International Study Mission Mynmar | | October 17 – November 2, 2012 Dear NECA Members,

This year’s International Study Mission visits Mynmar (Burma). Mynmar is opening to western visitors and businessmen. Secretary of State Clinton visited there in December following which our Embassy is being re-established. We’re visiting there on the ground floor. Our site visits and meetings with local contractors will be most interesting and informative.

Along with the construction of new hotels and office buildings, Mynmar remains a unique blend of British colonialism and ancient Burmese traditions – temples, pagoda spires and golden buddhas. Burma is home to some of the early civilizations of and bordered by India, Bangladesch, China, Laos and Thailand. Burma is the 40th largest country in the world and the second largest country in Southeast Asia.

Modern Singapore was founded as a trading post of the East India Company by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. After being occupied by Japan during WWII, Singapore reverted to British rule and became internally self-governing in 1959. Singapore united with other former British territories to form in 1963 and became a fully independent state two years later. Since then it has enjoyed a massive increase in wealth, and is one of the Four Asian Tigers. The economy is a the world’s fourth-leading financial centre, the world’s second-biggest casino gambling market, and the world’s third-largest oil refining centre. Singapore is home to more US dollar millionaire households per capita than any other country. Our construction site visit here with members of the Federation of Asian and Pacific Electrical Contractors will draw a sharp contract to Mynmar and may provide some new technological insights.

A highlight of our tour will be the 3-night adventure aboard Orient Express’s Eastern & Oriental Luxury Train that connects and Singapore. Of course, it’s an expensive highlight, and

If you prefer not to continue to Mynmar, we’ll pro-rate the tour cost accordingly.

Please don’t delay in sending your reservation!

Sincerely,

Geoff Roberson American Travel Association

2 Mynmar | Thailand | Singapore 18 Oct. Thursday — Departures From Home Itinerary Individual departures. Note: The trip begins upon arrival in Bangkok, the main gateway 22 Oct. Monday — to Mynmar We have allowed two days on the front end as the Wang Po & River Kwai B L D flight schedules vary. Those who have been to Bangkok might want The early risers can see the train making its way from Wang Po to arrive Saturday. along the wooden trestle viaduct beside a towering cliff. 19 Oct. Friday — Bangkok, Thailand After breakfast the E&O arrives at the River Kwai Bridge Station where we disembark for a guided tour. From a local cruise boat we You’ll be met on arrival and taken to the Shangri-La Hotel located will appreciate the lush greenery of the picturesque Kwai Yai River on the Chao Phya River. while actually passing under the famous Bridge. A local historian We’ll be in Horizon Floor rooms that offer the luxury of will provide an overview of the history of the Thailand-Burma refreshments and concierge services. railway and the Bridge. From the E&O landing point a motorcoach takes us past the North Temple and Chinese Cemetery to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. Another historian is available 20 Oct. Saturday — Bangkok B R to answer questions while we explore the informative museum. Morning at leisure to recover from traveling. The adjacent Don Rak War Cemetery is worth visiting. Finally, we This afternoon’s tour via the Chao Phaya River first visits arrive at the railway station and re-unite with the Bangkok’s famous fruit and flower market, Pak Klong. The next E&O. stop is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) known for its ceramic covered A drink the Bar Car followed by dinner is tonight’s plan. pagoda. The highlight of the tour is Thai Royal Palace and the celebrated Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Tonight we’ll gather 23 Oct. Tuesday — Penang B L D informally for a cocktail in the Horizon Floor lounge. After lunch the train arrives in Butterworth, where coaches 21 Oct. Sunday — The Eastern & transport us via local ferry across to colonial Georgetown, capital of Penang. Enjoy a guided introductory tour with pre-World War Oriental Express Luxury Train B D II mosques, elaborately-roofed temples, churches, bazaars and This morning we’ll visit John Thompson’s House, actually a colorful shophouses. collection of six traditional Thai teak homes, some of them more Returning to Butterworth, we rejoin the E&O and conclude the than two-centuries old. afternoon by watching the changing scenery from the open deck The gleaming carriages of the Eastern & Oriental Express depart of the Observation or Saloon Cars. Bangkok in the early evening. Settle into our cabins after being Dinner is again served in the sumptuous dining car. welcomed on-board.

