Internet Issues

I am still having trouble posting pictures so don't expect any posts until that issue gets resolved. I am having a wonderful time. Right now I am sitting by the pool in Mandalay relaxing after a great day of sightseeing.

Christmas Gifts

It is traditional in parts of Southeast  Asia for hotels to give their guest Christmas gifts. This is some of what we got.

First Days in Burma

Apparently there has been some confusion about exactly where I am.  To sum up-
On the 24th we took a very early flight from Bangkok to Rangoon.  We spent the day on a car tour of the city and a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda.  After a surprisingly fun mandatory Christmas Eve dinner we got four hours of sleep and flew to Bagan.  Yesterday (December 25) we toured the temples and learned a lot about Buddhism.  Today deserves its own post which I will get to later.  Internet connections are very slow and I am having trouble posting pictures.  

Change in Plans

After much thought and careful consideration we decided not to continue on to Helsinki.  I emailed my travel agent, See the Baltic With Bea, and canceled the rest of our itinerary. Hopefully, insurance will cover some of the cost.  I was able to sell my winter coat and gloves and I booked tickets to Yangon (the city formerly known as Rangoon), Myanmar (the country formerly known as Burma).  Right now I am relaxing at my hotel in Bagan (the city formerly known as Pagan).

Santa Monica

We took the city bus to Santa Monica and walked around the pier and promenade.  We had dinner at a place called Real Food Daily.  I had a veggie burger and Susie had something called "Essence." Long flight on Sunday - 10 hours to Beijing and another five to Bangkok.  Our last flight is 11 hours to Helsinki.  I am beginning to think I picked the wrong travel agent.

Sunny Los Angeles

My travel agent said it was cheaper to fly through LA so here I am sitting in a coffee shop staring at some palm trees. I just finished arranging for snow removal at my house so I have nothing left to do but relax. I sure hope I get to see a movie star before my flight leaves tomorrow.

Travel Clothes

Here I am in my new travel clothes. It has been above freezing in Helsinki but I guess being over prepared is better than the alternative.

Anticipation

Only 13 more days until the adventure of a lifetime begins.  For many years I have wanted to travel around the Baltic Sea.  In order to save money I am going during the winter.  I figure that as long as I dress warmly, I shouldn't be too uncomfortable.