Editorial note: Myanmar holds the potential to rival the tourism attractions of its better known neighbors. Formerly a kingdom under the Konbaung Dynasty and later the British protectorate and crown colony of Burma, today Myanmar sadly remains under the de facto control of a repressive military. Receiving relatively few visitors, tourism to this Asian giant awaits the democratization of its peoples. It is possible that the benefits tourism offers will increase pressures on the government to bring about these changes. Here are the hopeful, but not unrealistic words with which Myanmar's official tourism board now enticess visitors:
"Myanmar sits at the crossroads of Asia's great civilizations of India and China, and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of South East Asia's largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range.
"To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world, a land of breathtaking beauty and charm yet only recently emerging into the modern world."
What can the casual visitor therefore expect upon arrival, and why should one embark on such a journey to a politically repressive state in the first place? |
From the streets of Mandalay, once the royal capital of Myanmar, Italian photo journalist Luca Sartor answers that question in his own unique manner, keeping in mind that, in this case, "the People" are not "the Government.":
|
In the streets of Mandalay, including dust and smog and atrocious heat, I am haunted by the most beautiful and the deepest smiles I have ever known, smiles without malice, which come from the deepest and purest part of us. They enter my skin, my bone, my soul--smiles that will accompany me throughout my stay in the country. They are found on the faces of these beautiful, warm and friendly people of Myanmar.
|
The smiles come easily...
They are a religious people...
Theirs is a very ancient civilization:
On the streets of their cities...
On their Rivers:
At the end of the day...
In the end, what does one remember of Myanmar?
The smiles one sees everywhere are not simply a stretching of facial muscles. For these beautiful people, their smiles appear to be a respectful exchange of humanity and joy.
|
If you decide to go...
Travel in Myanmar is not difficult. The only problem is the restrictions in some areas of the country to which access is not permitted. For the rest, moving about is easy on local long-distance buses or (slow) trains. You can choose to fly or take a leisurely boat trip.
Just remember during high season (November to February) to book your ticket a day or two before departure and keep in mind that delays are entirely normal. Traffic may be lighter to the popular area of Yangon during rainy season, which lasts from June to October
As there has been political instability in Myanmar, it is prudent to check with your country's consular recommendations before going.
|
 |
About the photojournalist:
Luca Sartor is a graphic designer, a traveler, a photographer, but especially a dreamer. Last year he traveled throughout Asia for something like 10 months and found it to be an amazing experience that opened his mind and his heart. For Luca travel is a journey of self discovery.
To see more of his work: http://lucasartor.photoshelter.com/
|
|
|
