Over the Christmas holidays we decided to head to Burma/Myanmar to see what it is like. Our plan was to fly into Mandalay, take the train to Hsipaw (with one overnight stop in Pyin oo Lwin), bus back to Mandalay, 7 hour boat ride to Bagan on Christmas Day, stay a couple of days and back to Mandalay bus/train/taxi. We knew that tourism is on the but it is still quite far behind in many ways so you never know what to expect.
We flew direct with Air Asia and for the first time ever, we had a free shuttle into town. So far, so good.
It's a good thing there weren't too many people....these pop out seats would make for a very crowded trip.
We were really surprised by the number of places selling modern tractors which is something we never see in Thailand. I think trade opened up in 2012 which is likely when these big companies moved in.
The bus stop was a random temple on a street downtown but lucky for us a quick walk to the hotel.
We found our hotel...79 Easy Living. Clean and comfortable is what we look for and it's what we got. Plus they lent us bikes which is a bonus for getting around.
It had a roof top terrace which makes it easy to see what's around. I'm not really sure it helped much.
A few scenes from street level. We were near the train station so maybe no the best part of the city?
Cute kids selling something.
The train station. People living on the tracks (cooking anyway) are just out of view.
Everything seemed to be happening in the same place.
It always takes a bit to figure out eating etc and being in a different country didn't make it easier. Shops were group: fruit, material, mechanical. Here is a typical fruit market...and they all sold the exact same produce.
We were so hungry and could not find a place to eat. A little girl on the street outside a little doorway came and said. "You can eat here". We walked in, saw pictures and took our chances.
Most places had generators because losing power is a daily ocurence.
It turned out pretty good.....but I was a little surprised my the ketchup and mayonnaise on top.
On the first day we rented bikes which is a great way to see the local area.
It's probably good to have the label on the front so that we can be returned if lost. Check out the guy pulling a wheelie.
Vince in a bike traffic jam.
Biking around the palace moat took a little longer than planned since it was huge! That is Mandalay Hill in the background which we planned to climb at the end of the trip.
We risked our lives crossing the street to get here so that we could bike in safety. Well, apparently no bikes allowed. It's probably a good thing too.
We looked into going to Pyin Oo Lwin then Hsipaw by train and decided on taking a shared taxi for the first leg. The train left at 4am and took 4 hrs so we opted for the 2 hour taxi ride. It was a good decision which gave us more time in Pyin Oo Lwin.
The route out of Mandalay was like climbing out of a hole.....up, up, up forever. So much so, that there are permanent hoses set up so that cars can cool off their engines or brakes depending on which way they are going.
It started to get a little cooler.
Conveniently, the cooling point was also where they made homemade potato chips. Here the lady is frying them up.
Vince making sure they pass the taste test.
Made it!!! This is actually the botanical gardens which were quite pretty. We had 2 photo ops with people who I think were awed by Vince's white hair. I was the accessory.
Well, the place we booked online looked pretty good.
It too had a rooftop and a little more colourful view.
Impressively, there were solar water heaters on the roof. You could easily buy panels at any hardware store.
We were in an alpine town and it was starting to get chilly. I tried to find a jacket but instead got a hat which did the trick.
The blankets on the beds and offers for more should have been a clue.
We rented a scooter from the owners. It was a manual so Vince out to learn solo before I climbed on the back. Quick instructions from the owner and he was off....easy learn.
First stop was National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens
The petrified wood (turned into rock) was amazing and the conditions in the area are such that there is a lot.
Following a group of teens. Some boys in the traditional longi (tube of cloth that makes a long skirt) while others in pants. I found myself wondering how they decide what to wear.
A girl and her boyfriend....traditional and western clothing. Very interesting.
Horse and buggy is still a form of transportation here. These seemed a little fancier, maybe because of tourists at the gardens.
So many types of transport
Some other garden sights: Takin
Hornbill....very cool!
We went out for dinner with friends who were also in Pyin Oo Lwin but by the time we got home we were pretty chiiled so enjoyed hot tea and a fire in the front of the guest house. We worried about it being colder when we went further North but it was chill from altitude which made us feel better.
Next stop? Hsipaw by train.
