No place conjures up such exotic images as enchanting Myanmar (Burma). While some of the names have changed, magic is still evoked just by their very sound: Yangon (Rangoon), Bagan (Pagan), Mandalay, Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy). The atmosphere and ambience of these places envelopes the visitor in the feeling of being in another world, a nostalgic bygone era that may be nearly indescribable in words, but is fortunately incredibly photogenic. This fascinating country with its friendly and accessible people promises great photo opportunities and delivers even more than it promises. While you will be constantly reminded of past ages in Myanmar, the country's infrastructure is beginning to change rapidly with new hotels, cosmopolitan restaurants, and international businesses mushrooming. Best to see it before it's too late.

This tour is priced at $3595 per person for land only. Single supplement is $495. The land price includes all domestic flights in Myanmar, ground transportation in air conditioned bus, hotels (3 and 4 star or best available), all meals, all entrance fees, tips of a group nature, and the services of an English-speaking local guide and photographic guide in Myanmar. The tour price does not include international airfare to and from Yangon, departure taxes, tourist visa for Myanmar, beverages and tips to local guide. The suggested international airline for this tour is Thai Airways with extensions from several U.S. cities available. Air price estimate is based on best fare currently available and subject to change by the airline. Overnight accommodations in Bangkok enroute may be necessary and can be arranged through Thai Airways or Photo Explorer Tours.

Land price: $3595...Single supplement: $495...Estimated international airfare: $1475*

Debbie Jefkin is a travel photographer and tour guide who specializes in remote and exotic cultures. Debbie's photographic interests include nature, history and architecture, and she finds photographing indigenous people to be the most challenging and rewarding. She is equally at home with Niger's Wodaabe, Ethiopia's Karo, India's Soura, Thailand's Akha, Guatemala's Maya, or Burma's Pa'o. Her extensive travels in Burma, in depth knowledge of the customs and profound appreciation for the people ensure a very rewarding journey.

Fri. Oct. 25 or Sat. Oct. 26 Departures from U.S.A. or Europe to Bangkok (Thai Airways gateways in U.S.A. are: New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles).

Sun. Oct. 27 Arrive Bangkok. Arrival times on Oct. 27 vary but if overnight stay is required, accommodations may be booked at the Amari Airport Hotel through Thai Airways or Photo Explorer Tours. Rates through Photo Explorer Tours are $140 per person per night, based on single, twin or double occupancy.

Mon. Oct. 28 Depart Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG303 at 8:30 a.m. and arrive Yangon mid-morning (departure tax from Bangkok is $20). Today's visits include a city tour, Bogyoke (Scott) Market to see Myanmar's wide range of handicrafts, and the recently renovated National Museum. First of two nights at Pansea Hotel

Tue. Oct. 29 A visit to the 2,500-year old resplendent Shwedagon Pagoda, famous worldwide - its golden stupa is the 'heart' of Buddhist Myanmar. There are always many Myanmar people praying and making offerings providing insight into the deeply spiritual lives of the Burmese. Continue to the 220-foot long Chauk Htat Gyi reclining Buddha, the Yangon River harbor, and end the day at the glorious 2000-year old Sule Pagoda.

Wed. Oct. 30 Early morning, drive out of Yangon to the ancient capital of Bago (Pegu), about 2 hours drive north east of Yangon. Just outside Bago, visit Kyaikpun Pagoda with four 30-meter high Buddha figures seated back to back. In the afternoon, take a truck up a bumpy track about half way up the mountain. From here, walk up the path which climbs steeply to the legendary 'Golden Rock'. (The climb takes around 1 hour and those unwilling, or not fit enough, to walk can hire four porters to carry them in a sedan chair). The climb offers magnificent views over the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to make friends with the many local people who make the pilgrimage to Kyaiktiyo. The incredible 'Golden Rock' sits precariously on top of the mountain, and is said to balance thanks to a precisely placed hair of Buddha. Weather permitting, sunset views from Mount Kyaiktiyo are amazing. Accommodation at Kyaikto Hotel which is basic guest house standard.

Thu. Oct. 31 We revisit the Golden Rock in morning light, then retrace our journey to Yangon. Possible diversions along the way include rice fields and the harvesting of latex on a rubber tree plantation. Overnight again at the Pansea Hotel.

Fri. Nov. 1 Early morning transfer to Yangon Airport for flight to Mandalay (departure tax from Yangon is $10). At Mahamuni Pagoda, Burma's most revered Buddha statue glistens with gold leaf that worshippers have burnished onto his body. Other stops today include the cottage industries of stone Buddha carving and gold-leaf making. Tonight enjoy a presentation of the Mandalay Marionettes. First of three nights at the Emerald Land Inn.

Sat. Nov. 2 Early morning at Kywezun Jetty reveals fascinating scenes from daily life on the Ayerwaddy River, the busiest waterway and lifeblood of the region. Continue by boat to Mingun, with its guardian nats, Hsinbyu Pagoda and the world's largest intact ringing bell. Back in Mandalay, visit the intricately carved Shwenandaw Monastery, once part of the Royal Palace. Nearby, Kuthodaw houses the tripitaka, or Buddhist scriptures. Our day ends at the U-Bein Bridge in Amarapura. At 1.2 km, it is the longest teak bridge in the world.

