To give you an idea of where we were travelling here is a map. We travelled by train the remainder of the way (8 h) to Hsipaw a mountain town while will no doubt be a trekking centre in a few years.
The rain Station at Pyin Oo Lwin very early in the morning for a chilly departure. This was the town where British colonial administrators used to send the summer.
Some things are still surprising.
That's it....a little paper ticket.
Wandering the train station market. We travel light...1 small backpack each.
Here comes the train...while I check out the deep fried goodies being sold.
First Class (Upper Class) all the way. This means that your seat is padded and not a wooden bench so we splurged.
Nothing fancy inside.
The route was lined for ever with yellow flowers.
Little communities and schools with people waving hello.
Our neighbours. It was chilly for the first bit but warmed up...no window panes just open air.
Trying to stay warm and loving my hat.
We stopped at this little town and prisoners (most very young) were taken off. Felt bad for them as they looked so young.
Passengers and goods fill the train
Lunch time served through the window.
THIS is why we wanted to ride this section. The Goteik Viaduct which is 700 m in length and I think the only one longer is in Canada (Alberta?). Here is the approach which we did very slowly.
After winding back and forth we slowly crawled over. It was breathtaking.
Incredible.
Looking below on one side, Vince spotted the original bridge. I am sure it has something to do with the war and will check it out later.
There is one point after the viaduct that the in and outgoing trains cross and if you want to do a return trip you can....if you time it right and switch over in the very little time they are both stationary.
Beautiful soil cross section enroute.
We stopped in a few town and there is always food and things being sold. Many dogs too.
What we did not know is that trains can go forwards/backwards, rock side to side and bunny hop up and down. Crazy fun time.
A typical site in Myanmar is containers of drinkable water that people drink out of and all with the same cup.
I never knew that this was the way to carry an umbrella...used for sun more than rain
The streets of Hsipaw...I think 1-2 we paved
The market stalls at a quiet time.
We found a sweet spot down on the river for a relaxing cocktail.
Finally in a short sleeve after being chilly for 3 days.
Found a super little restaurant and this was the alleyway to the toilet which was an out house. Kinda scary.
There is a scooter under there.
...and a bicycle under here.
Markets are everywhere.
Typical street of Hsipaw. Not a typical Burmese man.
Dirty water flows through canals and full of garbage.
Vince liked teh truck.
Different forms of transport.
A couple of young monks. In Thailand you don't speak to them especially as a woman. In mandalay it seemed more open.
We took the first morning to do some sight seeing and left so early we froze on the scooter we rented...from some random guy.
Made it to a place they call little Bagan which is many times smaller than the famous town of Bagan which has thousands of temples and Pagodas. We travelled there later that week so this was a small taste.
Pagodas in Little Bagan....old and new mixed.
Beautiful old pagoda.
Not a tourist spot...only ones there.
The very new
We realized that it was being officially opened the next day
I'm still amazed by the variety of buddhas that we see.
Outhouse.
Crossing a bridge and being amazed that a) we made it safely and b) the earth was so pale.
We continued our travels up to a lookout with a temple. Having a scooters gives you so much freedom.
Enjoying the view.
The temple with an interesting array of buddhas.
Our travels took us on back roads where saw these barrels.
Closer inspection revealed oil...not sure what it's all about.
Ut was nice to see these well constructed wells (marked by 2014) which I assume was made by an NGO to bring access to water.
Back at the hotel which was very modern and we took it because it had a rooftop which meant a view.
The view.
If you are willing to walk up this.....down was even scarier
The top on a misty morning
This is my favourite kitchenette...sink right on the giant tree stump.
We were up at 4:30 for the bus ride back to Mandalay since it sounded faster.
Tea shack...tea was amazing!
Woah......that's a lot of curves.
Some at 180 deg.
Nice busses though.
Except it was soooooo cold and the AC was on full. I think I'd take the train next time.
The bus did give a different view though. This was a mine on the side of the road and for many km everything was covered in dust.
Back in Mandalay....more to come.
