Yangon, Myanmar

Myanmar is a word that lots of people are unsure how to pronounce. I heard at least four different, and evidently correct pronunciations. Which one suits you best? Min-a-mar is the word I heard most often, followed by My-an-mar. A British newscaster pronounced it Me-an-mar and those who oppose the government pronounce it Burma.
This is a country where you just sometimes have to look the other way in order to keep a positive outlook. Here's a link with lots of informaton. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303802904579329913068806566

Here is the majestic Shwedagon Paya from the hotel window. This shot sort of gives you a feel for how big it is.

Communal drinking cups chained below purified water containers. The water is pure, but the cup?
Here's a link for more information about the Pagoda. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shwedagon_Pagoda

 At Yangon, you bus out on the tarmack to board the plane, and it's hot, hence the umbrella service.

 Propeller planes only on domestic flights throughout Myanmar.

 Ground crew seeking shade.

Some facts: 70% of the population of between 47-55 million live in rural areas. There has not been a census since 1983. 35% live below the poverty line. The average per capita income is $220 USD, 70% of that is spent on food. 71% of the population has access to safe water.