Our Impression of Myanmar

If you like open sewers and garbage everywhere, this is the place for you!
The sidewalks and roads are a total disaster, completely unmaintained
Electricity does not always work, many businesses have to use generators every night
Cockroaches are the size of beetles
Napkins, toilet paper and hand towels are in very short supply; you may have a roll of toilet paper on your table at the restaurant though...
The toilet paper in most places is like crepe paper (like streamers), so if you have a delicate bottom, bring your own!
Sometimes soap and water to wash your hands is not available in the toilets
The people and children are shy and very nice, unless they are trying to sell you something, then they are blood thirsty vampires!
The children are beautiful and very curious about foreigners, especially in non-tourist areas
Myanmar food is great, the buffets are fantastic for sampling everything
It is very dusty and dirty, except at Inle Lake
Transportation is a HUGE issue. Do NOT take the train and allow 10x longer to navigate than you think it would take unless you are flying
The sunsets and sunrises are supposed to be incredible at Bagan, but it was never clear while we were there...
It is like going back to the 19th century; a few people have made the leap to the 20th century
People are unable (or unwilling) to help themselves - Is it Buddhism that makes them so compliant?
Are foreign government sanctions only suppressing the poor people of Myanmar?
If you spend $200/day (plus travel $$) you can have a very luxurious trip. It would cost you $500 - $700/day in North America to have the same level of hotel and meals.
People will try to sell you something all day long (especially in Bagan) - while you are touring a Temple, while you are riding a bike, while you are riding in a boat,...
The Temples are unkempt. They are dirty - betel spit (like chew, except is is reddish orange), cobwebs, bird and bat poop, stones (even though you have to take off your shoes and socks)
Women are not allowed to place gold leaf on Buddha
Claiming your baggage is a free-for-all at the airports
It probably sounds like I hate Myanmar, but I do not. I think it is very interesting and I am glad that we included it in our voyage. If you want to try something different, this is the place for you!
I really did enjoy Inle Lake and would go back. I really liked Mandalay too. It is a thriving city. I would have loved Bagan too if the people would not have been so "in your face".