Dinner is served as the train travels through a countryside that’s 24 Oct. Wednesday — Singapore B R dotted with rice-fields, villages and water buffalo. During dinner, the stewards transform our cabins into cozy bedrooms. Late this morning, the E&O arrives in Singapore having crossed www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/ the Straits of Johor. eastern_and_oriental_express.jsp Transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel, whereupon the afternoon and evening are open. Again, accommodations are on the Horizon Floor where we’ll gather tonight for cocktails and hors’ds. B Breakfast R Reception L Lunch D Dinner (included in tour)

October 17 – November 2, 2012 3 Eastern & Oriental Express Train

River Kwai Bangkok 25 Oct. Thursday — Singapore B Hua Hin Morning guided tour of Singapore — Drive past the ‘Colonial Heart’ before proceeding to Merlion Park, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Chinatown. Next we visit a local handicraft centre; the National Orchid Garden located within the Botanic Gardens boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants. The evening is open; we’ll organize a Singapore by night tour for Butterworth anyone interested. 26 Oct. Friday — Singapore B D Today contractors will meet with members of Federation of Asian Singapore and Pacific Electrical Contractors and visit active construction sites. We’ll discuss government regulations, bidding, training, materials and wage rates. Singapore is prospering; new and spectacular buildings completed and under construction brighten Eastern & Oriental Express Train the landscape. Full day open to further explore and enjoy Singapore. local markets and an erratic waterfront. The Strand is a classic Tonight we’ll gather for seafood dinner on the Quay. British Colonial era-property that maintains it’s valued rooms and high service levels. 27 Oct. Saturday — Singapore to At sunset we visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is said to house Yangon (Rangoon), Mynmar (Burma) B L D eight hairs of Lord Buddha. Over 350 feet tall, gilded in gold and gems, the Shwedagon is Mynmar’s most revered shrine. Early morning flight to Yangon where we connect to our flight to Mandalay. The Strand Grill is legendary and one of Yangon’s most elegant dining rooms, featuring large black-lacquer prints from Bagan, a After check-in at the Mandalay Hill Resort; we have a guided vaulted ceiling and chandeliers. afternoon tour of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. 31 Oct. Wednesday — Yangon B L Welcome dinner at Mandalay Hill Resort. Today we’ll explore Mynmar’s capital. Yangon’s shaded, tree- lined streets were laid out by the British in a typical colonial 28 Oct. Sunday — Mandalay B L grid pattern. We’ll visit downtown’s frenetic markets and fading Today we drive overland through the central lowland plains colonial buildings by trishaw and by foot. Along the way we’ll and snake up the Shan Hills toward Maymyo, a former British pass Buddhist pagodas, Hindu shrines, Chinese temples, Islamic hill station. Mynmar has a beautiful countryside which we’ll mosques, Anglican cathedrals and a Jewish synagogue. Yes, we’ll experience today. Maymyo is an old colonial town known for it’s shop in one of Yangon’s colorful bizaars. Rubies and jade are good limestone Peikchinmyanung Caves. buys from reputable merchants. The evening is open upon returning to the Mandalay. This afternoon contractors visit an active construction site with local contractors. 29 Oct. Monday — Mandalay to Bagan B D Today we fly to Bagan. 01 Nov. Thursday — Yangon to Bangkok B R After check-in at Aureum Palace Hotel, we’ll join a local guide Morning flight to Bangkok and transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel. to explore some of Bagan’s markets selling wood carvings, Tonight we’ll gather for an informal cocktail on the Horizon Floor. fabrics, longyis and rattan goods. We’ll see ’s famous Actually, those with night flights and stamina could depart tonight. lacquerware being created. Welcome dinner at Aureum Palace. 02 Nov. Friday — Bangkok Home B Airport departures; you’ll be home in time to watch the election 30 Oct. Tuesday — Bagan to Yangon B D results. Afternoon flight to Yangon and check-into the Strand Hotel. Yangon is old Asia with tree-lined avenues, Victorian architecture,

4 Mynmar | Thailand | Singapore India China Tour Notes Bangladesh Bhamo

Mandalay Air Notes Bagan October 27 — we fly Singapore to Yangon on Silkair #512 Lake Inle 0755/0920. You can include with your international ticket or ATA’s Bangkok-based Travel Agency issue the tickets — at press-time Ngapali economy $279, business $921 (see Reservation Form). Silkair is a regional carrier owned by Singapore Airlines. Thailand November 1 — we fly from Yangon to Bangkok on Thai Airways Indian Ocean Yangon #304 0950/1145. You can include with your international ticket, Bangkok or ATA’s Bangkok based Travel Agency issue the tickets – at press- time economy $269; business $408; 2 hour flight. Intra-Mynmar flights on Bagan or Yangon Airways are included in the package; economy class is the only service. The longest flight is 1 hour & 30 minutes. These tickets will be issued locally.

