What do jumping cats have to do with Buddhism's Middle Path? Did Orwell really hate everyone in Burma? How did Myanmar's ruling junta use white elephants to consolidate their power? Will a synagogue caretaker's improbable dream ever come true? What arrogance drives western travelers to seek the "unknown"? And why should you never disrespect the nat spirits who guard a sacred forest? This is Myanmar as you've probably never imagined, full of curious people, startling happenings, and unexpected moments of humanity and introspection, giddiness and solemnity, avarice and ambition.