1. Your favorite stop?
2. What surprised you most?
3. What is one thing you learned you will never forget?
4. If you were telling friends one place to go in Myanmar, where would it be – Yangon, Bagan, or Inle Lake?
5. What is the most interesting cultural part of Myanmar to you personally?
A Not everyone answered yet, but I will add replies as they are updated (I'm hoping this will get Val and Michelle to do it as well).
Favorite Stop
Favorite stop was the Shwedagon Pagoda. The
historical significance of the site coupled with the stunning visuals were the
major motivating factors in my choosing to go on this trip and they did not
disappoint. (Pierre)
I think my favorite spot was the farming village on the banks of the Irrawaddy. There was so much there that was worlds apart from ours (Kevin)
The Shwedagon Pagoda for both its spiritual and political significance since it's been the site for so many protests and strikes over the last 100 years that helped pave the way for democracy in the country . It's beauty and peacefulness made me feel very happy and calm. (Lynne)
My favorite stop isn't just one but several,,, I loved the ruined pagodas, the hot air balloon ride, the cooking school, the village tour, the lacquer tour, and the orphanage. (Meg)
Loved the sunset Teak bridge- definite photo op! (Pamela)
Tough to specify one.....loved the Pagoda Ruins ....was impressed by the complexity and detail of Ye Ye Mom's lacquer workshop....was given hope by the kids in the orphanage....wished we had a bit more time at the parasol/paper making factory....that was pretty cool.....the reclining Budda in Yangon was pretty impressive (Rich)
Biggest Surprise
How the small villages we visited from the river still operated basically as they did hundreds (or thousands ) of years ago….(Pamela)
What surprised me the most was spirit of the people, so many live with so little yet help each other, what a beautiful world that is. (Meg)
The people surprised me the most. Their humanity, warmth, graciousness, generosity, spirituality and smiles to a bunch of foreigners was amazing and lovely to share with them. I hope that as their country grows and becomes more modern that they never lose these qualities. (Lynne)
I expected it to be poor and third world, but because it retains so much of its rural nature it did not seem impoverished. As Ye Ye said, we may be poor, but we do not live poorly. (Kevin)
What surprised me the most was despite the apparent poverty of the country, the people were exceedingly warm and generous of spirit. (Pierre)
Unforgettable Learning
One of the most impactful anecdotes of the trip that I will never forget was Ye Ye’s story of being forcefully relocated by the government. While one can all to often read about this sort of travesty happening around the world, being at the exact location of his home and listening to him chronicle the events of his childhood really left an impression on me. (Pierre)
Like the others, I think Ye Ye, and his life story will ultimately be the lasting memory. He and his family encapsulated so much of what the country has been through and hopefully what it is moving toward. (Kevin)
The one thing I learned that I will never forget is how spiritual the Burmese people are and how it is incorporated into their daily lives with such simplicity which is demonstrated by their grace, humility and resilience in the face of terrible leaders and governance over the years. Ye Ye and his family encapsulate this truth so beautifully. (Lynne)
One thing I will never forget is Ye Ye. I loved hearing his life story and meeting his family. Their perseverance is to be admired and his energy to succeed applauded, He was truly an inspiring person. (Meg)
Going to the orphanage and seeing the faces of these children who have lost their families and yet they are able to be hopeful and optimistic about their futures. (Carol)
The resilience of the people in living their lives even in a “democracy”….Example of Ye Ye’s family and mother (Pamela)
That there is always hope....that the human spirit can and will overcome adversity....exemplified by Ye Ye's Mom determination to keep her family going and the hopeful faces of the kids in the orphanage (Rich)
The One Place To Go
One selection only.....not fair.....if I must ....Inle Lake (I am a water guy...really enjoyed the daily boat rides....wind in the face thing) (Rich)
Inle Lake- seemed very different than any of the other places in the world we have visited……fisherman had mad rowing skills! (Pamela)
Of course Inle Lake would be top of my list for anyone to visit. It was such a unique way of life, and hopefully will not be destroyed by the many hotels being developed! (Meg)
Ok this is hard one but I would say Inle Lake because of the unique way the people live their lives on the lake, the way they paddle their boats and fish, the visual contrast between the lake and the pagodas. And, I echo Meg's statement that hopefully all of the hotel development doesn't destroy it. (Lynne)
