Myanmar – formerly known as Burma, has a loaded history. It was a part of British India and gained independence shortly after World War II. A Military Junta ran the country for most of it’s independence and it’s policies made it a pariah in the international community. In a shocking announcement, the Junta agreed to start handing over the reigns of power in 2010, which has paved the way for a cautious reconciliation with western countries (the U.S. included). Travel warnings and bans have been eased and tourists are flocking here to check it out.

Our first order of business was to get some sleep after spending the previous night in the airport terminal.

In the middle of our nap, the power cut off and I heard the sound of rats scurrying in the walls just next to our heads. Shannon woke up and was terrified. We got ready quickly and hit the town for some food

Tea houses are everywhere and serve delicious and cheap food. Locals will sit around and chat or read the newspaper over a cup of tea or coffee

Some old British-era buildings. Britain fought several wars with the Burmese and finally annexed them to British India in 1888.

This Temple is now a traffic circle. In the background in a British-era colonial clock tower.

Monks are everywhere. Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country.

This boy turned a bike into a mobile shaved ice treat cart

One final thought on food and travel: Visiting a grocery store is an amazing way to pick up a lot of culture cues in a new country. Just don’t go hungry. We forget how easily we glide through our local store with everything in our language and familiar food and labels everywhere. Take your time and you’ll discover a lot of neat tidbits about the society.