Mynmar (Burma) Hotel Notes At press-time we are pending final confirmations at the hotels in Tour Package Inclusions Mynmar. We’ll let everyone know about upgrade opportunities in ••Deluxe hotel accommodations: Mynmar shortly. ••Three-nights Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Horizon Floor ••Three-nights E&O train, Pullman Cabins Room Upgrades ••Three-nights Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, Horizon Floor Supplemental costs = the room (cabin) for the length of the stay. ••Two-nights Strand Hotel or Governor’s Residence, Rangon Shangri-La Bangkok — We are booked in Deluxe Horizon ••Two-nights Mandalay Hill Resort Rooms. If you wish to upgrade to an Executive River View suite the supplement is $495; Horizon Suite $710. ••One-night, Aureum Palace Hotel Bagan http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/bangkok/shangrila ••Hotel taxes and porterage Shangri-La Singapore — We are booked in Deluxe Horizon ••Airfare intra-Mynmar flights, economy class Rooms; upgrading to a Jr. Suite is $(to be advised) http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/singapore/shangrila ••Full buffet breakfast daily E&O Train — We are booked in Pullman Cabins (upper/lower). ••Five Lunches and seven dinners as specified in the itinerary Upgrading to a State Cabin Is $1,795; Presidential Cabin (of which ••Visits to active construction sites and meetings with electrical here are only 2), $5,878. http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/ contractors in Mynmar & Singapore eastern_and_oriental_express.jsp ••Arrival and departure airport/hotel/train they have a terrific Interactive description of their cabins. ••English-speaking guided city tours per itinerary by deluxe air- conditioned motorcoach Extensions ••Services of an ATA tour director throughout For those with more time and want to extend before or after: ••Tips to local guides and coach drivers 1) The Malikha Lodge is in the foothills of the Himilayas and offers ••Fodor’s (or similar) guidebook a remote adventure. Let Geoff know if your interested. The flights appear to be on Tuesdays and Fridays; so could fly there on Friday ••Final Advice Memo with trip details the 2nd when our tour ends. www.malikhalodge.net/malikhalodge.html Tour Package Price www.malikhalodge.net/malikhalodge_accomodation.html $6,449 per person based on double occupancy 2) Prior to our last Asian trip, some of our travelers stayed at the Amanpuri Hotel on Phuket Island in Thailand in a villa; Features not included: items of a personal nature, such as wonderful was the statement. Aman Resorts has some nice laundry, telephone calls, meals not specified; international airfare properties. This might be a good place to recover from jet-lag and international departure taxes. before the train ride. www.amanresorts.com October 17 – November 2, 2012 5 Conditions

Reservations and Payment: Reservations are confirmed by Weather: These countries are within the same latitudes as American Travel Association (ATA), upon receipt of the Reservation between Ecuador and Puerto Rico. The average high temperature Form and deposit. Reservations require a $400 per person deposit in Bangkok in mid-October is 88, the average low 73 and 10 days to accompany the Coupon. Receipt of final payment is due in the of the month average some rain. The weather in Mynmar is the office of ATA no later than August 18th, 2012. For reservations same; Singapore similar with a bit more rain. received after August 18, full payment is due with the Reservation Proof of Citizenship and Visa Requirements: A valid passport Form. All payments must be made by check payable to American is required for travel, and it must be valid for 6 months beyond our Travel Association or by Visa, MasterCard or American Express or travel dates. You can apply for a passport at your local post office by wire transfer. or the U.S. Passport Agency nearest you. Visas are not necessary for American citizens traveling to Thailand and Singapore. Mynmar does require a visa. Visas are individual responsibility; Cancellation: contact information will be provided by American Travel. Land Package: A $250 per person administrative fee will be Tax Deductibility: Current U.S. tax regulations allow deductibility charged regardless of the reason for cancellation. Penalty on for travel and subsistence expenses incurred in travel related to cancellations received 60-30 days prior to departure 50% of the trade or business. It is the responsibility of the traveler to become tour price; 29 days or less up to 100% of the tour price depending familiar with and adhere to the specific reporting requirements upon the amount recoverable from the suppliers to whom imposed. payment had been sent. Cancellation penalties are required to offset non-refundable hotel and supplier payments made by ATA in advance of the tour. There will be no refunds once the tour has begun. Cancellations must be made in writing to ATA. To avoid discrepancies, ATA will not act on information given over the phone until written notice has been received. Health: The Participant represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour. This program involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at locations that are not handicap accessible. A letter of explanation of any physical or mental condition which may require medical attention or special equipment (wheelchair, for example) must be enclosed with the Reservation Form. Airline Contract: The usual passage contract when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the tour participant. ATA and NECA shall not be liable for airline cancellation penalties incurred by purchasing non-refundable tickets. Insurance: Trip cancellation, baggage and medical insurance coverage is available for purchase through a form sent to you by ATA, through your local insurance representative, a credit card company or your airline. We strongly encourage everyone to consider insurance. Last minute emergencies and illnesses do occur, and the insurance helps offset non-refundable air, hotel, and operator charges. You should also check with your local insurance agent to see what is covered under your homeowner’s policy. Be sure to read and comply with the pre-existing conditions clause. Prices: The tour price is subject to change due to land cost increases and foreign exchange fluctuation. ATA reserves the right to change the price for such reasons or changes in the number of participants (24) upon which the tour costs are based. All prices are based on rates and tariffs in effect on 3/26/12.

