Back In Bangkok Jan 26, 2008

It is quite a culture shock to be back in Bangkok after being in Burma for the last 2 weeks. I used to think Thailand was a nice and kind country but it really does not compare to Burma. Bangkok is hectic and dirty and we have had more people already try to scam us today then our entire time in Burma. I still love Thailand but luckily I know the tricks around here. We flew back from Yangon early this morning. We were both very sad to leave Burma. I am truly amazed at how much that country touched me and how immensely kind the Burmese people are. You never have to worry about being scamed or anything being stolen, it just does not happen there (or very very rarely). I am going to write many letters to the government when I return. I know they think they are helping with their economic sanctions and travel warnings but they are really only hurting the Burmese people who really do not deserve anymore pain. The government has tons of money from China and all new cars and weapons. They even built a brand new capital with all new buildings just for themselves (worried the USA will bomb them they abandoned Yangon). I can't tell you how many Burmese people say they blame themselves for the sanctions and the lack of tourists because the protested. That is very unfair when they have every right to protest peacefully and to speak up. Now they are having huge economic despair (for an already super poor nation). Everywhere we went it was like Addi said Grand Bend on May 24 weekend and no one showed up. All the restaurants are open and they are just dying for tourists. There were very few tourists anywhere and the people are really hurting. All of them were incredibly thankful to have us and again truly the most spectacular people I've ever met. Kind smiles everywhere you go. They want to talk to you just to learn and to see what it out there beyond their country (unlike other Asian countries where they always want you to pay them). I truly hope more people will consider going there since it is a great place, very safe, and cheap and your visit will make a difference in many peoples lives (if you don't stay at government run places). We were very lucky that GAP only gives about 15% of the cost to the govt and the rest to the people. The costs were truly amazing. Most huge frest meals were between $1-$2 and everything to buy the same. So the last few days..... After Bagan we hit the road, and what a long bumpy road it was. We drove for 12 hours one day to get from Bagan to Kalow. I think we could only go about 15 miles an hour. The road was attrocious. I was SO car sick (which has not happened since I was young). There is only one poorly paved lane and when cars come you stop and drive on the shoulder to get around. Still amazes me how people there all work together so few people are hurt considering the conditions. We made one stop that day at Mt Popa. It is a huge "Nat" site. Nats are spirits that the Burmese believe help them with superstitions. The only problem at Mt Popa is the Macake monkeys (can't spell it). They are quite aggressive. We each brought an umbrella so when they come towards you you stomp the umbrella and they leave. It was another 777 stairs with no shoes. I think my feet are getting stronger now. Not so much pain anymore. At the top of Mt Popa is a Buddhist shrine. Not the nicest one but another great view. Besides that we drove and drove and drove. In Kalow we slept and ate the hugest meal for $1.80. But once again my stomach was not happy. Not too bad but not great. I am glad to say that since then I have been OK. I think my body is finally adapting. I think it is the cooking oil they use. The next day we drove to Inle Lake. It was another 5 hour driving day. We stopped half way at the Pindaya caves. It was spectacular. 2 conected caves with over 8000 buddhas in the caves. There was even a small meditation opening you had to crawl to get into. Only 200 barefoot stairs there. Then a great lunch before we finished the drive. Inle Lake was great. Small town on the edge of the lake was quiet and peaceful. We wondered the town and found a vegetarian restaurant and ate there (my tummy was thankful). I am going to post this and continue since I as not sure when my internet hour is up.....