As we reflect on what we have seen during our stay in Myanmar it is very eye opening. This is a reminder to us how many people around the world do not have the same opportunities as many of us do. What we observed during our short stay in this country is not unlike other areas of the world that we have traveled to such as our visit to parts of Africa on last years World Cruise. The reality is that for many of these people there is very little hope for them to better their lives and for the vast majority of the population they will continue to live the way they currently do. . Hopefully, overtime, changes will come and at some point the oppressive government will be replaced by a new government that is supportive of all its people.
When we first booked the World Cruise, clearly Myanmar was one country that we would have been happy if it was not on our itinerary as a port of call. We felt this way before the issues surfaced last fall placing this country front and center on the world news. We are reminded of something that we read in one of the travel books last year that said that there are very interesting and fascinating places to visit in this country, but that they could not recommend visiting Myanmar given their oppressive governmental regime. We also felt the same way. Based on our short experience in this country it is clear to us that the majority of the people are deprived, with many living in what we would define as poverty. What we saw first hand reinforced our views.
For many, we came to realize that their religion is likely all they have to live for which we suspect is why religion plays such a strong role for many of these people. It is so sad to see and think of all of the wealth in the pagodas and in the palaces while so many of the people of this country live in poverty.
Many of the basic items that we take for granted such as a comfortable home, inside plumbing, a roof over our heads, sufficient food, etc. these people will never experience. As we have said before, this is a reminder for us to truly appreciate all that we have and to focus on the glass being half full rather than half empty. Further, that there is so much that needs to occur in many countries around the world to raise the standard of living for large populations of people. When one visits a country such as Myanmar it is hard to believe that here we are in the 21st century, yet the majority of people in this country are living in what we would define as the past.
With all of this said, we are glad that we had the opportunity to visit Myanmar. While we have opportunities to read about different places and to see them through other mediums such as television and through the internet, many times seeing something first hand and through our own eyes provides a much clearer picture for each of us. Clearly, there are other countries in the world that we have visited over the years that we do not agree with the ideology of the government. However, sometimes our presence as a visitor can ultimately bring about change, although the changes might occur in baby steps. Also, seeing things first hand is also very important so that we can make our own judgments.
We began today as we usually do. We woke early and started our day in the Fitness Center. Keith spoke with a gentleman in the Fitness Center during our workout about what we had seen in Myanmar. He is traveling with his wife and twelve year old son. He plans to use the experience in this country to emphasize to his son that many people around the world are not as blessed with what so many of us take for granted in various Western cultures. We agree that this is a very valuable experience not only for a young teenager but for all of us for the reasons we’ve already mentioned.
After our workout we enjoyed a very nice breakfast in our room.
We attended a sail-away party that began shortly before our scheduled departure. Complimentary Bloody Marys were served (we didn’t have any) along with live music.
Our actual departure from Myanmar was delayed, as some of the overland tours (about sixty guests) returned later than expected. One of the benefits of booking tours through Crystal is that if your tour returns late the ship will wait for you.
At Noon we had the pleasure of having lunch in the Main Dining Room with the Cruise Director of the ship, Rick Spath. This is the second time we have had lunch with Rick since our adventure began. We have also spoken with Rick numerous times since first boarding the ship in Los Angles and have enjoyed all of our talks with him. In our view, he is very visible to the passengers, very kind, and a pleasure to talk with.
In the afternoon we took a nice long walk on the Promenade Deck. It is always enjoyable to walk on this deck as it is a full wrap-around deck and is great for both walking and jogging. During our walk we could see several boats from both sides of the ship.
Before dinner this evening there was a special event for those on the entire World Cruise. The name of the event was called Prohibition Prohibited and as such we were told that we were invited to a hideaway in Charleston one night before Prohibition is repealed. The event was wonderful and we truly appreciate all of the time and effort that goes into these events.
This theme for this evenings diner was Neptune Dinner and there were lots of wonderful food items on the menu.
The main fares items (dinner entrees) included Broiled Fillet of Chilean Sea Bass, Seafood and Vegetable Curry with Papaya Fan, Surt and Turf (fillet mignon accompanied by a broiled half lobster tail), Whole Roasted Koshery Chicken. Also available was Broiled Salmon as well as Grilled Sirloin Steak.
At the same time there were four appetizers to choose from; Tempura Fried Soft Shell Crab, Thai Marinated Salmon with Papaya Salad, Exotic Mushroom Salad, Chilled Strawberry Cocktail.
There were five soups/salads; Gingered Cream of Red Onion Soup, Essence of Beef (with “Kobe” beef), Chilled Peach Soup, Bed of Red Leaf Lettuce, Heart of Boston Lettuce.
There was also a Pasta Special and also a Salad Entrée.
Oh and the Dessert. There were two featured desserts a Bunny Dessert of Carrot and Zucchini Cake with Vanilla Tapioca and Orange Ice Cream and a Cherry Blossom with Black Forest Cake, Cherry Soup and Frosted Maraschino Mousse. Also, there were around ten other desserts to choose from.
And, if you wanted cheese instead this evenings menu featured Camembert, Stilton, Le Brin, Tilsiten and Pecorino Romano Cheeses from the Cheese Trolley.
At the same time there are all sorts of other selections to choose from including vegetarian, kosher, lighter side, salt free, sugar free and a multitude of other items that can be prepared for you.
We each enjoyed an entree of Broiled Fillet of Chilean Sea Bass, which made our Senior Waiter and Waiter both of whom are from Chile happy. ☺
We now look forward to three full days at sea as we sail to our next port of call in Cochin, India.
Keith & Anne Marie
