Destinations: Burma (Myanmar)

Forbidden to travelers for decades, Burma, now Myanmar, is the most pristine and inspiring country in Southeast Asia. Many say in the world. Crumbling pagodas and fertile plains stretch out before us and we wonder why the rest of the world didn't listen to Kipling when he proclaimed Burma "quite unlike any land you know about." Still true. Untouched by the world. Burma is tranquil, intoxicating, alluring.

Cruise the Irrawaddy River, the historic artery of ancient Burma. Sagaing and Bagan: the center of Buddhism in Burma, and the UNESCO World Heritage site to beat them all. The sunrise over the ruins of Bagan made Kipling and every visitor since weep at its beauty. Yangon and Mandalay's pagodas layered in gold leaf and containing relics of Buddha. Beautiful boulevards and fantastic markets, vibrant colors and inviting aromas. Senses reel and eyes delight. A thousand pagodas and hundreds of monasteries. The giant reclining Buddha of Chauk Hta Gyi Pagoda, the enormous Buddha of the Maha Muni Pagoda, doted upon each dawn monks wash the Buddha's face and brush its teeth. Why miss it? You won't want to sleep.

Astonishing Burma. Kipling knew. The incomparable land, the bridge beckoning us to cross. Burma awaits in silent reverence.