While many of the investment stalwarts may come across as being grave and solemn, Mark Mobius reveals his poetic side in his latest blog. He recently tweeted, “English writer Rudyard Kipling published a famous poem in 1890 about this Asian city. Do you know where it is?” Mark Mobius, Executive Chairman, Templeton Emerging Markets Group explores Myanmar through the eyes of Rudyard Kipling.

He writes,”A poem English writer Rudyard Kipling published in 1890 put Mandalay on the map so to speak. The poem expressed the thoughts of a British soldier’s nostalgia for the place.”

Mobius explains that historically, Mandalay, a remote city in Myanmar was a very sought after destination. He points out the reason, “Compared with the cold climates and social restrictions of the United Kingdom at the time, Southeast Asia was considered to be “exotic”.

Talking about the impact of Rudyard Kipling’s words, he writes,”Kipling portrayed Burma as a place of beauty—not only the country but also its people. Kipling’s words have since reappeared a number of times in popular culture, including in the song, ‘On the Road to Mandalay,’ which Frank Sinatra sung.”

He then explains about the population dynamics of the city. He writes,”Today Mandalay has a population of more than a million people, but still has a bustling small-town charm.” Taking the readers through the cultural charms of the city, Mark Mobius writes that, “Kipling wasn’t the only Westerner enamored with the country. The beauty of Burma and its people also impressed George Orwell, who many know as the author of the novel “1984.” He also wrote a book called “Burmese Days,” first published in 1934.”

The knowledgeable expert gives the readers a glimpse of  his comprehensive knowledge about the city. He writes, “Long isolated with a military regime, Myanmar has been undergoing a transition over the past few years. After five decades of military dictatorship, it is now under civilian rule. Thousands of political prisoners were released, economic and legal reforms were initiated and some societal restrictions were eased. The lifting of Western sanctions also helped drive stronger gross domestic product growth and foreign investment.”

Logging off from the blog, Mobius expresses his excitement about Myanmar’s future and also encourages travelers to explore its many cultural charms.