YANGON FORMALLY RANGOON,  MYANMAR, MAYLASIA (day 81)                   PAGE #1

MYANMAR called BURMA by the BRITISH is also known as the GOLDEN LAND.  The soil is rich & it is rich in minerals and precious stones.

When the BRITISH ANNEXED BURMA in 1852 it became a booming trading center for rice, oil and teak. When Japanese occupied it during WWII BURMA lost it cosmopolitan air. In 1948 the country achieved independence. Then in 1962 General Ne Win  seized power and the country became isolated  for 3 decades. Yangon suffered decades of neglect. It is only now with their newly formed government, since "the lady" was elected 3 years ago, that is "semi democratic" that YANGON has begun to modernize & "grow"...

This morning we used shuttle bus from the pier  to the market.

PUPPETEER WHO MET US AT THE DOCK

DANCER AT TH DOCK IN HER NATIVE COSTUME

It was 100 degrees F, today with at least 90% humidity. The following pictures are of what lined the roads as we drove to and from the market, as well in the area where the market is. It is hard to think about how people can live like this?

LOCALS ON A BUS THIS AM

COLONIAL ARCHECTURE

MODERN

Apparently, Yangon's greatest appeal lies in its magnificent Pagodas and OLD ASIA atmosphere that remains unchanged. We are going to visit SHWEDRAGON by candlelight tonight.

Those pictures will be on page #2