I did not know much about Myanmar upon entering the country. Recently I had been reading about the civil unrest in the country and was pretty nervous as we docked an hour outside of Yangon. The first night in Yangon, I visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. As we drove through the city, I could have never expected to be met with the beautiful gold decadence of the Shwedagon Pagoda. This was one of the most breathtaking sights of my life. There was such an air of peace around the pagoda, one that I will not soon forget. Day 2, I went on a full day tour of Yangon. Our first stop was the local Scott market where I was able to buy a beautiful water color of the Shwedagon, one of my best purchases on the trip so far. From there, we stopped by the national museum and learned a little more about the history of Myanmar. Our next stop was to a local Monastery. Here, we met with the young Monks and Nuns and had the opportunity to hear about their daily lives and exchange questions with one another about our respective cultures. This was a very cool experience. A lot of these monks and nuns were about my age so it was so interesting to be able to look into each other’s cultures while at the same time sympathize with one another regarding the normal pains and pleasures of being a 20 year old. Then, we visited the Shwedagon Pagoda again and it was just as breathtaking as it had been the day before.

I spent the two 2 days in the village of Kalaw, just a quick flight away. Here, I got the chance to visit Green Hill Valley elephant camp. The camp works with elephants that have been retired from the Myanmar Timber Enterprise. Htun, who runs the camp with his family, spoke to us about the mistreatment of elephants within the timber enterprise and how the camp works with the government to try to implement ways to help the elephants in captivity, and to spread awareness about the issues the country is facing today. He also explained that while the elephants come to the camp for food and bathing everyday, they are free to roam as they wish at night. (I highly recommend checking out ghvelephant.com for more information.) After we learned how the elephants ended up in the camp, we were ready to meet them. We got to chance to get in the water with them and bathe them. This was an incredible experience. You can’t truly understand the size of an elephant until you are right up next to them like that. Then, we got to feed the elephants. They were so cute and personable and were so happy to be getting attention (and food)! We then had the opportunity to plant Acacia trees, and see how the facility was working to replant and repopulate the local fauna. After the Elephant camp, we headed back down the mountain to our hotel in Kalaw for dinner and sleep. The next day, we woke up early and set out on a 4-hour trek through the local area. We got to see local farmers working in the fields, and young children laughing and playing. We trekked through the jungle, all the way up to a small village where our guides Mother in law prepared a snack for us. Our guides family was so welcoming. It made me think of and miss my family quite a bit. It also showed me how family values are something carried across so many cultures. We then moved on to lunch, which consisted of fried rice noodles. The noodles were so delicious; I miss them!! Then, we took a train back down the mountain. This train was like none I had ever been on before, with the fare costing only 20 cents and the car moving at only 18mph. It was a great way to take in the local area. From the train station, we got on bikes and rode around the village. We ended at the local market where we again had time to shop. Then we had time to rest and get dinner. Finally, the next day we headed back to the Heho airport and boarded our flight back to Yangon. With another quick stop at the Scott market, we then headed back to the ship. I did not have many expectations of Myanmar before I got there, but after leaving I can say that it was one of my favorite ports so far. The people were welcoming, the food was great, and the scenery was incredible. I’d like to make it back there one day and have a bit more time to really get a feel for the country. I get a sad feeling leaving every country I visit, but I know it is only motivation to keep traveling, and make my way back. Up next, India!

Pups laying in front of the Resting Buddha in Yangon, Myanmar.

An Elephant and his keeper in Kalaw, Myanmar.

Train tracks in Kalaw, Myanmar.

A local man smiles at passers by in Myanmar.

Brothers getting ready to ride the 23 hours train from Kalaw to Yangon, Myanmar.

Libby and our guide messing around in Kalaw, Myanmar.