Submitted by Samantha May on the 2017 winter session program in Thailand and Myanmar sponsored by the Department of Leadership…
My experience traveling throughout Myanmar was better than I have ever imagined. Once we got off the plane and headed to the hotel, I was shocked to see how beautiful the scenery was. For some reason, I pictured it completely differently because it looked so barren from the plane. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful surprise.
Even more beautiful than the scenery was the people. Almost all of these people aren’t wealthy in terms of financial means, but they have the some of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. That being said, they have taught me that monetary wealth doesn’t bring as much happiness as spiritual wealth. It was a big change from our culture, but I’ll have to admit maybe we can learn a few things from them and not stress a little bit!
A big part of Myanmar that also moved me was their conservation efforts, both archaeological and environmental. Taking e-bikes around Bagan, we visited only a small fraction of over 1,000 ancient temples. All of them beautiful in their own way, it was amazing to see all the historical information we got from both locals and guides. It almost seemed to be taken out of an Indiana Jones movie that I was fortunate enough to be a part of and appreciate. Inle Lake has also made progressive strides to preserve the environment their whole society is situated on. To see locals caring about their home so much and to be willing to educate others really showed me how hard this country is trying to develop and save their part of the planet.
Given it’s beauty within the cities, people, and sites we have visited; I would have to say Myanmar truly is a unique and remarkable place to explore.