Burma and Me

What an awesome day that was.

We went to the border town of Mai Sai, and had the opportunity to go into Burma for the morning. Unreal. I just finished reading an awesome book (The Lizard Cage) a story that took place in Burma. I had no idea that I would have a chance to go anywhere near there.

The military state likes to refer to it as Myanmar.

The border crossing was similar to the Cambodia/Thailand entry....you just walk over.....leave one country and enter another. Simple.

The Thai's stamp your passport for your exit (which would then give you 30 days from that date to stay in the country without a visa).......and the Burmese take your passport on their side...with your photo and $10 US. You are only allowed in for the day....AND...you cannot go further than 15 kms into the city we entered.

The people there look very East Indian and Chinese. Short people. Most are dark skinned. You see a lot of the women with face whitening cream on their faces (along with their kids). Funny how some of these countries think that white skin is beautiful. Dark skin to them is peasant/farmer skin. Westerners are opposite and think dark skin affords you the luxory of a nice beach vacation!

We each had our own rickshaw and went for a small tour......stopping at a temple and at a few shopping areas.

I even had a chance to buy some fava beans from the market.

Yummy!