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Published: July 21st 2009
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the morning ride We were up early and ready for our scenic tour for the day. Si Thu greeted us at the guest house with the driver he had already arranged to take us. We quickly grabbed a quick bite of bean plata, roti and a cup of milk tea at the tea stand in the alley next door. A good kick of caffeine from the strong milk tea and we were ready for a noisy rumbling tuk-tuk engine.
It was a very interesting ride, passing locals cycling and walking with goods into town, we crossed a very new bridge over the river and then headed out on to a gravel road. The land was dusty and dry but most of it was cultivated and dotted with "Tuddi" trees (palms with brown coconuts and spiky fan leaves). Some of the Tuddi trees had ladders near the top for fruit collection. Around a few bends we saw some small villages with lush gardens. We passed old large trucks and busses crowded and packed with passengers and goods. The drivers definitely never have the phrase 'it's full' in mind. Not far away we entered a vast dry area that was left over from a nearby
open-pit copper mine and further on were green pools of copper dissolving chemicals where locals were taking the mining to the next level. The last stretch took us through a brush and palm forest that seemed really inhospitable and yet there were villages along the way and the odd oasis where kids swam or men washed their motorcycles. After nearly two hours we reached the cave area.
When we arrived to Hpo Win Daung Caves entrance, a small line of restaurants led up to the gate. A few children selling peanuts for the monkeys quickly ran and followed us the rest of the way. One shy girl with a notebook followed us as well. Later, Mazi found out that her notebook was full of phrases in English. We knew she wanted to practise speaking English.
The caves were built during two time periods and are dug out of the sandstone hillside. In the variety of caves are Buddha images (small statues) as well as murals depicting events in the Buddha's many lives, and some reclined images. We strolled along poking our heads into the caves noting the differences between the Buddha images. Some had pointy hair, which indicates
that its from the 17th century. There were some with white glass eyes whose gaze seemed to pierce through you. Unfortunately, it looks like the caves are being let to decay as many of the murals are crumbling or are damaged by seeping water. The hillside baked in the sunshine so we took it really slow and we were happy we brought our umbrella for shade. Near the end of our visit, the girl opened up and overcame here shyness and Mazi practised short phrases with her as we wandered.
Driving back to town we quickly stopped by the copper mine. Si Thu mentioned that a Canadian company was involved in developing the mine. What was disappointing to see was how locals had taken up the business of collecting the tailing and extracting the remaining copper with chemicals thus creating green pools all over a large area of land. Obviously not a healthy practise for the land or its people and it was a stark contrast to the lush gardens of the small villages just a few kilometres away. It was very sad to see the polluted water that locals were working in and living beside. Its terribly disappointing
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carrying handmade furniture to market to see the lack of responsibility from the parties involved . On our way home during the hottest time of the day, workers sweated it out by slowly biking back to the village from work in the fields and some from the mine operation.
The last few stops of our tuk-tuk tour were at a temple with a view of the river and then a short walk at Myakanthar Lake. Later we all stopped for an ice-cream treat at the the 'Cold Drink Shop' back in Monywa.
That night we had arranged to have evening tea with Si Thu but instead we all went to the carnival in town. The crowded carnival, flashing with lights and blaring with noise from allover was setup on a dirt parking lot surrounded with vendors selling underwear, movies, food and more. A large stage at the far end had dancers and singers performing. Hip Hop dancing with traditional music was quite interesting to watch. While we were admiring the Karaoke and dancing we looked over and saw a man tattooing a security guard, on the dirt ground! Watching the security guard cringe as he was getting a tattoo on his arm and
all I could think to myself was 'I wonder if that's sanitary?!'
While music blasted and children giggled we saw a marry-go-round of small miniature cars/animals suspended by metal rods being spun by hand; a great scene! We wanted to join the fun so we hopped on to a Pirate Ship. The ride was lit up by power from a generator but the ship was powered by the power of a young man pushing it. Once the ride got going he began cranking a rod to make a tire on a gear and chain that was anchored to the ground, spin. It was a riot and we were able to feel the 'G's in our stomachs when we swung from one end to the other sitting at the back of the ship. When the ship had to be stopped, the man cranked the rod up to lift the tire creating a squeaky and scraping sound braking the ship to a slow swing. Some locals just hopped off on the side but we waited till it came to a complete squeaky stop. It was a fun and interesting experience, one of many during our time in Myanmar.
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uncle bob and aunti carol
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glad to hear from you!
Hi geoff and mazi... we are amazed at all the wonderful things you are able to accomplish on your tour. how exciting and foreign they sound!... good to know you are both feeling good and enjoying all this culture... I am sure you will never regret all the fascinating places you have visited on this trip... we are looking forward to seeing soon (august) geoff's family in Panorama, B.C... we will be missing you both!... all good wishes, bob and carol