We are now  back in Yangon after doing our Sourthern most part of the trip.  But more about that later.  We are getting to understand Myanmar a bit more, and that means getting to know the people.  One great source of information has been our driver Soe.  He is University educated, has decent English, and drives a cab tourist service for a living.  As mentioned, we initially met him randomly as his number came up as we were finding a cab from the airport to the city.  

     Things seem to be getting gradually better for the people of Myanmar.  Their freedom to do everything from making a living as they chose, to accessing news and the internet have changed drastically.  Ten years ago there was no internet in Myanmar.  It was blocked by the military government.  Telephones, though available, were priced prohibitively and only the most wealthy could afford them.  As a result most of the population was insulated from the outside world, and though they were aware of that fact, there was little they could do about it.

       There is no doubt that the people credit Aung San Suu Kyi with being the catalyst for change.  Her name comes up a lot and they seem quite proud that she is currently a member of the legislature.  The fact that her sons are not living in Myanmar is the reason given for her not being able to run for president.  There are reports that there are moves to change the law but, of course, the military is afraid of her popularity.  Meanwhile it is such a good thing that the people have a national hero, who has definitely been a catalyst for change.

     While on the roads, and we have been on quite a few so far, there is no police or military presence.  No traffic cops, no military roadblocks, nothing.  Now take that in contrast to Guatemala where military roadblocks are a reality of life.  Here it just seems that everyone is going about there business with a decent respect for their fellow countryman.  Not what I expected.

     One final observation.  Our President Obama came here in November and it clearly made a huge impression.  Soe could not talk about his visit enough.  How he refused to go to the new capitol (not Yangon) because he wanted to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi.  The military leader apparently capitulated and came to Yangon instead.  While in this very humble restaurant in Malamalyine the proprieter asked Soe where we were from.  He said America.  She looked at us, smiled, and said "Obama"!

     I had lost, but have now recovered, my external key board.  I promise the blogs will come more regularly.  We are definitely having a great trip.  Tomorrow early we begin our journey North.