Lostinthought

I have enjoyed reading this thread and decided to contribute. Myanmar has always had a theft issue. When I traveled here 20 years ago Mandalay was well know to have bags snatched from tourists. I even had my bag robbed of money that I left at a hotel while I ventured up into the hills beyond Mandalay since it was so cheap to keep a room at a hotel and just take a day bag for a few days. The current situation in Yangon is relatively fine on the surface. Mandalay not so much as the fighting gets nearer. When I was there this summer I could not visit places outside the city due to fighting. And we have a number of students just at our school from Mandalay here in Yangon - to get away from the situation there. To illustrate how unsafe it is at night - in Thanlyin as you come across the bridge from Yangon, there is a nice housing development on the left opposite Starcity. It is empty. The homes are nicer than the ones in Starcity. Why? So much theft. The developer upon selling did not care anymore and many from this estate bought homes in Starcity across the road to get away from the thefts. These homes sit empty and no one will buy them. During the day it's fine, as I go for long walks on the weekends into every neighborhood - but after dark it is not safe to venture out. If you are going to a bar or restaurant and taxi it back then you are okay. But, as I read the papers every morning, there is a lot of petty and violent crime for small amounts and large amounts. Lots of killings over small amounts of money - a girl and brother at bus stop killed for a few dollars worth, a taxi driver killed for his money, jewelry store robbed and owners killed, etc. The Russians could be teachers - there are many from the former Soviet nations teaching here for a major school with branches in Yangon and Mandalay - often subject teachers in science and math. There are many utterly useless teachers here with many on fake (no) degrees who make the rounds after getting fired from one school - such is the desperation of schools to find teachers so if you are a reasonably professional teacher you could do well here. The conditions here are actually not bad compared to many Asian nations. I retired from a professional background and having traveled for many years was tired of moving around and decided to find someplace to settle. I see a lot of potential here when things get better - and they will relative to what is/will happen(ing) in the near future. Although the costs keep rising relatively it is still cheaper than other places. I spend freely and only spend about 300 per month. It is not easy to spend money here as there is really nothing to do except go out to eat and walking around. I enjoy both. Simon, your champ with what you are doing for the kids. Cheers