It's history since the 1948 end of British colonial rule has been one of isolation but evidence of a rich past is everywhere. The capitol of Yangon particularly is incredibly mixed, Bamar (the ethnic majority), Indian, Nepali, Shan, Mon (Hmong) etc. English is pretty common and the service is fantastic! However, the poverty is profound. Since the US enforces sanctions of any trade or financial dealings, so do many other countries and you will not find a McDonald's anywhere...quite a relief you might think but you will also find no foreign banks or credit card facilties...and you can forget your mobile!

It was a hard decision to go to Myanmar. I have not wanted to support the oppressive government which still press gangs its people into labor and imprisons elected leaders without cause. But you can now quite easily travel without spending on government hotels or transport and I am convinced that the way to change is through exposing average citizens to the outside - with all the good and bad that brings. Bring non-political magazines and English learning materials! Some friends in Hong Kong donated 3 film cameras which I brought with me and donated to the Maharsi Meditation Center in Yangon.

If you do travel there try to keep your plans flexible. Internal flights generally cannot be purchased outside Myanmar (Yangon-Bagan ~USD80, Bagan-Mandalay ~USD40, Mandalay-Yangon ~USD90). Even hotels which say they can accept credit cards may not be able to process your card on the day you need them to so bring plenty of cash. You must change your money in the market or at shops such as jewelery dealers (1USD=~1,300 kyat [chat])! Bring a torch as there are daily brownouts everywhere and some temples with lovely paintings are without electricity. I felt reasonably safe the whole time, excluding one day on a lonely road with some drunken revellers!