Prologue

I just spent 24 hours in Myanmar, and I can honestly say that they were the most incredible 24 hours I've had in Asia.

I'm still digesting the amazingness that is that place, these people, this trip. My head is swimming with faces and conversations and beauty and jade and pearls and lacquerware and flowers and the hunger for knowledge and freedom that exists there.

Once I have found a way to put my experience into words, I will do just that. I promise.

For now, though, I absolutely need to say something: Foreigners are not visiting Myanmar right now, and this is downright tragic. I have no interest at this moment in time to debate the boycott issue, as it is something that I have researched (and continue to research) thoroughly before deciding to visit Myanmar in the first place. I therefore do not wish to bore you with a massive regurgitation of the facts and my humble opinion of them. I also realize that some people may wholeheartedly disagree with my decision to visit Myanmar, and I can most definitely understand the reasons for that stance. However, I do just want to say that one of the reasons why a lot of foreigners are choosing not to visit Myanmar is because they are afraid for their safety. I mean, heck! It was my reason for not going sooner! In fact, most foreigners who do actually go do so as a part of an organized tour group. They are therefore not granted many opportunities to talk to local people, and they don't spread their money around to the local businesses who benefit greatly from foreign customers. They don't really see or hear what is HAPPENING there. Tour packages also put more money into the hands of the government than independent travelers do. Now, I am not trying to bash people who go on packaged tours. Hey, when it comes to travel, to each his own. All I want to say is that there is no reason to fear for your safety as a foreigner traveling in Myanmar (well, I mean, there's always some degree of risk when you are traveling through Asia as a foreigner.....it's a good idea to practice common sense....). I was there as, well, a woman and traveling on my own. I have never felt safer. And, as my subsequent posts will illustrate, the people there were nothing but beautiful to me.

So.....for those of you who are in Southeast Asia, or are planning to be at any point, please do not be deterred by fear. Your decision to visit Myanmar should be one that is thoroughly thought out--I certainly can't/don't want to tell you what you should do. But if fear for your own safety is the only thing holding you back, I simply have two words: GO. PLEASE.

I absolutely can't wait to go back.