Sanctions lifted against Burma

April 23, 2013

European Union foreign ministers have permanently entered sanctions against Burma (Myanmar) formally recognizing the country's transition from military dictatorship to civilian rule. 

Credit Cards Rush to Burma

Below is an excerpt from a Wall Street Journal article featuring yet another step in Burma's development.

Myanmar inched closer to rejoining the global financial system Thursday as MasterCard Inc. said it had issued a license to one of the country's target banks.  

For a country that has no credit cards and only introduced ATMs less than a year ago, the introduction of the ubiquitous financial brand is a milestone. By giving travelers the ability to withdraw money at cash points and allowing merchants to accept credit cards issued by foreign banks, it will potentially save business people and tourists from having to carry thousands of dollars in local currency on trips to the country, as many do now.

 For financial firms, infrastructure concerns remain, particularly around the availability of a reliable flow of electricity, which is crucial for running ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. 

Congratulations Aung San Suu Kyi!

photo source: the Gaurdian

All hail Aung San Suu Kyi! Congratulations to Aung San Suu Kyi on her recent election to the Parliament - we all hope for a bright future in our beloved Burma!

-RL

K&C Early 2012 Trips: Burma, Japan, Morocco, Tanzania Safari

Many of our clients have asked for suggestions for travel during the spring break and early summer periods. Bev, Zen and I plan to return to enigmatic, beautiful Burma in February and then to our beloved Japan for the early April sakura/cherry blossoms. We are excited about our much-anticipated safari to Tanzania in early June, including Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and ending with the great migration in the Serengeti and Grumeti River Camp. This will be Zen's first visit to East Africa and she is totally psyched!

Please note below our Lynch family Burma, Japan, and Tanzania private tour itineraries for your reference. Although we do not have the time in early 2012 to visit Morocco, we have included this private tour itinerary also. The ideal time for travel to Morocco is during the March through early June period, especially if you wish to include a one-night Desert Camp stay (Bivouc tent!).

By the very nature of what we do, each private tour is custom and unique onto itself.

Please click into our Kipling and Clark 9-day Burma luxury private tour

Please click into our Kipling and Clark 8-day Japan private luxury tour

Please click into our Kipling & Clark 10-day Morocco private luxury tour

Please click into our Kipling and Clark 10-day Tanzania Private Safari tour

Yes - Burma!

Several developments in Burma have gotten us excited about this wonderful land. Although still ruled by the military junta, opposition leader and Noble Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who now has relative freedom of movement, is implicitly encouraging travel to her beautiful homeland. Also, based on popular discontent, the government has suspended construction of the Chinese-financed Myitsone dam project in Kachin state. This decision reflects perhaps the government's increasingly progressive stance over the past few months. The release of additional political prisoners last week was another encouraging piece of news. We hope for the best for these beautiful people.

Notwithstanding its politics, we still feel Burma to be among our favorite places in all of Asia. Bev, Zen and I all agree that the Burmese people are among the most handsome and kind-hearted people in all of Asia.

- Randy