Observations and Adventures in Yangon

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Sat Jan 5 2013

Set out to arrange our flights from Thandwe to Bagan next week. We had not been able to finalize them by email or online. Had a strange experience in a travel agency which led us to believe that we knew more than they did about the proposed trip. When the agent said we couldn't fly from Thandwe to Bagan-- we'd have to take a private car, we almost laughed. The distance is about 350km as the crow flies. Taxi, anyone? We said our good-byes and walked to another agency where we were successful in getting our tickets issued.

Cab to Swedagon Paya. Large, golden most holy Buddhist site inYangon. Rather overwhelming with all its gold and ornate buildings, statues, artwork.To Monsoon restaurant, but full. To Chinatown where we had so-so meal on street. Always good cold beer. Meat overcooked and tough, good vegetables and rice.

Sun Jan 6 2013

OBSERVATIONS

Most men and some women wear longyi- long skirt like garb knotted at waist, usually in dark plaid, mid calf in length.

Tanaka--Yellow makeup/face cream worn on cheeks by women men & children to protect skin from sun. light skin is desirable. I bought small jar to try. Looks terrible on me-pale yellowed look. Feels tight and dry on skin. Don't think I'll be using it much!

Terrible teeth. men chew betel nut and spit in streets. Also lots of hawking and spitting. Vendors brush white liquid over shiny leaves, place something (seeds?) on leaf then wrap it up and sell it. (In a story I read this mixture was made up of : betel nuts, tobacco, coconut, green leaves, limestone paste). We noticed dark red splotches on pavement where chewers have spit.

Baby chairs and tables are used all over Yangon in sidewalk cafes. Looks so funny to see adults sitting on them. Guess it's easier to pack up and carry all this furniture at the end of the day, which is what the vendors do.

Walked to train station and bought 2 tickets 1000kt each for 3 hr round trip. Interesting way to see Yangon area. Passes through some rural and slummy areas. Lots of vendors got on and off train, selling drinks, fruits, etc. and transporting fresh produce from farms to city.

Booked dinner at Monsoon-- very " colonial" atmosphere. Outside restaurant met and talked to 10 yr old boy, Nicco, selling postcards. Very curious about us. Canada - Hockey! Spoke English quite well, but has never been to school. This made me very sad. How much we take for granted! Pleasant dinner, but declined expensive wine for beer. Both had curry. My husband had beef (ok) I had deep fried fish curry- delicious. Waiters are always reluctant to bring change from bill. Have had to ask and insist on getting it even though it is not much ($1-3).Afterward, saw Nicco again. R. gave him change from our dinner bill. Would rather give it to him than to waiter!

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