Yangon Rising

When I first traveled to Yangon, there were frequent power outages, a distinct lack of cellphones, and empty roads after 9pm. But things change. There were also crowded tea shops and chaotic street markets and girls wearing thanaka. Not to mention a kind of prevailing overall ramshackle charm. All of which has survived to this day. It’s a bit cliche to say that the country is finally moving into the 21st century, but it’s also difficult to deny the progress being made, especially in Yangon. Social media is making inroads. New bars and restaurants are opening up. Some neighborhoods are becoming more hip than others. There’s a growing arts scene. And so much more. It’s great to see a city coming into its own. Especially a city as beautiful and unique as Yangon. So here are just a few photos from a few days there. Focusing mostly on that retro allure. That certain whatever. That thing that keeps bring me back, over and over again.