23 Nov 2004 - The Atlanta

The Atlanta Hotel should be a destination by itself. This small hotel on a quiet street seems far removed from the rest of the activity in Bangkok. It's traditions stand firm against the ever changing landscape and demands of modern travelers. I'm resting up before I head back to Minneapolis for Thanksgiving.

21 Nov 2004 - Bangkok, Thailand

I just got back from Myanmar. I chose to fly from Bagan, where I watch the sunrise over the temples this morning. Quite a site. I haven't seen the photos yet. I was surprized that it was only me and two Japanese people that decided to go to the Sunrise Pagoda this morning. It was kinda nice that way, I suppse. I'm safely at The Atlanta Hotel in Bangkok. Look it up online, it has a great story.

19 Nov 2004 - Bagan, Burma

I took the night train down from Mandalay last night. It cost $9 for a foreigner. Which is pretty expensive considering the prices the locals pay. I simply wanted to ride the train in Burma. I had all these romantic notions of falling asleep to the gentle clacking of the rail ties. Maybe that's how it happens in the movies. In this version, I had to hold on for my life as I though the train was either going to fly off the track or simply tip over on it's side. Someone needs to buy this country a level.

18 Nov 2004 - Mingon, Myanmar

I met some local guys last night and we hung out having ice cream talking about the differences between the United States and Myanmar. We talked about dating, school, music and my passion for travel. It's really interesting to hear a perspective from the Myanmar people about the US election. Even here it was big news. Nearly 100% of the people I have met think that George Bush is a great guy. And that comes without me even telling them what I think. They admire that he fights for democracy around the world, which is what the people here want more than anything.

17 Nov 2004 - Mandalay, Myanmar

I charted a private taxi to drive me from Inle Lake this morning. I didn't want to experience another 16 hour bus ride, and didn't really see the joy of traveling the highway to Mandalay. The private taxi took me through the mountains instead. We passed countless numbers of small villages, hill stations and poppy fields (yup, welcome to Burma).

16 Nov 2004 - Nyaugshwe, Myanmar

I spent a wonderful day on Inle Lake with a fellow from Germany. We were both traveling alone and decided to split the cost of the boat. We chartered one for the entire day. We saw tons of tourist shops, but also a truly amazing community of people that live on or around the lake. It was so cold here when I arrived that I saw my breath. Too bad my only long shirt was in the bottom of my pack!

14 Nov 2004 - Bangkok, Thailand

Getting ready to leave and go to Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar). I have a nice wireless access point at the airport -- although a bit spendy. Perhaps I'll get a chance to use this while I wait for my other flights too. Things are going well and I'm excited to get back on the trail. I had a chance to talk to Angela last night. It was good to hear a familar voice.

13 Nov 2004 - Tokyo, Japan

12 hours, 15 minutes later I'm in Tokyo. I love this airport. Someday I might even walk outside. I hear they have their own country here now. Maybe when I save up a small fortune I'll be able to do it. For example, 10 minutes of Internet access is 100 Yen, that's about $1.00. At least it's high-speed access. I have another 8 hours to go before I'm in Bangkok, then a quick turn-around to Yangon the next morning. I miss you all.

12 Nov 2004 - Minneapolis, MN

I'm all packed and ready to go. I printed of a ton of information about Yangon/Rangoon. Since I didn't spend much time planning this trip in advance, I'm going to have to find some time in the next 24 hours to figure out what my travel plans are. Good thing I have this thing called a "24 hour flight" coming up. That should give me ample time to make my preparations. I have to admit that this has been the hardest trip to leave for. For some reason I wish that that I wasn't traveling alone. I guess that's part of the nature of "independent" travel.

11 Nov 2004 - Minneapolis, MN

I'm getting ready for another trip. I just got a job offer and have a few weeks before my start date. What better way to enjoy that time than a short little trip to Burma? More details coming.

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