6 Mynmar | Thailand | Singapore Responsibility: American Travel Association (ATA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and/or their employees or agents, act only on behalf of the owners and contractors providing means of transportation or other services such as hotels and restaurants to purchasers of this tour and their travel companions (Participants), subject to any and all items and conditions under which any transportation or any other services whatsoever are provided by such owners and contractors. ATA and NECA, their affiliates and their employees and agents (collectively ATA and NECA) shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for the acts or omissions of the aforesaid owners, contractors and employees thereof supplying transportation or other services hereunder, including but not limited to breach of contract, intentional or negligent delay or bodily or property loss, injury or damages. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they’re provided. ATA and NECA shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for any loss, injury or death, or other damages caused by or resulting from acts of God, fire, breakdown or defects vehicles, machinery or equipment, acts of governments and other authorities, wars, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics or quarantines, monetary crisis, Photo Credit: Hartfried Schmid diseases, terrorism or novel conditions. Participants shall have the responsibility to be aware of and determine the validity of any travel advisories, which may exist. Unless the term “guaranteed” is specifically stated in writing on any invoice or reservation itinerary, ATA and NECA do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings or reservations. The Participants’ retention of air tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above terms and conditions. In addition, Participants shall be responsible for conveying the terms and conditions hereunder to travel companions. If, due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend additional nights before or after the tour, participants will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers, meals and related costs. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. ATA and NECA reserve the right to cancel any itinerary or any part thereof and to make such alterations in the itinerary they deem necessary or desirable. Travel Advisories/Warnings: A Warning is not in existence at this time; however, it’s the responsibility of the Participant to Photo Credit: Jialiang Gao become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407-4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against For Information Contact travel to any of the specific destinations included in the tour, Geoff Robertson should The Participant still choose to travel, notwithstanding any American Travel Association travel advisory or warning, the Participant assumes all risk of 2126 Piedmont Lake Road personal injury, death or property damage that Oct. arise out Pine Mountain, GA 31822 of the events like those advised or warned against. The State Phone: 706-663-2171 Department’s travel information will be sent by American Travel Cell: 706-681-3329 with the welcome letter. Fax: 706-663-2445 e-mail: [email protected]

October 17 – November 2, 2012 7 NECA ’12 Asia International Study Mission—Reservation Form

(If we have passport and address information from before, no need to complete)

Name(s) as they appear on your passports

Him: Her: Name Name

Passport No. Passport No.

Date of Issue Exp Date of Issue Exp

Nationality (if Non-U.S. Citizen) Nationality (if Non-U.S. Citizen)

Date and Place (if U.S., state) of Birth Date and Place (if U.S., state) of Birth Preferred Correspondence *Please correspond to the following  Office  Home Address:

Company (if applicable)

Name/s

Street Apt/Suite

City State Postal Code

Cell phone Other Preferred Phone ( Home or  Office Phone)

E-mail

First or Preferred Name/s

Emergency Contact Name/s

E-mail Phone # Relationship Arrival — I/we plan to arrive in Bangkok  Thursday, October 18  Friday the 19th  Saturday the 20th Hotel Rooms Other ______(preferences will be requested, but cannot be guaranteed) Extension — Please contact us about  Amanpuri  Malikha Lodge  I/we prefer 1 bed; if no kings available, queen is OK  Deposit— A deposit of $400 per person is due with the Reservation Form. Payments  If no king, need two beds can be by check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards. Enclosed is a check  I/we prefer a two-bedded room payable to American Travel Association in the amount of $______. **If you wish to wish to use  Visa  MasterCard or  American Express card: Room Upgrades — The supplemental costs are for the room (cabin) for the Name on card length of the stay.

1) Shangri-La Bangkok Number Expiration Date Security Code  Upgrade to Executive River View $495  Horizon Suite $710 Billing address of cardholder if different from above 2) Shangri-La Singapore  Yes, upgrade to a Jr. Suite $(to be advised)

Air Upgrades — Signature  Yes to business class Singapore-Yangon  I have read and understand the conditions set forth in this brochure.  Yes Yangon-Bangkok Reservations will not be accepted without signature below:

Return form to: American Travel Association, 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, Secure Fax: 706-663-2445