Myanmar is an incredible travel point, there is such an abundance of color, exotic places and interesting attractions. Few persons have heard about Myanmar, some only know it as Burma, the old name, and most people have the same reaction when they hear something like this from northern Thailand’s neighbors: “Myanmar, is this even a country?”
It is also fascinating, shocking and hits you as a cold shower since you take the first step in the airport. Even though I seriously prepared myself before heading out this summer, nothing prepared me for the reality that you will discover there. Whether you want to get there in the very near future, or want to enrich your general culture a little, you should know a few things about Myanmar.
To make it even easier, we have prepared a summary of our trip to Myanmar, with all that it meant for us, but especially with the lessons that can be of great help to you. Maybe you remember (it depends, of course, the year you were born) that, long after the revolution, in geography textbooks we were still told about Burma or Burma, although the official name change in Myanmar had place in 1987. Being a former British colony, they can be found throughout the testimony of its history, from the colonial buildings in Yangon to second-age people who understand English much better than the young ones, to the cars with the steering wheel on the right although, surprisingly, everything is driven. on the right, which is totally anapoda, but you will see that this is just one of the many weirdos in Myanmar.
Speaking of which, we have been told in Myanmar so many times that we are beautiful that we got a bit up. Not being accustomed to such goodwill, I initially thought that there should be an interest in the middle, that they were far too friendly, but it was not. They seem to like tourists, feel good about them and are very curious and sincere. Only in Bagan did I meet traders who were a little more insistent, but not as far away as the Balinese, the Turks or the Moroccans. At the first refusal, any attempt would end, which, we tell you from experience, does not happen much in other parts. And, as a very valuable tip, remember “Mingalarbar”. It is the greeting of the locals, it means a good day and you will surely impress them, especially if you come through the rural areas. Find extra details on https://globalhawkmyanmar.com/.
The food: What is to be said in the food chapter should be considered as more than subjective. We know that many like it, but we don’t. Close to nothing. As I said before, we excluded the street food option from the beginning, because we found it unhealthy. Moreover, the preparations they serve in traditional restaurants did not give us back. Not even their famous noodles. The only preparation we really enjoyed and ordered several times was a green tea salad that turned out to be absolutely delicious. Otherwise, we thought that Burmese cuisine is an unfortunate combination of ingredients and tastes that do not fit well. We repeat, this is how we perceived things, because we met a lot of people who glorified the traditional restaurant preparations, and even the street food.
Both Burmese men and women wear longyi – straight, long and colorful skirts wrapped around the body. The cheapest one I bought was 10 lei. Probably cheaper for locals. It is an extremely colorful and photogenic country. A Cuba Libre cocktail costs 80 cents if you go with a local to a bar and order it. If you order it, it costs $5. As in all other Buddhist countries, in Myanmar temples you have to step down. So take some comfortable shoes and wet wipes to clean your feet after these barefoot walks. Discover more info on https://globalhawkmyanmar.com/en/tour-program/trekking-tour/.