One of the first things I noticed when we arrived in Myanmar after leaving behind my beloved Cambodia was how friendly and photogenic the locals are. We met some wonderful characters such as Mr Toe (see below), who started chatting to us in a local pub and with whom we ended up speaking and drinking all night long. He was happy to answer any questions about life in Myanmar past, present, or future, and was just a genuinely warm-hearted, fascinating, and hilarious character who, when he became emotional talking about a number of things, would suddenly change the subject and start talking about Shakira instead. Either way, I learned more about Myanmar speaking to him than I ever could have from any books.
A lot of women we came across wore the traditional thanaka, a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. It is a distinctive feature commonly applied to the face and arms. To most women it is just a form of make-up, but it also protects the skin from sunburn. The people we met were more than happy to pose for photos, much to my delight of course, so the following photos are a selection of the many photos of locals I took during our little break in Myanmar.
Have you been to Myanmar? And if so have you met Mr Toe?
Great pictures. I so want to visit Myanmar!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs recently posted…Good Karma Affair: Help my beloved elephants!
Thank you Marysia! I have been wanting to go for ages too and would love to go back one day to explore more of the country.
I have yet to visit Myanmar, but it’s definitely a destination on the rise. I hear more and more about it these days. I love photos of local life, and you did a great job of capturing the beautiful people of Myanmar!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted…Where to Stay in Savannah: Planters Inn
Me too Dana. I am glad you like the photos! 🙂
This is a wonderful photo essay! You really captured the spirit of the people of Myanmar.
Samuel Jeffery recently posted…VIDEO: Vegetarian Friendly Food in Chiang Mai
Thank you Samuel! 🙂
This post is so beautiful! And I agree, Burmese people are the absolute sweeeetest, and so photogenic!
Silvia recently posted…The Harvest
They really are Silvia. Really honest, curious and soo friendly!
What a great view into Myanmar via these photos. So colorful. It sure looks like a great land to visit.
Mike | Earthdrifter recently posted…Rambling into the Colca Canyon
Thanks Mike. It sure is. I wish I could have stayed for longer!
Really cool photos guys and you’re right the people of Myanmar are indeed, photogenic. I especially liked the one with the group of boys.
I’ve never been to Myanmar but I sure do want to!
Victoria recently posted…A moustache, a turkey and a quivering hand:10 reasons to be an expat in Berlin.
Thanks Victoria! If you do go to Myanmar one day say hi to Mr Toe from us. 🙂
Oh I love Myanmar. Looking forward to going back this summer
Shaun Hoobler recently posted…secret recipes discount
Oh I would love to go back one day too. There are so many areas that are going to open up for tourists soon, so should be interesting for people who want to go off the beaten track a little.
Great photos of Myanmar’s daily life. Burmese people look as youthful and friendly as the Khmer. It’s such a striking part of our world… Good luck and safe travels! Oh, and happy 2014!
Lunaguava recently posted…13 Uninspirational Travel Quotes
Thank you! Happy New Year to you too. I was sitting next to a man who looked 50 but actually was 75. It is amazing how they manage to stay so young.
Beautiful captures! This definitely gives great insight into Myanmar, makes me want to visit sooner rather than later
Ayngelina recently posted…11 Instagrams to Celebrate 2013
Thank you Ayngelina. Are you planning on going to Asia then? If so Myanmar is definitely a must, as it is not yet overrun by tourists yet like many other countries in the region.
We are headed to Myanmar next month. Hope we get photos like yours, yours were amazing!
Hannah @ GettingStamped recently posted…Back in Chiang Mai – Our New Apartment {Video Post}
Thank you Hannah. Myanmar is amazing and everything is so photogenic. Enjoy your time!
I am way behind on this, but I met Mr. Toe and spent 3 days with him when I was in Burma back on 2006. His favorite phrases were: “Click-Clack-Kodak” “Oh My Buddah” and after a few drinks he always wanted to sing “Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley.
That is so awesome John. He always sang Shakira to us which was hilarious. Glad you met him. What a great guy.