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The people we met in Myanmar were by far the best part about the country.
Despite very recent government repression, violence and strict military control, the people we met in Myanmar were friendly, kind, and open. Every person we talked to had a story to tell, and people were happy to share about their lives and learn about ours. Many people told stories involving themselves or family members spending time in prison for government-perceived dissent, however all were hopeful that they can and will create a better Burma for the future.
One of the most surprising things about Myanmar was being able to connect with older people there. Burma was ruled as a British colony until 1948, so many people in their 50s and older are able to speak fluent English, which is not the case in most of Southeast Asia. Being able to speak to the older generation who lived through Burma’s politically contentious eras provided fascinating insight and understanding about the country.
This photo essay showcases the beautiful people in Myanmar (Burma) and their contagious smiles.
phyo phyo says
Thank you Jennifer Joslin.we are welcome everyday.and l am from myanmar.
Chick Lewis says
Dear Jennifer, I really like your images! You heve a discerning eye I visited Burma in 1976, and am now writing up a memoir/travelogue to offer on Kindle. I would love to be able to use your photo of the gal with the GIANT Cigar as an illustration in my memoir/travelogue.
Chick Lewis
Chicklewis@aol.com
Jennifer Joslin says
Hi Chick, thank you so much! I will send you an email.
Fredo says
Just what I wanted to know, how is the people of Maynmar?. Excellent publication, I loved. Perfect picture with the right comments. Great simple and peaceful people. Thank You.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks for reading and commenting Fredo! Glad you liked the post 🙂
Heather Widmer says
Beautiful photos of beautiful people! I have not been to Myanmar, but have always wanted to visit. The people, culture, landscapes, it all looks amazing. You brought up a good point about being able to converse in English with the older generation about their past, that must have been quiet the experience.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thank you, Heather! Myanmar is a remarkable country. Hope you can get there soon. We can’t wait to go back! And yes, connecting with the older generation there is a really special opportunity 🙂
Inma G says
Funny enough. I have ALWAYS found people are the best of the places.
Great pics!
Jennifer Joslin says
So true! People are usually the most memorable part of any trip. Cheers for the comment!
Anda says
Very interesting place. This trip must have been quite an experience. I’ve known some people from Burma and I know they are very kind and open people, but their conditions there are miserable. You’ve got some great photos of them.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks for your comment Anda. Traveling in Burma was such an eye opening experience, especially learning from people we met about past and current conditions there. There is so much we didn’t know before we went.
zof says
Wow, this is simply amazing. A beautiful gallery of faces. One of the best blog entries I’ve seen lately…
Jennifer Joslin says
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it 😀
Carolann and Macrae - One Modern Couple says
Wow!! such beautiful photos! we heard that the people in Burma was the best part about the country
Jennifer Joslin says
Thank you! We think so 😀
Dana says
Your photos are amazing and it looks like you have a wonderful time. Getting to know the people is one of my favorite things to do when visiting a new area. I haven’t been to Myanmar, but you’ve made me want to add it to my list.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thank you Dana! I think you will love Myanmar, and it seems like it would be a great place to travel with kids too. It’s very safe, people are so friendly, and every day there is a fun adventure!
Will says
Amazing stuff! I find Mynamar fascinating & must make the effort to visit.
Jennifer Joslin says
It is quite a fascinating place. I think you would love it! Cheers 🙂
Natalie Deduck says
Lovely Photos!!
I totally understand you guys, people are everything a trip. You can only really enjoy a place when you connect with the locals.
Congrats for such a beautiful work!
Nat
😀
Jennifer Joslin says
I completely agree. People are the most memorable part of a trip! Thanks for your comment, Nat 🙂
Hitch-Hikers Handbook says
Amazing pictures! I love interacting with local people, but I find taking pictures of them rather difficult as there is always the dilemma: ask for permission and spoil the moment or take a sneaky shot which sometimes may be undesired? Your photos are fabulous! Did you ask the people for their permission? Were they happy to be in your pictures?
Jennifer Joslin says
Thank you! I totally know what you mean about that dilemma. I usually like to ask permission, in the local language if possible, or just using body language. People in Myanmar are so friendly and everyone I asked was happy to have their picture taken. I had some pictures printed of the old nun and the people at the market, and brought them to them the next day. They really got a kick out of it! I also take sneaky photos if I’m trying to get an action shot, but sometimes I feel weird doing it.