Blogs from Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Burma, Asia - page 10

After initially stepping off at Bagan airport and not realising it until the nurse checking our ears for swine flu informed us, we counted ourselves lucky to have made it back on the plane to Mandalay as planned. Located approximately an hour away from the airport, there was something I found charming about Mandalay instantly, even with its dusty potholed roads! With a population of around 7.7 million, mostly Burmans including a large Indian and Chinese community, Mandalay is Burma’s last royal capital and second city. It has more of a relaxed vibe and laid back atmosphere to that of Yangon and perhaps that is why I found it so appealing. It is home to around 60% of Burma’s monks, numerous teahouses and trishaws. Although Burma opened up its borders with China in the 1990s and ... read more

In Mandalay angekommen nahmen Devon, Jeanelle und ich erst einmal eines der allgegenwaertigen Blue Taxis, ein umgebauter Mini-Pickup. Auf Empfehlung von Frederic quartierten wir uns im Royal Guesthouse ein, das ein nettes Flair hat, obwohl es recht beengt zugeht. Die Strasse davor wurde gegenwaertig neu gebaut. Und das heisst hier pure Muskelkraft: Mit Ausnahme einer Dampfwalze nur Handarbeit, sogar Grossteils von Frauen. Waere es nicht mitten in Mandalay und direkt vor dem beliebtesten Backpacker-Guesthouse, koennte man meinen es waere Sklavenarbeit. Grosse Steine werden per LKW angeliefert, per Hand durch Hammer zerkleinert und so auf die geplante Strasse verteilt, dass sie eine gewisse Neigung erhaelt. Werkzeuge: Koerbe, Hammer und eine Schnur zum Ausloten. Angekommen war erst einmal Relaxen auf der schoenen, blauen Dachterasse mit einem Bier angesagt. Nach einem kurzen Besuch der ... read more

Mustache Brothers was listed in the Lonely Planet as a comedian group that at one time enjoyed some freedom practicing political satire. However, after some stints in jail and in labour camps the main actors only do their shows in English for tourists these days. The group consists of 3 brothers and their wives, who were activists for democracy and some of the comments/jokes are related to the situation in Myanmar. Par Par Lay, the oldest brother was specifically noted for doing his share of time. Even though some residents believe Mustache Brothers aren't the best comedians and that fees aren't necessarily to support political dissidents it was an interesting and funny show. We were told there are many other comedian and dance groups along the "Hollywood Road" that don't get involved in politics which locals ... read more

Today in Myanmar has published a four parts series on Travel story of a Myanmar man from Mandalay to Myitkyina using train. The author writes about his horrible experience while going to Myitkyina by train. He writes about difficulty getting a train ticket, the poor condition of the trains, life of ordinary train passengers, corruption of the railway workers and the problems encountered on the way. The article is a very interesting one and everyone who intends to travel in Burma using train should read the article before deciding to use train. The original article can be read at Mandalay - Myitkyina Train Trip · Today in Myanmar.... read more

Mandalay is a harmless city with a fantastic chapatti stand (one chapatti and veggie curry is less than 35p). We were there few a couple of days and took the boat to nearby Mingun, where what would have been the largest pagoda in the world stands uncompleted and cracked (from the big earthquake in 1975 which seems to have damaged everything in Myanmar). The boat left at 9am, and we were on it after a brief argument with a highly suspicious guy claiming to be the owner. Turns out he was, but he needs to work on his people skills. The trip was only about 30 minutes but it was nice to see the Ayeyarwady river. The 'guidebook' goes on and on about week long trips down it, but what we would do for that long ... read more