Myanmar, the golden land...

Sedona Hotel, Yangon 

First floor...

It was early morning...

Overlooking the glass-panelled windows, I saw Inya Lake magically blanketed by fog..beautifully serene from afar..

Then somebody told me that Aung San Suu Kyi's house was located there...and I could see the tiny dot resembling a modest house on one side of the lake...

Well....perhaps Aung San Suu Kyi, military junta and Rohingya are the first few things you have in mind when you hear MYANMAR..

Is that it? well...definitely not...

It was December 26, 2011 when I first visited Myanmar...

Despite the fact that I was part of an official visit and all its messy nitty gritty,  I still remembered my first impressions of this country...

one of the traditional Burmese dances ...something to do with peacock, I can say :D...

Well, firstly, I have to admit that dealing with human rights issues in Geneve as well as here in Indonesia made me have certain perspectives and views on this newest member country of ASEAN....

I still remember all those international headlines mentioning Myanmar and all its problems..I myself witnessed the politicization of any issues related to this country which took place in various UN bodies...I don't know why but frankly, I have some bleak pictures came to me knowing that I will finally have the chance to come and visit. 

Nevertheless....as I landed in the used-to-be-capital city of Yangon, the terrifying pictures of army with guns, suspicious and adverse atmosphere were gone ...completely gone...

Again, I was totally wrong...after quite a long journey involving transit and crazy shopping in Bangkok, fun conversation with monks and Thais as well as good food (too bad I missed the famous massage), plus delayed flight with a regional airlines, I finally arrived in Yangon...

one part of the shwedagon temple complex...

Beautiful hilly landscapes and colorful cultures adorn this country...

Majestic golden pagodas, particularly the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda strikingly pose and welcome us...shy, yet friendly people are smiling...vibrant and colorful crafty markets offer the whole world its best..plus lovely culinary experience ....those are indeed a great recipe for attracting tourists and those who like to visit...

Also known as the Garden City of the East, Yangon is a good start...and I certainly hope I have a chance to visit Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and other hidden jewels in Myanmar...

the diplomatic car plate....

                                          Saung Gauk...the traditional Harp of Myanmar...

I know we witnessed a lot of political progress in this country, although some religious tensions in certain region have tarnished its improving situation...

But, let's put it aside, if you don't mind...and allow me to take you to Yangon, Myanmar, through these photo series..amidst a restricted time and extremely limited itinerary, this is what I can manage...

Welcome to Yangon...

the world famous pagoda, Shwedagon...

.

it's really captivating...alluring golden goddeas

Shan traditional food is really tasty...but this dessert was too sweet for me :D...

traditional powdered lady of Myanmar...sandalwood proves to be an effective foundation in hot--scorching days :D...shall we....

Wanna see more of Myanmar?

she danced for us in the welcoming dinner...again, with broken English, I guess it has something to do with lotus :D..

line of lovely ladies wrapped in traditional Burmese costumes welcomed us that night...

did you see the tag? the 18th century old of dressing of rich people :D....

I just love their golden harp...

Inya Lake....seen from Sedona Hotel....

one of the characters in Shwedagon Pagoda....reminds me of ours :D...

Inscription crafted in one of the pillars ...translation please....

this painting really caught my attention..

isn't it graaand....

I do....so, let's just hope my itchy feet took me back to the Golden Land of Myanmar...