Off the beaten path

Just imagine a place where there are no billboards, or the well known golden arches. Myanmar is next door to Thailand, and has been governed under military rule since late 70s. The government has a strong dictatorship on the Myanmar people. The standard of living has not improved since Myanmar was ruled by the British, when the country was known as Burma. Myannar is also one of the poorest countries in the world. It is widely known that the Myanmar people are oppressed against their will, and human rights against the Myanmar people are regularly violated by the government. Authorities are known to record conversations in public places, screen phone calls, ban and control all publications that enter the country. Myanmar doesn’t sound like a pleasant place from this perseceptive; however, the Myanmar government and people treat travelers very well to help stimulate the poor economy. Although it may seem unusual to travel there from western standards, the simplicity of life in Myanmar sounds very intriguing to me. I may not be able to make any phone calls, or send any email if I make it there. There are no ATMs, and credit cards are not accepted in protest to the US embargo against Myanmar.