Myanmar: Friendly, but not free Sonya Stark, journalist, photographer Despite the fact that in Myanmar (better known worldwide as Burma) brutal regime ruled by the military junta, Burmese - very friendly and sociable people. The harsh U.S. sanctions detrimental to the economy, but it does not affect the ratio of locals to tourists, including an American. Burmese smiling with obvious pleasure to invite foreign guests to his home. We have many times ever to win the trust of local residents, and they invited us to stay a little bit at home. And I must say that the locals very restrained in his judgments, despite the ever-increasing scale of drug trafficking, persecution on political grounds, the continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi - a charming woman, an opposition leader. Way of life in Myanmar is more reminiscent of a subsistence economy. Living in the country to grow food themselves, practice their religion, adhere to the traditions and customs of their ancestors. But the government of this country - the successor to the infamous "Council of State to restore law and order» (SLORC) - continues to be responsible "ethnic cleansing" to everyone who dares to confront directly the rules and procedures which promote the regime. A ray of hope many of our interlocutors are still afraid to speak openly about their political beliefs. Under the control of the junta are trade, hotels, media, tourism and certain types of roads. Traveling around the country, you certainly pay attention to the armed military patrolling the bridges, markets, and sometimes even newspaper kiosks. Eighty-nine percent of the population profess Buddhism and prefer peace, not violence, but some monks of the Sangha did not adhere to this religious taboo and joined the armed rebels. As a result of their struggle were reopened universities, and increased foreign investment in the national economy. This gives hope that life in the country will continue to improve gradually, so why not go to Burma as a tourist? You do not go to the government, and the extremely friendly and good-natured people. And it is unlikely in this journey you will face any danger, because the human rights violations occur less and less, because the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar. Coming here, you can see how much you make a simple local residents rather than government. In addition, you get a lot of unforgettable impressions. Old temples in the new city Bagan Bagan Archaeological Region, located near the Irrawaddy is one of the most attractive places for tourists. Survivors of the 800-year history of the temples and pagodas, many of which have already been restored, and some still lie completely in ruins, there are almost close to each other. The volume of historical and architectural values ??such that fully cover their eyes may develop that tourists flying over the area on commercial sightseeing airplane. But there are other modes of transport. Horse riding on a pony (and such fun you always offered, and for a very reasonable fee) or a bicycle greatly enhance your ability to study the territory. The scale and grandeur of the landscape is staggering. Here you can admire the unbelievably beautiful sunsets, and, of course, to learn more about traditional for these places religion - Buddhism. Our tour guide named Joe, a very mobile guy, "zinger," as we say, pleasantly impressed you with their gentle manners and harmony of the presentation of historical information. He invited us to visit the holy of holies - the ancient temples of existing Pyatada and Shvesandau where the sun is reflected from the hundreds of gold protrusions helps quietly meditate. At the same time inevitably increases a sense of spiritualistic nirvana, which can be appreciated, even an atheist. A little rest in Trezhe Resort in New Bagan there are many good hotels, but we settled into one of the most luxurious and comfortable - Trezhe Resort. The hotel was built relatively recently, already during the reign of SLORC, in the newest area of ??the city Nayang and opened its doors to guests in February 2005, thus providing a regular income for local residents. Boarding house full of guests from France and Germany. Created from bamboo tiles, with columns of teak wood and a stunning swimming pool, the hotel is located a short distance from the liqueur factory and many souvenir shops. Here you will try to convince them that dollars spent in these stores, go to a good cause and help feed the hungry. For many shoppers, such information serves as a good catalyst for parting with money. Monkey Mount Popa on the flat volcanic plain rises Mingiyan single peak. It is called Mount Popa, which translates from Sanskrit as "flower". After Bagan is the second most well-known local landmark: the peak of the pilgrimage to visit the monks, hermits and even ... the Yeti. Around the top, which is a center of worship, there are many monasteries. The rise of the hill takes a lot of time and requires a significant calorie burning. In addition, there are many monkeys, throwing scraps directly under the feet of pilgrims and leaving trails everywhere along their waste products. That would be well tolerated if it were possible to make the ascent in the shoe, but there is a clear requirement for visitors: to rise only barefoot. Twelve Burmese offered to take me to the top and all the way, held my hand, constantly repeating the "caution" and "please slow down." Girl forced to work to support his younger sisters, so she has to climb up twenty times a day, leading to the summit and more new customers. Moreover, despite the tight clothes, which she wrapped up from head to toe, the little conductor does not seem tired or sweaty. Generosity, which has generously bestowed upon this child, give it a place among the top Buddhist spirits or garnets. After these works, we decided to take the recommendation of our guide and stay overnight at the Hotel Popa Mountain Resort, whose windows open to lovely views of the ancient monasteries, buried in tropical foliage. This was a strategic decision to Joe, who was hoping that someone of us would return here, perhaps with a chosen one, or elect to spend their honeymoon here. Candles in Keydanargii In Bagan locals cooked us a traditional dinner in the temple pagoda Keydanargii. It turned out that the UNESCO experts do not recommend lighting candles on the ancient pyramids, because they damage the surface of the masonry, so there is a special oil-burning lamps. Shimmering reflections to clearly identify every crack in the structure of the pyramid, and local residents danced and sang songs in their language. This extraordinary spectacle lasted more than an hour! If you've ever watched a black and white film "The Burmese Harp", then be able to evaluate the sound of this colorful 13-stringed ancient instrument. It sounds so that many tourists are willing to pay any money for a CD with this truly divine music. In general, we have witnessed so fascinating spectacle that no camera can not convey this. Especially, no visuals, no text can not convey the refined taste of exotic food, which we are regaled. None of the tourists did not fail to try the green mango salad, noodle soup and rice. Puppets in the Puppet Theatre in Myanmar Bagan for the Burmese - the same thing as karaoke in Japan, and concerts of pop stars to the Americans. It attracts people of all ages and is an integral part of local art. Theatre tells the story of Myanmar with the help of painted dolls, managed by experienced craftsmen. Threads that are used to control the puppets, not just fastened to the limbs, but even to the eyebrows puppets. Actors view themselves bound horses, monkeys, astrologers, and, of course, the chief villain and heroine. Tranquil Shwedagon Pagoda Bagan is a two hour flight from drowning in the green of the former capital, Yangon (worldwide, this largest city of Burma is still better known under the old name Rangoon). However, 27 March 2006 the capital of Myanmar was declared a new town Naypido located in mountainous terrain by 320 miles north of Rangoon. If you have time and opportunity to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, this case should not be missed. Not in vain Myanmar is called "Golden Country" or "Land of Golden Pagodas." In fact, the whole state is one vast archaeological reserve, in which well-preserved traces of ancient civilizations. Here it would be appropriate to recall Kipling, who spoke about one of such civilizations as the golden mystery and a beautiful shimmering miracle. Shwedagon Pagoda - this is the main attraction of the sacred Buddhist country, and for its full inspection is necessary to spend a few hours. After visiting the sacred tree Banion tourist groups show images and the main plot which is currently the worship Buddha. Unfortunately, we failed to see the rare phenomenon - a rainbow around the monastery. Burmese waiting for this for a year, in time to enjoy a ten-minute miracle of nature, and to pray for health and luck. See also: Safe Travels in a totalitarian country? Nonsense? No, reality!
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