Me, Myself and Myanmar: We are Changers

“Mr. Obama”, said with a nod.  This was the most popular response given when I’d tell people I was from the U.S.  For the most part, I made a point not to initiate conversations about politics in general, the history of the military regime or even the recent elections.  However, many people felt free to share with me their opinion and their excitement about the changes in the air.  This was especially the case with conversations that took place while riding within the confined space of a taxi.

 “The National League for Democracy won 80% of the vote!  It was a landslide! Aung Sang Suu Kyi, well because of the constitution she cannot be our official president, but she has said that she will lead everything if the NLD wins.  The NLD has won. Right now in Burma, there is a lot of change.  We can do it!  We are doing it. We….we are changers!”

Taxi driver on Pyay Road in Yangon

"My attitude to peace is rather based on the Burmese definition of peace - it really means removing all the negative factors that destroy peace in the world.  So peace does not mean just putting an end to violence or to war, but to all other factors that threaten peace, such as discrimination, such as inequality, poverty."

Aung Sang Suu Kyi

Aung Sang Suu Kyi T-Shirts being sold near Bogyoke Market in Yangon

Me, Myself and Myanmar: Changes

Shwegadon Pagoda

I arrived in Myanmar along with my trusted bag of almond/macadamia nut mix a few weeks after the country's historic elections, the first democratic elections after 25 years of military rule.

In my pre-trip research, I had read many reviews suggesting that travelers to the region bring necessary cash to cover their entire itinerary in the country as ATMS are scarce. What I found in less than 24 hours was entirely the opposite. What I witnessed was rapid change. There are ATMs everywhere, SIM cards everywhere, T-Pain ring tones, monks taking selfies, Aung San Suu Kyi in transition talks with the new president and army chief. Oh, and in case you're wondering there's wifi at Shwegadon Pagoda and it's free.

Win Sein Taw Ya - Reclining Buddha near Mawlamyine

Near Mawlamyine

Inside the Reclining Buddha near Mawlamyine - Win Sein Taw Ya