hi hi man. i read ur article fullly and really pleased and excited about ur 7 days in kathmandu. Myself being a nepalese and permanent inhbitant of kathmandu find ur article more informative though (lol) i mean you wrote it well... and best wat i like is ur pic out there. i love reading articles this way. i live jut few km away from thamel. well jsut wrte me in my mail if u get time.. (thumb up :))
Thanks for all the posts I almost cried when i read your review about Burma and the people. And on how u think and how they moved you. Really thanks for writing these posts. I hope you will visit again in future.
It's too bad that you didn't get a chance to go to Golden Rock which is called "Kyite Htee Yoe Zedi". It's also a religious place with mountain. But you have to expect some difficulties and unprofessional service but they are considered not cheap. A lot of locals go there and like it. But I don't really find tourist as much as Bagan or Inle there. But I like Kyite Htee Yoe so much. The weather is cold and the nature is superb. Last time was much more better. I think you would go from the hiking route on foot. It is much more fun. I don't recommend you to go up the mountain by car which is dangerous and uncomfortable.
Wish you come back to Myanmar again. :) .. Thanks for the post and all the photos... You are one great photographer too. I have same camera as you but I can't produce same picture as you. It is so tiring to bring the camera and go around too. I don't know what is the correct setting for certain picture. I wonder whether you use stand for the night shoot on Shwedagon Pagoda. I really wish to shoot just like you. I will try again when I visit back to Yangon in future.
crap Film I do fine Myanmar film are crap nowadays. Last time was still better. hahaha... Like the way u describe your photo. I can know how u think and it indeed portray this photo. :)
Feeling of Myanmar Citizen Your post is splendid and excellent. Very detail. I get goose bump when I am reading your description of Shwedagon Paya. Now I realize more and more to cherish our culture and building.
I want to disagree with you for deciding base on broken pavement and bumpy road are evident of poor country. Coz we, as a citizens, we paid all the taxes legally or even under table money to get our things done. Moreover, I don't know whether you have heard before or not, Burmese people who work legally in other country also need to pay income tax to Myanmar Government. We are paying double tax where there is no such thing all over the world. They are controlling our taxes when we extend our passport expired date. Another reasons that I thought the roads have never been repair is ,well that's my thinking only but it might be right, bcoz they move the capital city to NayPyiDaw, which i never consider it's our capital now, from Yangon. They are purposely making Yangon life miserable by making cutting of the electricity and dirty street and bumpy roads. In fact, Burmese people are not that poor but just the government are sucking so much blood from the citizens. You can't imagine how much is the cars and handphone in Myanmar. Those old model 2nd hands cars which you probably couldn't find in other countries anymore are actually more cost then other countries cars. We don't have any installment plan for paying. We must pay all by cash. That's how we buy things. Why is that so? Again, government control all the car importing and selling and buying permit and they don't give permit to anyone unless it's their relative. That is the reason we have to pay so much higher price than it worth. Cars and hand phone are just a few example. There are more other things.
You would be surprised if I told you what I think about half of this enormous donation on Shwedagon Paya might also goes to authorities and only a few goes to re-gliding of main zadi. Even though we know it would happen that way, we still donate by thinking only that we are donating to this zadi. Our intention are pure. We are doing a good deed. If they dare to take this money, they are the one who going to hell. I think for them, they don't mind about that since they are confirmed that they will be in hell for next 1000 of lives.
I was smiling when I read about "Burma Belly" and I agree with you. When I was living in Myanmar, I didn't notice that. But after awhile I was out of my country and when I visit back to my country. I eat a lot of foods which I miss a lot and every time I've got that and next day have to run to clinic. hahaha.... Next time I bought the medicine first. So you should include what medicine to bring along to Burma.
wow... you've got a lot of nice photos. The photo of Sule Paya you taken in front of old City Hall, they actually don't like taking picture in front of old City Hall. Lucky No police approached you after that.
I am so happy and interested to read your post and your opinion about my country. Thank you for giving me opportunity to explain and voice out what I've been wanting to tell to the world who still don't know how it actually work in Myanmar.
I am sure I will come back and read your many others post and will recommend to my friends. All the best...
superb! Great blog! Thanks for all the details and insights into the Burmese culture. I'm going to Burma late March and found you blog very helpful as i prep for my trip.
