. . . it’s only 3 minutes, 21 seconds.

After you watch this, I dare you – no, I double dare you – to not sign up for my Myanmar journey in January.

Quite simply, this is one of the most breathtaking videos I’ve ever watched.

And, ooooohhh, how I wish I could claim to have created it. But I didn’t. I shoot a lot of video when I travel, and capture a fair number of better-than-average photographs. I’ve made some post-trip videos that aren’t exactly horrible – but they take me hours and hours and hours to complete and they never, ever are as gorgeous and compelling as this!

Why aren’t I as talented as the guy who made this?

And then I have to gently remind myself that I have my particular brand of genius – and he has his particular brand of genius . . .

My particular brand of genius is travel-crafting for small groups. And I’m damn good at it. I wish my video-making skills could capture the essence of the journeys I create. But they don’t. Simple as that.

And so, by watching another genius’ creation, I hope you will be inspired to join me on an extraordinary journey in January to two of my favorite countries in the entire world: Myanmar & Vietnam so that you can experience what my genius is all about!

WARNING:  This video could be a game-changer for you!

Stunning, right? Kudos to the fabulously talented filmmaker, Ben McNamara.

I hope you’re hooked – and can recognize why I’m so fascinated with this place. You can find more details at the website.

Following are some of the better-than-average images I took (at least I think they’re pretty good!)

A farmer in his field, with his ox and cart, as viewed from a hot-air balloon in the dawn’s early light over Bagan

Unlike similar such places in the world – overrun with visitors (or worse, tomb raiders) – it was eerily quiet at Shwe Inthein, a complex of mostly ruined stupas dating from the 17th and 18th centuries

Intha fisherman demonstrating the traditional leg-rowing technique on Inle Lake

A novice monk studies English: a colorful children’s book, Red Riding Hood!

Children learn, at an early age, how to help the family. This boy and his father are harvesting some kind of aquatic plant.

Longboats are the vehicle of choice on Inle Lake.

A novice learns to neatly fold his robe.

To market … to market … with every kind of goods imaginable!

A familiar sight – mothers and their babies.

Oh, how I wanted to sit around a campfire with this lady and listen to her life story . . .

Burmese women are elegant and beautiful. Friendly, too!

Isn’t she lovely . . .?

The local people don’t need to be instructed – gracious hospitality comes naturally!