On arrival into Yangon we are put onto a bus and taking to the terminal. The guys are staying at the hotel opposite from me so we decide to share a taxi. The first thing that strucks me is the number of cars everywhere! I've had a good 4 days with seeing all types of transportation but nothing too extreme of what I see here....yes of course it's normal as it's a big city. Our taxi driver decides he needs to stop and spit at least three times in the 40 minute journey, not the nicest thing to arrive too.
I have a couple of hours chilling in my room before meeting Eddie and Tommy in the lobby. We head across the road to the Sakura tower for a drink on the 20th floor - the views of the city are amazing; especially as day turns into night.
I'd read in my trusty lonely planet the pavements are all very uneven and there are often big holes, it is so true! You wouldn't want to be walking these streets in heels or after lots to drink.
Tommy had read about a restaurant for dinner, Monsoon, which is also in the LP book so off we trekked. Was interesting walking there taking in daily life - can't wait to wander the streets tomorrow with my camera out. Dinner was absolutely delicious, an IndoChine restaurant, and one I would highly recommend.
We wandered back to the hotel a different route and were surprised at how deserted the streets are: things really so come to a grinding halt in the evening and it's just gone 9pm as we leave the restaurant.
Friday I wake early after a fairly distributed night - the power kept going on and off. Had breakfast in the hotel before heading out at 8.45am; the heat was starting!! I did the walk from the lovely planet book; a great opening into life in Yangon. To start with people were getting themselves off to whatever they do, then slowly the streets started to get busy with all of the "shops" starting to open. From what I saw you can basically buy anything you want!!!
The heat increases as the morning goes on; finally at 11am I reach my final stop - the Bogyoke Aung San Market, which means for the most part I'll be out of the hot sun. Time for a fresh juice.
I head back to the hotel for a break from the sun for a short time before going off to the train station. I've been recommended by Paula and Andrew to do the Circle Line train trip. Not the easier place to find but thankfully a family helps me out and within a few minutes I'm on the train. My hotel told me there is 3 levels of trains, air conditioning train, trains with seats (open windows) and trains with bench seats (open windows). I opt for the bench seats and sit back to enjoy the 3 hour ride.
Great to see daily life. I was surprised how "clear" the water was given everyone seemed to throw their rubbish there. The SEA games have just been on, and even some still going on; along the journey I noticed numerous volleyball courts and even saw a few matches in play.
I enjoy watching the sunset from my room - talk about a view! Then head out for dinner, I'm not feeling the best so want somewhere close and good.
Saturday, December 28th I'm woken by my alarm, first time this trip, and I went to bed early. Still not feeling great so after a leisurely breakfast I relax with a book by the pool for a few hours. Hunger makes me move mid-afternoon - the one thing I'm craving is a tea leaf salad.
The one place that is a must to visit in Yangon is Shwedagon Paya which can be seen in quite a few places around the city. Getting their (by taxi) is an experience in itself - traffic is back-to-back for the first 10 or so blocks then we are off, perhaps on an F1 racing track???!
Shwedagon Paya is a lot bigger than I imagined; there are 4 entrances so I had thought I would carry around my jandels but this isn't allowed. I find a tour guide and ask the name of the entrance then I'm off :) Close up it's even bigger and more golder (is there such a word?!!). Clearly a lot of other people (both locals and foreigners) have the same idea as me coming for sunset. I'm approached a couple of times by guides but decline; I prefer to wander myself and this way I can just switch off and take in my surroundings.
I manage to get myself a taxi back to the hotel without any trouble, again having an F1 driver! Who will be moving to Singapore next year, thankfully not as a taxi driver!!!
Eddie and I meet in the lobby for a chat; Tommie has hurt his ankle so isn't going anywhere.
Being my last night I want to eat tasty food so decide to head back to Monsoon Restaurant. As I'm alone I decide to take a taxi and nearly freeze to death when I jump in as the a/c is on full bore. My driver laughs when I ask him to switch it off, preferring to have the windows down instead.
There are no tables for me so I sit at the bar for a while, it's 50% off the cocktails so yes thanks I will!! It's my last night after all. The tea leaf salad wins again - sorry eggplant I can eat you in Singapore.
After another enjoyable meal I head back to the hotel.
Sunday morning again I wake early, after a leisurely breakfast (which I'm really getting use too!!) I finish packing then head to the airport. I made sure for this flight I had checked in online, didn't want to be in a long line again.
The ride to the airport was another interesting one (especially given the taxi driver didn’t know where he was going…..), so much to see! And it's all just daily Yangon life.
All checked in within minutes, no line this time. Thank goodness I didn't arrive 2 hours before my flight - there is absolutely nothing to do at this airport!!
I've had a wonderful 9 night stay in Myanmar; it's a fascinating country that I do hope to return one day. One thing that amazed me the whole time was the locals staring at you (which I should be use to given I live in Singapore) but as soon as I smile at them they smile back then quickly look away. It’s a refreshing change from Little India in Singapore. Don't change too much Myanmar!!
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