MYANMAR, Burma

February 21st - March 2nd, 2014.    (MYANMAR,  Bagan)

Wonderful to revisit Burma (Myanmar) again since they are no longer under military rule. Flew from Bangkok straight to Mandalay and then boated to Bagan. The 8 hour boat ride took 32 hours as we ended up grounded due to low water in the middle of the river overnight. Loved Bagan and stayed there for over a week and saw the magnificent Valley of Temples with several thousand abandoned temples dotting the valley. The people were the nicest people that I have met ANYWHERE in the world. They honestly wanted to help you and it was not money motivated.

THAILAND, Koh Samed

January 14th

With protests going on in Bangkok and the fact I don't like Bangkok, I decided to visit the island of Koh Samed or Koh Samet for the 1st time. I had at least a week before my Visa for India will be ready and it was only 4 hrs from Bangkok. I have visited many islands in Thailand and most are more beautiful than here BUT this is probably my favorite. Beautiful beaches, inexpensive rooms and food and its compact. You can walk everywhere. Not as touristy as other islands. Lots of ex pats from Finland, Sweden and Russia along with big crowds of Thais from Bangkok on weekend but not too crowded.

THAILAND, Bangkok

January 10, 2014

Not my favorite place and as a rule, not a fan of big cities. But here I am for 4 days as I apply for my Visa to India. I finally got all my info complete and hopefully will get my Visa in the next 6-8 days. I did go visit the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha which was nice. Also had nice boat ride down tne river.