Shwe In Thar Resort, Inle Lake, Burma

Tucked deep in Inle Lake is the quiet, clean, and comfortable Shwe In Thar Resort. Enjoyed the gorgeous scene from my room and the outdoor shower.

Hill People

The hike up to Indein was as interesting as the people we met on the way-colorful, serene, and unassuming.

Indein

Ancient Bagan and Shan style pagodas

Faces of Burma

This beautiful country is full of lovely people, inside and out. The women are simply dressed, almost make-up free and carry themselves with pride and elegance. You see hundred of many young women with the fragrant thanaka paste smeared over their faces. Thanaka is the yellowish white paste that most Burmese women and girls daub over their faces and arms. The cream is made from the ground bark of several trees, and is worn to protect fragile complexions from the darkening, dehydrating effects of strong sunlight. Apart from its cosmetic and sun-blocking properties, thanaka is believed to cure acne and act as an antiseptic. Not only are the Burmese women beautiful but smart too!

My Family Away From Home

An interesting group of professionals, retirees, and people who just love adventures, led by our fearless and most patient leader, Evan Tong! I miss them already!

Nyaung U Market

Hand woven fabrics and souvenirs bursting with color, exotic smells wafting from dried fish and paste, and lively interactions of the locals. Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore!

Bawga Theiddhi Hotel, Bagan

Beautiful teak furniture, a comfortable, clean room, and a gorgeous garden just steps aways from century old stupas.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Formerly known as Scott Market featured the most fragrant sandalwood products at the most reasonable prices, thanks to the bargaining that is expected in the Burmese culture.

Bagan Temples

The climb was steep and narrow, the payoff worth the effort. Looking at the pictures, I still can't believe I was there-breathtaking!

Shwedagon Pagoda

An awe inspiring 2500 year old pagoda which is also is a national symbol of Myanmar and long held marvel of the Orient.

Southeast Asia

I'm ready for my Southeast Asia adventure. After 10 hours of flying and a stopover in Taipei, my China Airlines jet landed in Yangon International Airport, Burma where it feels like time has stopped. The country has been renamed Myanmar, but the people still call themselves Burmese.