In May 2006, my husband Dick and I had the honor of visiting Burma. There is controversy about whether anyone ought to travel to Burma while it is under the present corrupt military regime (which has renamed the country Myanmar). Even Lonely Planet Guide to Myanmar cautions that the decision to travel there "should not be taken lightly." 
Although we appreciate the stance that no one should visit this country while it is in a tumultuous state, we also believe that education - theirs and ours - is an effective weapon. Connecting with them not only helps keep them from being even more isolated, but provided a rare glimpse into a world with no U.S. presence. They are optimistic, peaceful, happy and deeply spiritual. For as hard as they work, and as impoverished as they are, we have never been in such a stress-free environment. It makes us reconsider the word "progress."
It was a privilege to visit Laos as well. Gliding down the Mekong River, with its peaceful vistas, was a pleasant contrast to our lingering images from decades-old Vietnam War press reports.