You may know it as Burma but the military changed the name back in 1989. Perhaps so that nobody would know where it is and they could drop off the radar completely. Luckily it didn’t work. Myanmar. The land of smiles. Or is that officially Thailand? Well after 2 extended visits to Thailand and a month here… I’ve decided it’s definitely more applicable to the Myanmar.

Five reasons to love Maynmar:

1. 

   People. Love them. They are the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered;the smiles are heartwarming, they’re always super keen to help a foreigner and the children are adorable.

2. 

   It’s safe. Safest country I’ve ever travelled in. That includes the UK. I’m not joking.

3. 

   Beaches. There aren’t many, but the few I saw were stunning. I was doing handstands in the Bay of Bengal on Christmas Day. I was so happy to apparently have found paradise.

4. 

   Food. Oh the food! Perhaps it was made all the better by having come from Nepal (yuck), but the seafood is ridiculously fresh, the fruit is so huge Tesco wouldn’t go near it and the Myanmar beer is never bad when drunk cold in front of yet another stunning sunset.

5. 

   You can run here. Oh yes you know I love to run! Around stunning temples, up and down beautiful beaches or traversing lakes… the choices are endless and the people always happy to give you a wave.