From Bagan to Kalaw, our bus to hell, then onto Inle Lake

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On Dec 30, 2006, our bus picked us up at 4:30 am, to go to Kalaw, which is east of Bagan.

The bus has about 35 seats, but 12 additional seats were placed in the aisle for passengers who did not book their seats early. A few people stayed on top of the bus (on a rack), probably for the full 12 to 15 hour trip. Several stood in the front area (near the driver) of the bus for the entire journey.

The seats were narrow, and not reclinable. The tall foreigners sitting behind us keep sticking their knees into our butts. To add to our torture, some people keep farting.

Our trip took 12 hours (many carried on to the next destination, about 3 hours further) and we reached Kalaw at 5 pm.

Susan and Cheryl, whom we met in Bagan, were on the same bus with us.
Sonia, whom we just met after getting off the bus, decided to stay at the same guesthouse as we do.

Kalaw is famous for its trekking. A trekking guide came to the guesthouse to discuss trekking with us.

Susan, Cheryl, Sonia, Gary and I decided not to go on overnight treks. We decided to do two one-day trek.

The next day, our guide showed up and we all went walking. We walked past beautiful scenery, but not as nice as Sapa, Vietnam. We had chapati at the viewpoint restaurant. Some children tried to sell us their village handicrafts and followed us for about 1 hour.

The next day, Susan and Sonia fell ill and decided to rest. Cheryl, Gary and Phyllis went on their second one-day trek and walked some beautiful trails.

The third day, we hired an open pickup truck for the five of us to take us to the Pindaya cave and then onto Inle Lake.

http://www.tourismmyanmar.com/pindaya.htm

Tidbits -- you may have noticed that we have not talked too much of food. The Burmese food, usually served cold, is not very appetizing. The Indian curry is hard on our stomache. So, we generally prefer Chinese food, which is served hot and cooked well.

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Photos

2006-12-30 13-05-11
The bus (from Hell) we took looked like this one, except ours is blue.

2006-12-30 13-06-41
Another bus we met in a rest stop. I hope they are not going for more than 12 hours.

2006-12-30 14-56-10
Delayed by road constructions. Out for a stretch.

2006-12-31 09-38-55
The next day we went on a trek with Soninha, Susan & Cheryl.

2006-12-31 11-53-09
We met some children selling blankets and art works on the way. They followed us to the next village.

2006-12-31 12-17-19
We were late to witness a engagement/wedding happened in the morning. The 17 years old bride however dressed up again to meet us.

2006-12-31 13-36-27
Yum, chapati for lunch at "View Point Restaurant"

2006-12-31 14-07-38
Poppy Love. Can you imagine how pretty it is in Golden Triangle where all the mountains are covered with these pretty flowers?

2006-12-31 20-05-15
Year End dinner at the best Chinese Restaurant in Kalaw.

2007-01-01 07-51-04
Visiting the tribal market the next morning. Which opens on certain days only as they move around to other towns too.

2007-01-01 08-07-01
Local cigars. 10 Kyats (less than a penny) each.

2007-01-01 08-17-43
This monk wanders in the regular market. Maybe he is collecting something.

2007-01-01 10-25-40
Soninha and Susan were not feeling well the next day, so we started without them.

2007-01-01 10-55-01
Soninha asked me to give out pens for her. Here are some happy childred.