- Burma or Myanmar?
J. Peterman may have confused Seinfeld fans about the country’s real name, so to clear it up, the official name is the Union of Myanmar. But only since 1989. When it was a British colony, it was called Burma. And although the Burmese gained independence in 1948, the name didn’t change to Myanmar until 1989.
The capital city, Yangon also changed names. It was formerly Rangoon, but try as we might, we couldn’t find any crab rangoons.
As a result of the British influence, Yangon is full of old colonial-style buildings, in various states of disrepair.
- Tourism is relatively new.
From 1996 until 2010, there was a tourism boycott on Myanmar. As all foreign money went only to the military leaders, the government and humans rights groups advocated a tourism boycott. Since the borders have opened, the people of Myanmar are welcoming tourists with open arms.
The vast majority of people we met were so incredibly warm hearted and helpful and genuinely nice. We hope that doesn’t change with the influx of tourists.
- Most meals are enjoyed outside.
At kiddie tables. Street vendors proffer their food along the streets, and most people eat their meals sitting at small plastic tables and chairs. 
- It’s a good idea to watch your step.
Other times, the sewage just runs next to the street. But, it’s still prudent to watch one’s step in the areas lucky enough to have “sidewalks”, as gaping holes are frequent. 
- Yellow face is beautiful.
Myanmar women, along with children and some men, paint their cheeks with yellow paint called Thanakha. It is made from a tree, and is plastered on the face both to help block the sun and as a cosmetic.
- Cash is king.
We had a bit of a financial hiccup when a blocked ATM card and a waiting period for funds to transfer between accounts left us with $48 cash for four days.
It is incredibly rare to find places which accept credit cards in Myanmar, so we really had to stretch the cash we had. The problem was that we had to pay for our hostel and bus tickets with that money, which would’ve left us with $6 for food, water, accommodation and transport.
At the time we were in Yangon, the biggest city, but were meant to head out of there the following day, and had little hope that credit card services would be better elsewhere. On the verge of asking for a Western Union money transfer, I suddenly remembered that I had brought along U.S. dollars in case such a situation arose.
Hidden in an empty Chapstick container, shoved deep in my backpack, I hadn’t thought of the emergency stash since August. I’ve never been so happy to see greenbacks. Luckily, Myanmar is a country that prefers USD over their own currency. Thinking the problem solved, I handed over some American dollars to our hostel. Only, they wouldn’t accept them.
While crumpled bills aren’t a problem in other countries, in Myanmar they result in a lower exchange rate. A crisp dollar yields 1300 khat, while a wrinkled one nets only 800.
My mounting hysteria and Paul’s offer to iron the bills prompted them to take the wrinkled money in the end. Although they would not accept the $1 bill with a tiny tear on the edge.
- Wifi is slower than the dial up of the 90s
This should’ve been a good excuse to put down our phones and get off social media for a bit. But it was incredibly frustrating when we had to contact the bank because, well our atm card was blocked, or when I had to make 30 phone calls when my credit card number was stolen.
Our experiences in this country are opening our eyes to off the beaten path travel. While it means we have to deal with some frustrations (ATMs that don’t work and minimal wifi with which to amend the situation), it’s exciting traveling in a country that isn’t yet set up for tourists.