But Myanmar was an exception and I was amazed to hear significant transition to any democracy taking place in Myanmar (formerly Burma) with relaxation of oppressive policies and official encouragement of some political and media freedom.
If you know the history or have visited the country you will have been surprised of the speed of progress compared to before.
The last time I visited people were paranoid but there was always one person who would whisper to ask of the outside world or even want to know about their own country and "the Lady".
The Burmese were friendly and happy to see foreign faces and like most people just wanted to improve the situation for their family and for their country to develop - 7 or 8 years ago it was a dream but now they seem to have the chance of a generation.
I remember drinking a bottle of Myanmar Beer and thinking even the country was in bad shape but despite all the sanctions they still were able to make a more drinkable beer than was ever found in richer Thailand.
The beer had an interesting history but was a promising sign of the country's potential and this was reconfirmed later with a discovery of the distinct beauty of Myanmar Beer's Calendar Girls who are the beer's somewhat elusive brand ambassadors.
As their country attempts to move forward in 2013 I will be eager to update further on any beer related for Myanmar (especially the Calendar Girls.....!)
Happy New Year and Best Wishes to All!!!
http://beerasia.blogspot.com/2008/09/2008-myanmar-beer-calendar-girls.html?m
http://beerasia.blogspot.com/search/label/Myanmar%2FBurmese%20Beer
http://beerasia.blogspot.com/2008/12/myanmar-beer-in-can.html?m=0
http://beerasia.blogspot.com/2006/02/beer-myanmar-1500-baht-beer-and-junta.htm
