Myanmar (Old Burma) and Mangosteens!

I woke early Sunday morning full of Anticipation.  I was certain to be up before sunrise to get a first hand look at how Thailand greets a new day.  I was none disappointed either.  First I settled in for what seemed to be a fantastic sunrise as the sky turned red and the mountains to the west seemed to dance with excitement!  Then a cloud rolled in last minute and ruined the whole thing, but not to despair because I found the morning market just n time for dan bing "egg crape", a couple of newly discovered "meat sticks" as I like to call them (nearly life changing strips of pork soaked in egg and curry and grilled while you watch), some local fruit, but nothing new just local pineapple and some oranges.

Speaking of interesting fruit if anyone is travelling to Southeast Asia they must try the mangosteens! Look for a fruit that looks almost like an avocado, but when you split it open, it is burgundy.  The meat is in the center and is snow white. It is so sweet, and slightly tangy, extremely juicy, and honestly I cannot describe my excitement.  By far the best discovery in Thailand to date!  This is a fruit which excites me almost as much as maracuja or Colombian passion fruit.  They are only native to Thailand so must not be missed!  These are a must and are certainly more enjoyable than the fried grub worms I just polished off at lunch.

I digress, back to the story, we went up to the northern most point of the country and as I stood on the banks of a mere stream looking at the Myanmar locals longing to be in Thailand I realized that I had to cross.  Maybe just to satisfy personal curiosity but I needed to cross none the less.  How could I come so close to such a deprived and hurting country and not just enter? I had done my research the night before.  I knew that with a few U.S. dollars I could enter the country and that I would have no problems returning into Thailand. So all that was left was permission, keep in mind when I say, "all" that this is one of the most difficult things to gain when travelling with a group this size.

Interest in gaining access to Burma was mounting.  I had already been approached by several team members insisting that if I crossed the boarder I must take them along.  How everyone always seems to know exactly what I am thinking I still have not quit figured out, but every time someone wants an adventure they seem to come knocking on my door.  Please understand I am not complaining because if they mention it then most likely I am already thinking it.  If I am not, then I always welcome the suggestions.

I did finally decide not to enter a country without permission from from my sponsor.  A difficult decision, but very seldom it is when I regret submitting to authority.  So I waited, and waited, nearly an hour and a half.  Finally, I was granted the go ahead and about a dozen from our team had the opportunity to spend a few hours in boarder crosssings and visiting local shops in Myanmar--old Burma.

I was doubtful I could count this as a country visited, but after over an hour, having exchanged currency, nearly getting in a fight, having waved off hundreds of street vendors, taxi drivers, tour guides, and hospitality worker, attempting to make a quick buck off the tourists, I bought my patch and decided that this certainly was a cultural experience worthy of it's own flag on my pack.

This was just the beginning because what this did to open my eyes was nothing compared to how my gaze would be widened the very next day!  When coupled these experiences would make Myanmar a true journey and allow my global perspective to include all those suffering in such a tumultuous country.