Myanmar

Myanmar

A heartbreakingly beautiful and spiritual land, whose proud and brave people have lived through decades of fear and authoritarianism. Their humor and optimism are astounding. Tragically, since Feb 1, 2021, it is again a dictatorship and the country is unsafe for visitors. It’s also important not to give tourist dollars to the many military enterprises that dominate the economy. A multi-religious society, but also a devout Theravada Buddhist country, the Sangha (monkhood) is the premier moral authority. Village life revolves around age groups, agricultural rituals, nat (animist spiritism), and annual religious cycles. Dark humor, puppetry, lacquerware, literature, and tapestry are some of the enduring cultural products of this magical country.