Thanks for your stories Good job. Really enjoyed your writing flow and felt the power of the place. I am going next month and you have help me clarify a few things about my trip. All the best....Andy
Tomato red like Ollie!! HI Mike, you did make us laugh with your description of your sunburn but not funny really - more likelihood of Oliver not you to do that but he would have made sure he was burned all over (don't any of you take my advice about suncream!!!
It appears from this blog that you found the perfect island out of the three to undertake your advanced diving course and at a brilliant price. What great value particularly after reading all that was involved. I did like the sound of the Gili T restaurant especially the pumpkin coconut curry and eggplant dish - sounded yummy! As did the banana pancakes. You always seem to land on your feet as far as food is concerned. I liked the photo of the bungalow but not of the bathroom and certainly would not have liked the geckos or the cockroach - yugh!!! The diving sounded awesome Mike and the photos are all incredible and stunning bar one or two, i.e. bathroom and some lazy person on a hammock. Only joking as it is nice to see you relaxing.
Have fun and relax when you can. Speak soon.
Love Mum and Dad.xxxxxxxxxx
Bikes away! I think you did the right thing undertaking that journey by bike (these touts are everywhere and all taxi drivers will try and overcharge - we have found that in most countries we have visited - one price for a local and another for a tourist) and initially it was hard work but the rewards came later as with every exercise and you enjoyed the ride back and the exhilaration of your achievement. Well done! I would have preferred to stay in the bungalow as although I enjoy the hard work put into each day I do like to return to luxury which makes it all worthwhile. However ?I know you like to work to a budget and that is part of your travelling enjoyment.
Dad would love to have a massage that cheap but has never found anything like that even on holiday!! I would love to have tasted that pineapple juice as it sounded exquisite. You really seem to have a knack of hunting out the best in every country you visit. The photos are all fantastic too. The picture of the storm clouds - was there an actual storm from these clouds whilst you were there.
Take care and have fun, speak to you soon. Enjoyed the skype - you looked so well.
Love Mum and Dad
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Exhausting but WOW! Hi Mike and thanks for the emails to let us know you arrived safely after all the problems over there.
I read your blog when you first published it but wanted to read it again before I commented. It sounds absolutely exhausting first with the flight and the bus and train ride initially but then the trips out have all started SO early. The scenery is amazing and the power within these volcanoes is visible from the photos - absolutely wonderful and well done for that.
I bet you loved the spicy rice with your hot tastes!! Is the rice usually served as white or brown??
That mini bus sounded like a fantastic white knuckle ride and he even knocked three hours of the journey which must have been good, yes??
I hope you wore a mask to protect your lungs form the ash and I am glad you got to go into a mine although not allowed as a tourist but I think it is good for people to see what these miners have to go through within their working conditions - a real eye opener.
Looking forward to your next blog which I assume will be about the peace and relaxation of Bali and possibly about some diving experiences and your advanced diving course etc. Have fun and take care,
Love Mum and Dad xxxxxxxx
Air Miles Mike Mike
Great to hear from you again. I can't believe your off again, talk about itchy feet!!.........you must be competing with David Attenborough for miles travelled. Keep me posted!!
best regards
Martin
Great narrative! I am Brazilian and I read your text. It was amazing! You have expressed in a very sensitive way the meaning of travelling. I hope you can continue to travel around the world and to write about your experiences. My bests, Márcio.
response Hi there - glad you liked the blogs :)
The steak was fabulous in Argentina. Just the thought of it makes me want to go back asap! I didn't get to do the night walk but the falls were an awesome sight. They were certainly one of the highlights of the trip and rendered me totally speechless for a while!
Bolivia is an incredible place - very different from Argentina and Brazil. It's much much cheaper for a start! The scenery is also wildy diverse and spectacular - I couldn't recommend it enough as a destination.
I will absolutely be going on another trip - perhaps East Africa or mainland China next. I travelled for a bit before this trip (blogs here - http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Victoria-and-Mike/) so I will have to spend a little time at home and save up for another trip! :)
If you need any Bolivia info then just give me a shout.
Happy travels,
Mike
response Hello there.
To answer your questions I did have to book the Inca Trail in advance. There are other routes and treks that you can do to Machu Picchu but none that actually lead directly into the site.
I paid about $500 US for the trek but I've heard of people paying around $450 but they're part of a larger group so it depends on what your preference is.
