Heaven and hell
Sir: Having just returned after a month in firstly Burma and then Thailand, I picked up your May 1 issue and saw both countries mentioned by the honourable Mr Waugh. Please visit Burma as soon as possible, Mr Waugh. Compared to Thailand (especially Bangkok), it is an unspoilt paradise. I was born there just before the war, returned and stayed till 1951, and this April, after 31 years, returned to pay homage to childhood memories and long-lost relatives.
The Burmese are still poor in material trinkets (necessities?), but they are happy and easily pleased with seeing once again visitors from other nations. They stare, they wave, give the victory sign, and beg for pic- tures to be taken, since cameras and film are black market commodities.
Arriving at Bangkok airport was a rude awakening. I was hassled into taking tours barely minutes out of the arrival hall, and pestered the whole holiday by touts, out to get money from the white-skinned visitor. Bangkok is a city for visitors who can be safeguarded in a group. It is not for the single traveller who wants to get the feel of the place. 1 have no wish to return there and will travel to Rangoon via other means.
Colleen Hindle
Van Nijenrodeweg 152, 1083 EK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Previous page
