Honestly, who knew...?! 1) that Pyin Oo Lwin, a small town in northern Myanmar, could have such beautiful botanical gardens? We stretched out a couple hour visit to a whole day, riding our bikes, wandering, taking photos, watching a movie being made, watching people, animals, flowers. And did you know that children of all cultures skip as an expression of carefree joy in the moment? It's like the urge wells up and they break free with this simple dance step t...

We love this country! Having come from India, it's almost quiet and clean here. It isn't really, but it's like knocking your head against the wall, it feels so good when you stop. Seriously though, we love India. And Myanmar is a sweet place with kind, friendly people who appear to love their lives and appreciate their new-found-on-the-road-to-democracy country. Bagan: I can walk for exercise - it's safe, I don't have to do it at 6:00am be...

What?! Rangoon is gone; not only in name as it is now called Yangon. We recognized nothing of the Rangoon of 1985 when we were last here. Even the Strand Hotel, where we ate a lobster after months of living on $15/day for all food, accommodation and transportation, was the same. Back then, the Burmese government allowed a one week only visa and all visitors had to fly in and out of this city. Backpackers flocked here, bringing in their duty free whiskey and ci...