Sun. Nov. 3 Today we explore Ava, the longest standing capital of the Shan Dynasty. Me Nu Okkyaung Monastery is an excellent example of Burmese architecture and masonry, and the ruined temple contains magnificent Buddha statues from the Shan period. Later we visit the puppet factory, where marionettes are intricately carved and lavishly dressed in ornate costumes. Most will want to take home at least one as a souvenir.

Mon. Nov. 4 Travel eight hours by public ferry on the Ayerwaddy River to Bagan, where thousands of temples and pagodas have been built by Buddhist pilgrims hoping to achieve nirvana. Prepare to be enchanted by a spiritual world that bears witness to generations of devotion, its grandeur undiminished since the 11th century. The archeological museum provides an overview of the wondrous sights that await us, followed by a magnificent amethyst and crimson sunset. First of three nights at the Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel.

Tue. Nov. 5 We explore Bagan's most important historic and architectural sites, including Ananda, Sulamani, Shwezigon, Nan Paya, Manuha and Dhammayangyi. This evening we enjoy dinner on the Ayerwaddy River bank as we watch and photograph a cultural dance performance.

Wed. Nov. 6 The Yoke Soun Monastery at Salay has been converted to a museum which houses some of Myanmar's most important religious artifacts and scriptures. The monastery's exquisite teak carvings depict scenes from Buddha's life, and from the 550 reincarnations of Siddharta. Of course no trip to Bagan would be complete without a visit to the lacquer ware factory, where we see first hand why the artisans are celebrated for the beauty and delicacy of their work. After admiring this labor of love, you won't resist purchasing one of these treasures to take home.

Thu. Nov. 7 Fly to the Shan Plateau, the largest of seven indigenous states. We arrive to Pindaya, taking another giant step backward in time. The Pindaya Caves shelter almost 9000 Buddha statues that pilgrims have placed here since the 16th century. The effect is awe-inspiring. Legend insists that if you persevere far enough into the cave, you come to Bagan. At the base of the caves lies a cluster of stupas, works of merit offered by devotees. First of two nights at the Inle Inn.

Fri. Nov. 8 Early risers won't want to miss Pindaya Lake wake up and come to life. Scenes from daily life might include bullock-drawn carts, bathing and washing clothes, or water pots balanced expertly on the bearers' head. We continue to explore the surrounding area, to experience the epitome of an unspoiled land. This afternoon we visit families engaged in the cottage industries of Shan paper, parasols and terracotta pottery.

Sat. Nov. 9 When we enter Inle Lake today we enter a world that is unlike any other. Intha people live in villages in the lake, tending to floating gardens and fishing from dugout canoes. The villages are untouched by modern world intrusions, sitting on stilts, in total harmony with their environment. Transfer to Golden Island Cottages, built on stilts in the middle of the lake, for first of three nights.

Sun. Nov. 10 This morning we visit the 250-year old ruined pagoda complex of Inthein. The stupas and fine stucco carvings are a superb example of Shan architecture. We continue exploring the lacey network of canals, through villages and floating gardens. Throughout the day we photograph Intha fishermen, known for their unique, graceful one-legged rowing technique which they developed to enable them to keep their hands free for fishing. We also visit Nga Phe Kyaung monastery, famous for its jumping cats.

Mon. Nov. 11 At Main Touk, walk up to the magnificent monastery and temple in a most serene setting, or explore the village, visit the pre-school and make friends with the villagers. Time-permitting, other stops might include the silk-weaving factory, a market, or whatever fascinating daily life scenes attract our attention. There are sure to be many.

Tue. Nov. 12 Nearing the end of our all-too-brief, magical journey, we make the reluctant trip back to Yangon for a farewell dinner and overnight again at the Pansea Hotel.

Wed. Nov. 13 Transfer to Yangon airport for departure from Myanmar to Bangkok ($10 departure tax required). (If Thai Airways flights via Bangkok require a layover, a room at Amari Airport Hotel may be arranged through Thai Airways or Photo Explorer Tours.)

It is not an exaggeration that Burma 2001 is one of the best photographic adventures I've ever had the pleasure to experience. The choice of Burma as a photographic destination is an excellent one, and I hope it is repeated many times over. I want to highlight Debbie Jefkin's remarkable professionalism as tour leader. Her exceptional adeptness in setting up and arranging all and any matters relating to the tour's "on the ground" requirements (whether anticipated or not), her ability and willingness to deal with all of the participants with admirable equanimity and tact, and her obvious love for the culture and people of Burma were primary reasons for the success of this trip. She is a superlative tour leader and photographer, and one of the best I've ever come across in my many travels around the world.

Insight Myanmar's performance during the Burma 2001 photo tour has been marvelous, and I would like to single out Daniel (our Insight Myanmar guide) for unstinted praise for his frenetic efforts to make things happen for us all. Personally speaking, he's not just an Insight Myanmar guide but is now a good friend.

My participation in Burma 2001 was rather serendipitous for various reasons, and I'm now extremely glad that I joined in. I have already told Debbie that I would urge my 'photographic inclined' friends to join future tours that she may lead, whether to Burma or elsewhere.

Tewfic El-Sawy, Bronxville NY