I would tell them not to miss Inle lake, though they should go everywhere else as well, just don't miss the lake! (Kevin)
This is a toss up for me. Bagan and Inle Lake. Began had the history that I was looking for on this trip. Inle Lake had the interaction with people which gave the trip the modern context of the country. (Carol)
. If you had to choose just one location in Myanmar to visit, I think I would suggest Inle Lake. The way the locals have adapted their lives to the lake and their unique methods of transportation, fishing and farming were just too cool. (Pierre)
Top Cultural Aspect
I think my favorite spot was the farming village on the banks of the Irrawaddy. There was so much there that was worlds apart from ours (Kevin)
The ruined pagodas in Bagan and Indain Village - the sense
of history was very strong at the two places. The sense of reverence for
their religion was the underlying feeling I got at both places, even though the
pagodas were falling down. (Carol)
The Shwedagon Pagoda for both its spiritual and political significance since it's been the site for so many protests and strikes over the last 100 years that helped pave the way for democracy in the country . It's beauty and peacefulness made me feel very happy and calm. (Lynne)
My favorite stop isn't just one but several,,, I loved the ruined pagodas, the hot air balloon ride, the cooking school, the village tour, the lacquer tour, and the orphanage. (Meg)
Loved the sunset Teak bridge- definite photo op! (Pamela)
Tough to specify one.....loved the Pagoda Ruins ....was impressed by the complexity and detail of Ye Ye Mom's lacquer workshop....was given hope by the kids in the orphanage....wished we had a bit more time at the parasol/paper making factory....that was pretty cool.....the reclining Budda in Yangon was pretty impressive (Rich)
Biggest Surprise
Though the country has been
"open" for about 5 years, the impact of the Western world is still
very minimal. (Carol)
How the small villages we visited from the river still operated basically as they did hundreds (or thousands ) of years ago….(Pamela)
What surprised me the most was spirit of the people, so many live with so little yet help each other, what a beautiful world that is. (Meg)
The people surprised me the most. Their humanity, warmth, graciousness, generosity, spirituality and smiles to a bunch of foreigners was amazing and lovely to share with them. I hope that as their country grows and becomes more modern that they never lose these qualities. (Lynne)
I expected it to be poor and third world, but because it retains so much of its rural nature it did not seem impoverished. As Ye Ye said, we may be poor, but we do not live poorly. (Kevin)
What surprised me the most was despite the apparent poverty of the country, the people were exceedingly warm and generous of spirit. (Pierre)
Unforgettable Learning
One of the most impactful anecdotes of the trip that I will never forget was Ye Ye’s story of being forcefully relocated by the government. While one can all to often read about this sort of travesty happening around the world, being at the exact location of his home and listening to him chronicle the events of his childhood really left an impression on me. (Pierre)
Like the others, I think Ye Ye, and his life story will ultimately be the lasting memory. He and his family encapsulated so much of what the country has been through and hopefully what it is moving toward. (Kevin)
The one thing I learned that I will never forget is how spiritual the Burmese people are and how it is incorporated into their daily lives with such simplicity which is demonstrated by their grace, humility and resilience in the face of terrible leaders and governance over the years. Ye Ye and his family encapsulate this truth so beautifully. (Lynne)
One thing I will never forget is Ye Ye. I loved hearing his life story and meeting his family. Their perseverance is to be admired and his energy to succeed applauded, He was truly an inspiring person. (Meg)
Going to the orphanage and seeing the faces of these children who have lost their families and yet they are able to be hopeful and optimistic about their futures. (Carol)
The resilience of the people in living their lives even in a “democracy”….Example of Ye Ye’s family and mother (Pamela)
That there is always hope....that the human spirit can and will overcome adversity....exemplified by Ye Ye's Mom determination to keep her family going and the hopeful faces of the kids in the orphanage (Rich)
The One Place To Go
One selection only.....not fair.....if I must ....Inle Lake (I am a water guy...really enjoyed the daily boat rides....wind in the face thing) (Rich)
Inle Lake- seemed very different than any of the other places in the world we have visited……fisherman had mad rowing skills! (Pamela)
