Myanmar is naturally unique and has its very own style and people. However, parallels can be drawn from neighbouring countries and we are3 constantly comparing certain things to Vientiane, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
The people are more curious and enjoy practising their surprisingly good English. They are quite a delight to meet and interact with and as ever, very generous. As we've said countless times before in Asia and Eastern Europe, those who have the least, give the most.
The weather is just as withering when the sun is out (I seem to have burnt the tops of my shoulders just walking around for a couple of hours) and we also have the rainy season which is mild compared to the downpours in Thailand. Nor do they last long and pretty soon it's back to scorchio, which is nice.
The traffic is constant, frantic and furious, with everyone under the impression the horn enable right of way or absolves you of any blame. But so far we have witnessed no accidents or close calls. The majority of vehicles themselves are a motley bunch of escapees from the breakers yard but as long as it goes, just tie a bit of string to the parts hanging off and make sure your horn works.
The facilities are also surprisingly available, from international television (at the hotel we have a German, French, Spanish, Italian and American {I am somewhat surprised they allow CNN here} channel) to internet access (including banned sites which somehow the kids circumvent with ease) and 5* hotels.
The food is a little more expensive than most similar countries and the quality can be a bit dubious at times, but on the whole, we are eating OK and only get the odd pang for a baguette and cheese or a bar of chocolate. Of course these items are available but at premium prices and we can't be too frivolous as we are unable to access any cash as there are no ATMs or banks that will accept visa.
I think that is perhaps the only thing we really miss; the ability to whip out a bit of extra cash to treat ourselves but at the moment we are saving every penny we can as we need it to pay for our flights back south. There is no way I am doing another 16 hours in a train and if it means missing out on the odd Mars bar to pay for the tickets, so be it.
Anyway, as ever yet another country where if you listened to rumours from fellow travellers who claim to have been there and only have negative comments, we have found out first hand that is all rubbish. We are having a wonderful time and can happily suggest Myanmar to anyone who wants to see and do something a little different on their holidays.
ktelontour recommended.
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