Feeling Famous in Myanmar

Since Myanmar has only recently been opened up to tourists, the sight of Westerners is still very strange for the people there. People often stare in disbelief as if to say, "I didn't know they came so pale." Once you smile and wave to them or say hello they smile back and become the friendliest people you've ever met. Many times they'll ask to take a picture with you. This happened to Sarah countless times while we were in Bagan. Because of her stunning beauty I thought that perhaps people assumed she was famous (to me she definitely is). People walk up and ask for a picture and get the whole family involved. One star-struck woman even handed over her baby to Sarah so they could get a picture of her holding the infant. Me, well I wasn't as lucky as Sarah to get the celebrity treatment but certainly enjoyed watching Sarah navigate the burden of stardom.