Burma or Myanmar- The Land of Pagodas

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Myanmar is pretty new to this world.  Though its civilization started in the 9^th Century still it wasn’t independent till 2010. I am not referring to independence from Britishers but from Military Junta. Military Junta was the official army of Burma, was controlling the country from 1988 to 2010. But finally, in 2011, they decided to officially dissolve it and the civilian government was established. There is, nevertheless, continuing criticism of the government’s handling of cultural minorities, its reaction to the ethnic insurgency, and religious clashes.

What’s in a name?

In 1989, the military government officially changed the English renderings of many names including that of the nation itself: Burma became Myanmar. The renaming remains a contested matter. Many political and ethnic resistance groups and nations continue to use Burma because they do not acknowledge the authenticity of the ruling military government or its authority to rename the country.

The country’s official full name is the “Republic of the Union of Myanmar”.  Countries that do not officially recognize that name use the long-form “Union of Burma”.

In English, the country is popularly known as either Burma or Myanmar.

The capital city of Myanmar

Naypyidaw is the new capital of Myanmar. In 2006, they moved the capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw. The reason being it is more centrally and strategically located. No official reason has been sacrificed for the switch. But the official explanation for moving the capital was that Yangon had become too congested and crowded with little room for future expansion of government offices. It is 320 km north of Yangon. The city is well planned and newly developed.

People of Myanmar

People are very tender and welcoming. They believe in Karma. They follow the principles of Gautama Buddha. They make a lot of donations. The reason behind this – as a human being it’s impossible to follow all the principles of Gautama Buddha, so they do lots of donations to cover up the things they can’t follow or to cover up their sins. They too believe in witches. You will see lots of Indians living in Myanmar. This is because their parents migrated from India to Myanmar. They speak the local language as well as an Indian language. Lots of people sell Samosa and fritter on the streets. They are all from Bihar (the state in Eastern India).

Food in Myanmar

The food differs from one place to another. In Bagan, they eat lots of seafood, but in Yangon and Mandalay, they eat lots of meat. Most of the people are fond of eating noodles than rice. There is a specific word for vegetarian food- Thatalo. If you say this then only you will get vegetarian food otherwise it’s very difficult to order or get vegetarian food. Food is very much near to Indian Cuisine as we are neighbors. Street food is recommended in Yangon. But in Bagan and Mandalay, it’s not because it’s not hygienic and they use river water to prepare. There is a chain of “Feel Restaurant” in Myanmar. It’s the best place to have your meal. They have a different menu with vegetarian every day (They do have a regular menu). The food is very decent, they speak English and affordable at the same time.

Currency

Burmese Kyat is the currency of Myanmar

1 USD = 1500 MMK

Foreign Currency is not accepted anywhere. You should change your currency at the Bank. They don’t take foreign currency if something is written or its told crease so better holds it neat. Burmese people prefer to execute a transaction in cash so at most of the place cards don’t run.

InterCity Travel

This was a big pain when I was planning. You cannot plan anything in advance. Train reservations can only be made 3 days in advance and bus booking can be done only one month in advance. There are some companies who take bookings in advance and they will book your bus and train tickets as and when it is available to book on your behalf. The flight is the most convenient way to travel from one place to another, but it’s the most expensive mode of travel. 

What to do

Myanmar is also known as the land of pagodas. So you will see lots of pagodas with different design and texture. It has some amazing spots for sunrise and sunset. But the most famous is the Hot Air Balloon in Bagan. It’s the third best place to do after Africa and Turkey. It’s a must-do if you are in Bagan.

I hope you got a brief idea about Myanmar. If you have any questions, please feel free to write it in the comment section. Soon I will write in detail about transportation and places to see. Till then stay tuned. Sharing is caring J

  

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