Of course Inle Lake would be top of my list for anyone to visit. It was such a unique way of life, and hopefully will not be destroyed by the many hotels being developed! (Meg)
Ok this is hard one but I would say Inle Lake because of the unique way the people live their lives on the lake, the way they paddle their boats and fish, the visual contrast between the lake and the pagodas. And, I echo Meg's statement that hopefully all of the hotel development doesn't destroy it. (Lynne)
I would tell them not to miss Inle lake, though they should go everywhere else as well, just don't miss the lake! (Kevin)
This is a toss up for me. Bagan and Inle Lake. Began had the history that I was looking for on this trip. Inle Lake had the interaction with people which gave the trip the modern context of the country. (Carol)
. If you had to choose just one location in Myanmar to visit, I think I would suggest Inle Lake. The way the locals have adapted their lives to the lake and their unique methods of transportation, fishing and farming were just too cool. (Pierre)
Top Cultural Aspect
In my humble opinion, the most interesting
cultural part of Myanmar is the adherence to Buddhism and the impact it has on
its people in their daily lives. The apparent sense of community and charity to
others is remarkable to see in practice. The daily gathering of food by the
monks was another facet of daily life that I had no idea about but found
extremely interesting. (Pierre)
For me, from a cultural point of view is how much Buddhism, monks and the monk's lifestyle is integrated into the country's identity. Also the oddness of the over the top aspect of the modern Pagodas and the disconnect between spirituality and their lavishness. (Kevin)
Again a hard one, so since I can't seem to stop talking about it with friends, it was the visits to the monastery, the school, the village and the orphanage. To be exposed to how life is lived in Myanmar was a special treat that I was not expecting. Followed by seeing the arts and crafts produced in the country from the gorgeous Lotus Collection Lacquer wares, the silk weaving, the Lotus silk weaving, the Shan paper and umbrellas. Oh and one last thought, love seeing all of the pagodas (stupas) everywhere big, small, gorgeous or dilapidated. All are a powerful symbol of faith and strength that will be needed for the people of this country while it travels down the road of democracy.
Ok one more 2nd to last thought, Ye Ye and meeting all of you made this trip especially fabulous and special. (Lynne)
For me, from a cultural point of view is how much Buddhism, monks and the monk's lifestyle is integrated into the country's identity. Also the oddness of the over the top aspect of the modern Pagodas and the disconnect between spirituality and their lavishness. (Kevin)
Again a hard one, so since I can't seem to stop talking about it with friends, it was the visits to the monastery, the school, the village and the orphanage. To be exposed to how life is lived in Myanmar was a special treat that I was not expecting. Followed by seeing the arts and crafts produced in the country from the gorgeous Lotus Collection Lacquer wares, the silk weaving, the Lotus silk weaving, the Shan paper and umbrellas. Oh and one last thought, love seeing all of the pagodas (stupas) everywhere big, small, gorgeous or dilapidated. All are a powerful symbol of faith and strength that will be needed for the people of this country while it travels down the road of democracy.
Ok one more 2nd to last thought, Ye Ye and meeting all of you made this trip especially fabulous and special. (Lynne)
The most
interesting cultural part of Myanmar for me was again the spirit of the people. (Meg)
Hands
down---It was sharing time with Ye Ye. I loved spending time with him and
getting to know him, and to hear his stories-personal and those of his family
and country. (Pamela)
That we really all can get along.....the inherent
peacefulness and sense of community of their daily existence (except the town
drunk of course) (Rich)
Talking with YeYe and hearing his family story. The forced relocation of his family by the government was an incredible piece of living history - the impact of government policy without thinking about the people. The resilience of YeYe's family and mother, in particular, as she took tragedy and turned it into a future for her family. Hearing from YeYe as he embraced entrepreneurship - owning and renting out tourist boats on Inle Lake. (Carol)
Talking with YeYe and hearing his family story. The forced relocation of his family by the government was an incredible piece of living history - the impact of government policy without thinking about the people. The resilience of YeYe's family and mother, in particular, as she took tragedy and turned it into a future for her family. Hearing from YeYe as he embraced entrepreneurship - owning and renting out tourist boats on Inle Lake. (Carol)
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