Off I go!

So much thought and planning goes into a trip like this that it seems ironic when the moment arrives, you sometimes second guess yourself. "What the hell am I doing! I'm going to a rural country with an oppressive government, where I don't know a soul, 7900 miles away with nothing but a small backpack."
There are second thoughts: the recognition that you're older, maybe less adventurous than 20 years ago and that you're really pushing the edge of your comfort zone this time around. The trick is getting on the plane, clicking the seatbelt and then there's no turning back. Shortly after reaching that "point of no return", if I remember correctly, is when you start remembering why you decided to go in the first place- and hopefully it's when you start having a great adventure.

Map of Burma (Myanmar)

Burma (now called Myanmar) is a southeast asian country to the north of India and west of China, Laos and Thailand. It's population is approximately 47 million.
The main areas on my itinerary will be Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Mrauk U, and Mandalay. To the right is a a map of the region. Click here for a more detailed and interactive map of Burma.