This picture was taken from the top of one of the numerous temples of Pagan, in Burma. The military junta renamed Burma "Myanmar" in 1989.
Should we visit Myanmar or should we not? This is the question... a very controversial question. Some think that we should not support tourism
and should not visit this country, as it would continue to financially support the oppressive military regime in place. I have been to this country
in May in the scope of our program "Art in All of Us" (www.artinallofus.org). As tourists, we have tried to lower to the maximum extent possible our
financial impact on the governmental income from tourism. Indeed, this is quite easily possible by attending only private run businesses (from hotels,
and restaurants, to bus companies).
Tourists are only allowed to visit a restricted region, and to travel by road on certain roads. We had thus to limit ourselves to this authorized region,
the golden triangle: Pagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake, as well as Yangoon.
We liked a lot this country, mostly because of the warmth of the people. This is one of the few countries in the world, where adults smile at strangers
with the same spontaneity of the children. They are a very welcoming nation, despite all the oppression they feel from their government.

This picture of a small boy riding a huge bike is a very common scene in many asian countries. Equilibrists such as this child, riding bikes 3 times
as tall as they are, their feet barely reaching the pedals. To me, it shows a lot of motivation to succeed. Children in these countries will not be
easily discouraged by hard reaching goals. It shows me hope and determination.