In the last 100 years over half of the world has been renamed with old countries adopting new names appearing all over Africa and Asia. Since 1989, Burma has become Myanmar and its capital, Rangoon, has become Yangon, Pegu has become Bago, Maymyo has become Pyin-Oo-Lwin, and so on. Myanmar, also known as the Golden Land, lies in an area of Southeast Asia, with India and is formed by the sea; by the Bay of Bengal to the southwest and the Andaman Sea to the southeast. Whatever you call it, Myanmar or Burma, as the famous English Author Somerset once wrote: "You try to guard yourself by saying it is not real... it is a beauty that batters you and stuns you and leaves you breathless..."
Despite several years of political upheaval and false starts, travellers who make the effort to visit Myanmar will meet a gracious people and experience a land steeped in natural beauty, cultural heritage and an artistic heritage that rivals that of the Angkorian Empire, and the hospitality and sincerity of a people still struggling to become part of the mainstream world community.
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