We have arrived in Burma (Myanmar), so we are at the beginning of this year’s trip goal. We start in Mandalay – the previous capital of the country.
We were here before in 2011 and 2013, so we can see big changes occurring in the city. Are they into better?
Western technology walks in with big steps. Mobile phones, SIM cards, top-ups cost as much as in our country (in 2011 they used to cost here minimum 500 and 50 USD respectively!). TV-sets, household machines are available to everybody (at a high price, though). Hotel equipment is at a much higher level than before.
It seems that people’s life have become slightly easier, however, misery is still obvious everywhere.
One thing has not changed here in Mandalay. And even got worse: unbearable, overwhelming smog. It is particularly severe after sunset. Environmental pollution is unimaginable. For the social consciousness changes the hardest.
Nevertheless, there is another most important issue: the people have not changed into worse! They still smile for no money, say hello to strangers in the street, and watch them with kindness. Those who work in service, naturally expect tipping, but they do not press it out too aggressively.
The Burmese definitely induce empathy when in contact with tourist, despite their very poor English.
Besides, their punctuality is worth noticing, especially of those who work with tourists. We have not had a chance of checking the others.
