

Dear Family and Friends,

Every Lonely Planet guidebook has a tag line on the front cover:

The Thailand book has "What to Do in the Land of Wats."

Mandalay
Myanmar (Burma)
14 January 2005

Dear Family and Friends,

Please click on the image
for more photos of Myanmar.

Yangon. A cacophony of traditional markets - chicken butchers at the ready; Christian churches - "Merry Christmas" banners flying; Muslim mosques - young boys give me a tour; Hindu temples - colorful ornate sculptures; British colonial buildings - gazing lions atop imposing brick walls; shops, stalls, sidewalk vendors.
	Please click on the image for more photos of Yangon.

Sule Paya. In the center of Yangon, its 46m high golden zedi (gently tapering cylindrical cone) serving as my orientation point whenever I got lost.

In and around Yangon, I found many other excellent Buddhist sights:

One of my favorites is the Botataung Paya:

From Yangon I flew north to Heho, purportedly the smallest commercial landing strip in the world; taxi to Nyaungshwe to visit Inle Lake.
	Please click on the image for more photos of Inle Lake.

Nyaungshwe. A busy little town with several shrines, monasteries and stupas to climb. I chanced upon a workshop - women weaving bamboo mats. And the staff at my hotel were the most hospitable, generous, gentle: "More tea, sir? More tea, sir?" And local food specialties so delicious I dare not describe.

Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar Saturday 8 January, 2004 Nyaung Shwe Dear Family and Friends,
	Please click on the image for more photos of Nyaung Shwe.

Yes. You read the title of this piece correctly. A Bike - as in Bicycle - Ride.
I was persuaded by the hotel staff that a trip to the Hot Spring would be a pleasant activity for the day. Since I was planning a rest today anyway, as I anticipated a travel day tomorrow, I agreed to a test drive.

Given my recent history, I approached this event with reluctance and apprehension.

Mandalay Myanmar 11 January, 2005 Dear Family and Friends,
	Please click on the image for more photos of Mandalay.

Today was a day for a quiet stroll. After breakfast at the hotel, I strolled over to the main market - three floors of dozens of small stalls selling dry goods, and clothing and cosmetics, house wares and electronics.

Pyin U Lwin, Shan State Myanmar Sunday 16 January, 2005 Dear Family and Friends,
	Please click on the image for more photos of Pyin U Lwin.

This morning I am having a hot cup of real coffee.

Most of the coffee in Myanmar has been "Coffee Mix." A packet of instant coffee, sugar and powdered milk. Just add hot water.

After two days in Mandalay, I headed for the hills and Pyin U Lwin, the stage coach ride (see "Transportation Edition") and the Botanical Garden.

Please click on the image for more photos of The Botanical Garden.

"Colonel May used Turkish prisoners of war to develop this 96-hectare Botanical Garden during WW I. This garden features wide expanses of manicured grass, large flower beds 20 hectares of natural forest with walking trails, a rose garden, an orchid house, a small stupa on an islet in a pond and several other ponds."

Back to Mandalay for two day's visit to the Ancient Cities. Day one - Inwa, Sagang, Amarpura. Day Two - Mingun.

Please click on the image for more photos of Ancient Cities.

Inwa. Nanmyin - a 27m high masonry watchtower. This one I climbed. Bagaya Kyaung - the entire monastery is built of teak and supported by 267 teak posts, the largest measures 18m in height and 2.7m in circumference.