Floating in magical MYANMAR

I’ve always had a fascination with Burma (or Myanmar, as it is now known). It started way back when I first visited the beautiful home of (now monument to) a legendary silk merchant, Jim Thompson, in Bangkok, Thailand. His contribution to the silk trade in the region, including Burma, and unexplained disappearance have held my attention for years. And, of course, who hasn’t been interested in the life and times of Myanmar’s current ruler, Aung San Suu Kyi?

So, when I was offered a unique opportunity to join a small group led by the author of Floating, James Cannon Boyce, I jumped at the chance. Floating chronicles James’s travels in Myanmar in search of answers around his father’s untimely death there. Our 10-day trip would follow the storyline of the book, and include time in Yangon, Bagan and the fabled Inle Lake.

The decision to visit was not taken lightly, given the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country at the time. We were very conscious of staying in independent hotels and eating at family-owned restaurants. Part of the revenue generated from the trip was donated to groups such as Hla Day and Girl Determined.

FLOATING IN YANGON, MYANMAR-STYLE

Our Myanmar Floating adventure started in Yangon. Today, it is the largest city in Myanmar. Until 1989 known as Rangoon, it remains Myanmar’s commercial and artistic hub, despite the fact that the Myanmar government built another new capital, Nay Pyi Taw, near Pyinmana.

We checked in at The Classique Inn. From the moment you step in, you feel at home in this warm, traditional Myanmar family’s boutique guesthouse. We just managed to shower and unpack in time for dinner. Eating would become a main attraction during our time in Myanmar.

On our first night out, we had dinner at The LinkAge Training Restaurant and