I reached around my shoulder to fasten my seat belt in the front seat of the taxi, “ohhh, that is not necessary here,” the driver said, almost as a command. That’s when I knew Yangon, Burma (Myanmar) was going to be an energizing ride!

The street side markets in Yangon are convenient; Everything you need all on the sidewalk before you!

The highest concentration of colonial buildings in SE Asia makes Yangon feel ancient while navigating the downtown streets.

The Sule Pagoda (below), provides a central landmark for the downtown area of Yangon.

A girl peeks out of a little hole, smashed into the back of a local pick-up transportation truck.

Old scenes of Yangon

The diversity of religious beliefs displayed in Yangon, Burma.

Considered the most sacred of pagoda’s in Burma, the Swedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda) is a grandeur display of gold.

The gargantuan reclining Buddha at the Chaukhtatgyi Temple.

The dusty smog packed clutter of the main roads are contrasted by the collected peaceful neighborhoods.

Yangon’s Thiri Mingalar Market is the fresh produce hub of distribution.

Mohinga, a national dish of Burma (Myanmar), is an immaculate Burmese blend of rice noodles in a fish curry sauce, sprinkled with a chickpea fritter and squeeze of lemon!

Sweet cucumbers (left) and stocks of bananas line the markets of Yangon.

To the surprise of the local crowd (and myself), this man pulled a python out of his shoulder bag.

Would you like to purchase a date from me?

Three of the most frightening things in Yangon: absurdly dirty and ancient (sometimes unreadable) money bills, spontaneously placed sidewalk blocks (with dark holes in the middle), and the most disturbing sight in all of Yangon…Justin Bieber (posters, music, dvd’s, everything).

A passion, addiction, maybe even a hobby, the betel nut mouth chew is rampant in Yangon.  The combination begins with a betel leaf, a slop of calcium hydroxide paste (slaked lime), some slivers of Areca nut, and a dash of rough cut tobacco for those who are “hardcore.”

Burmese salads are fresh, tasty, and marked by an excellent blend of textures.

Lahpet Thohk, a delicious Burmese salad made with pickled tea leaves and a combination of vegetables and nuts.

How could this fish not induce a raging love at first site?

Genius invention on how to drink cold water in Yangon, Burma: Pour your water over the block of ice at the top, catch the run-off at the bottom of the cloth holder, and leave a tip in the cup.

Have you been to Yangon?  How did you like it?

If you are traveling to Yangon, take a look at this important Myanmar travel information.