Now that Hillary Clinton will visit Myanmar next month, will we see an increase of US tourism to that country? After all, it’s been 50 years since a US Secretary of State has visited Myanmar (the country formerly known as Burma).
To celebrate this historic event, I received two books today about Myanmar. The first was a travel guide, To Myanmar With Love (ThingsAsian Press, 2009) by Morgan Edwardson and Steve Goodman.
And the second a travelogue, Defiled on the Ayeyarwaddy (ThingsAsian Press, 2010) by Ma Thanegi.
I have a cute story about Myanmar, which was still called Burma, from 20 years ago. I was planning to cover most of Southeast Asia the summer before my 21st birthday. I chose some places like Vietnam and Cambodia, which were off the beaten path back then. And Burma. It was really only possible to enter Burma with a package tour, so I was willing to shell out a chunk of cash for a quick trip to Rangoon and Mandalay.
But when my mother and one of her best friends found out, I received a letter (only snail mail in 1991) from my mom strongly advising me not to go. The repressive government, the dislike of foreigners (Americans), and so on. So I caved and instead used my money to ride a train for seven days without a shower.
Twenty years later, guess who’s booked a trip to Myanmar?
Bon voyage, Mom (and her friend).
Do you know anyone planning to travel to Burma in the near future?
Susan, My dad travels there regularly to teach classes. He travels all around Asia and Myanmar is one of his destinations. I haven’t been there yet, but maybe some day! I hope it does open up more due to Hilary Clinton’s visit. Have a wonderful trip!
How cool! Perhaps some day when you can find someone to watch your kids, your dad will take you with him on one of his trips to Myanmar. I hope it opens up, too. Sadly, I’m not going. My mom and her friends are, but it’s not for another 11-12 months.
You might want to check out Michelle Aung Thin’s new novel about Burma – The Monsoon Bride.
It’s set in the 30’s, during the revolution, and Michelle’s research and writing have combined to make it a brilliant story. It helps that she’s got a Burmese heritage to draw on as well!
Anyway, you can have a listen to Michelle talk about her new book at:
http://rastous.podomatic.com/entry/2011-08-24T18_07_46-07_00
Thanks so much! This looks and sounds great. I’m definitely putting it on my to-read list. I’ve checked out more of your interviews and reviews. It’s so great to learn about Australian authors. The one I know the best (at least his work) is Brian Castro. It’s really nice to learn about these others, too.
Brian was Michelle’s supervisor during her Master’s course at Adelaide Uni – and he’s a really great guy!
I spoke to him in Beijing, when he came over for the Australian Writers’ Week even.
You can listen to the interview here:
http://rastous.podomatic.com/entry/2011-03-07T04_09_07-08_00
Wow, what a small world! I read “Shanghai Dancing” and really enjoyed it. His background is so fascinating. My friend teaches at Adelaide Uni, too, but the last I knew, he hadn’t met Brian Castro yet.