>Ballooning is one of the safest activity but accident

Not so, see:

http://www.hotairballoonaccidents.co...tatistics.html

That's the figures in USA.

Statistics in the third world countries are much worse.

If you posted something constructive, it would be great but hackneyed statistics that are 12 years old........... really.

I expect we'll all enjoy the hot air balloon ride in Bagan in spite you you, Cat.

>If you posted something constructive...

Snap out of the ostrich mentality.

Prospective travelers should be given the picture on both sides of the boat.

Gee, Cat, do you think that travelers don't know that there are risks? Planes fall out of the sky, taxis crash, people contract nasty diseases... Of course, bad things happen at home. We are all more likely to be killed in an auto accident on our way to work than we are to be killed in a plane crash or a hot air ballon accident. Perhaps we should all stay at home and break bones by slipping in the shower...

>do you think that travelers don't know that there are risks?

I've seen enough crying babies.

Travellers should check with their travel insurance if hot air balloon accident in a third world country will be covered.

lol lol lol. I love this.

Cat12345 means well. She's just a bit direct, that's all - with lousy timing. A buzzkill indeed. lol. It's a cultural thing. Yes, balloons fall from the sky but not very regularly. Probably Kathie's won't. If it does, I'm sure she won't complain to her travel agent.

Anyway, by then, she'll be an ex-Kathie.

Problem solved.

I know buzzkill is a pain in the neck.

Death is simple.
Injuries like paralyzed from the neck down has a long way to follow up.

Have a safe trip and have fun!

Cat, I don't carry travel insurance. I do carry med evac insurance, which will arrange for medical evacuation for any type of injury/illness no exclusions. The insurance also provides for repatriation of remains. And my medical insurance pays for urgent treatment in foreign countries. So we're all set.

Have a fantastic trip and you will love Burma-it's absolutely magical.

Kathie - thank you for all your helpful advice - I will look forward to reading your report with interest when you get back from your trip. I intend to go at the beginning of Feb. for 2 weeks. How long do you intend to stay in Rangoon? Where are you going to stay in Bagan and Inle Lake?

Kathie - From our briefing before our flight with Balloons over Bagan last year it was clear that they take safety very, very, very seriously. All of the pilots have huge amounts of experience flying balloons all over the globe and they have a spotless safety record. Don't worry - you are in great hands. It will be a super experience!

Cat sounds like the female version of me, lmao.

I second that Mango. I ain't goin' up in no balloon. Driving is by far the most dangerous activity abroad, though, whether you're driving the car yourself or not. But ya gotta do it when you're "on the road." As a graduate of the 60s, I'm always amazed I've lived this long!

Thanks to everyone for your good wishes. We leave in early November, return right after Thanksgiving. I will give a complete report upon my return. I will also publish my reading list.

Wonky, We'll have one day in Bagan at the beginning and two at the end. We're staying at the Inle Lake View Resort and in Bagan at Tharbar Gate. I wish we had two weeks there; we have to make do with a mere 10 days.

Cat,
I am not in this case traveling on any side of any boat, but up, up, up in the air.

Kathie - we, too, stayed at Tharabar Gate at Bagan. Just wanted to mention that the front desk has bikes to rent for the day right at the hotel. Biking was a great way to see the temples (and to ride along to New Bagan). If you are interested in renting the bikes, let the hotel know the night before or first thing in the morning -- they have a limited number and they go early (and are inexpensive enough that people just keep them all day).

Thanks for the info, WinterTravel. We were thinking of just using the horse carts, but having another on our own option is great.

see you in bkk....

put south africa on your list... it is quite lovely here