Happy travels :)
Mike
Amazing blog! I just wanted to compliment you on your blog. I went to most of the spots you went to two years ago and it really took me back to hear your descriptions. When you talked about the meats it made my mouth water! I remember a little place called Pizza Colour in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina right next to the bus station that had the best steak I have ever had. I didn't really like the salt charred method that is so popular and this place served a more classic style steak but you had the choice of a wine sauce if you so chose and it was around $4! Would you say the falls were the most impressive thing you saw? Did you do the night walk over the falls? I was quite impressed by it. I never made it to Bolivia and your bike trip on the road of death was inspiring. I will have to try it! I'm glad you had a great journey. Do you have plans for another epic yet? Fellow wanderer, John
Great ! Well I'm happy you survived the trek despite your illness. Excellent blog, description and information. Just a question in my mind ... Did you have to book the Inca trail trek in advance ? and how much did you pay for that ?
Thanx ... all the best :)
Ahmed
Great ! This one of the most interesting blogs . I'm planning a trip to SA this coming summer for the very first time. Planning to visit Peru and Bolivia ... I have to run to work now ... but definitely gonna read it again to gather some info . Keep up the good work . Thanks
Ahmed, Saudi arabia
I enjoyed your Amazon post. I have always wanted to go there. My blog is looking for travel photos and stories. If you have the time, email us some at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com or check us out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com
Continued fun on your travels,
Eric
Response Hello there - glad you're enjoying the blogs :)
I met lots of solo female travellers in Brazil and all over South America and the majority of them have not had any problems at all. As always it pays to be precautious at all times to minimize any risk as intances of crime against gringos in SA are common.
In Rio particularly always get taxis when out at night and make sure your belongings are always secured. Don't wander in certain neighbourhoods alone and if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't so dive into a shop or something.
I'm not sure if this is your first time but travelling solo opens you up to meeting lots of people and I guarantee you will meet lots of other solo travellers and embark on plenty of activities together. I'm travelling solo and have so far spent about 2 days in almost 3 months alone!
Hope you enjoy your trip and if you have any other questions just let me know :)
Mike
Response Hello - glad you're enjoying the blogs :)
It has been ok actually. There was never any way I was going to be able to see all of South America in 3 months but have seen quite a few of the highlights in good time. I'm not really one for rushing around and have stayed in most places a few days. I have had to speed up a little through Bolivia but that's only because of the date I booked my Inca Trail trip for. But it is certainly possible to achieve all I have done comfortably and not getting a night bus every night!
As far as tips go I would say don't plan too much - having too tight a schedule can become gruelling. I have to somehow trek back to Rio now as I booked a flight out from there. I wished I hadn't now and remained more flexible - plus internal flights in SA are VERY expensive in comparison to Europe of Asia so be wary of that.
Finally just be wary of all your belongings as theft and crime is an issue in SA. It is perfectly safe if you take precautions and I haven't encountered any problems personally but I have heard many stories of travellers that have.
Oh an finally finally - pack light - you will not regret it :)
If I can think of anything else I will send you an email.
Hope that helps and enjoy your trip :)
Hello - I cannot remember exactly how much it cost but it was around 200 pesos and I travelled in semi-cama. The journey was around 15 hours I think.
Hope that helps and sorry for the late reply :)
No way Hose!! Well Michael I think you were very brave to go down those mines as I would not have done that as it did sound so claustrophobic. I would not have minded going so far but when your breathing became laboured due to toxins I would have probably had enough - maybe not if I was so interested to ignore this. I am up for any sort of run or mountain climbing but that is out in the open and those conditions sounded too cramped for my liking. I cannot believe that those men still work in those conditions for such a poor wage. Atrocious!!
There does not seem to be any health and safety rules for tourists if you are able to buy and blow up dynamite - that is incredible. Not like the UK where we are all so PC to the point of spoiling days out for tourists etc. Liked the outfits - so yellow!! Dodgy drink from the market, eh? Always drink bottled that is what I keep telling you. Take Care and Enjoy. Love Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Pesky Ostrich I just had to read this blog again to digest it thoroughly. Most if not all of the blogs have to be read at least twice as there is so much information. I hope you have some photos of the ostrich who tried to help you eat some cake. The photos are stunning especially the perspective photos. There is one that looks like you are mid air above water but it is a salt flat reflecting the sky I think. Well Done, very entertaining. Speak soon. xxx
“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
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Very nice photo.