Farewell to Burma

  The road to Mandalay was long and arduous, the ennui interrupted by the sputters of black diesel smoke, face slaps of the flying dirty window curtains and rolling sacks of potatoes on the floor of the tin can of a bus that carried us to the city. Yup, we got conned on our transport – our worst of the trip and that's saying much.

That really is an engine in the middle of the aisle

  The city itself does not inspire elaborate exultation. In the muggy heat, we labored to see its bit and pieces, culminating in the barefoot climb of the Mandalay Hill to see the sprawling surroundings. And I just noticed we have no pictures.  Thus ended our affair with Myanmar.

  I wouldn't say it was the most beautiful country we've visited. Granted, its natural landscapes were somewhat diminished by the heat of the most intense months of the dry season. The glaring sun baked everything to a crisp, turning the greenery dull brown and allowing the ever-present dust to settle on everything in its reach. But Burma is a magnificent country where it matters most – the people. Their warmth and hospitality truly provided us with an experience like no other. I'll remember the time P, on a bicycle, raced a truckful of field workers, all of them cheering him on like some wild European soccer fans. I'll remember the waterfight with the little kids, only too happy to involve some foreigners in their games. I'll remember helping a woman with some fruit that was spilling out of her bag, only to be handed half of it in gratitude. I'll remember the little old man, the train wagon full of helpful people or the random woman who grabbed my hand to make sure I was alright after an exerting hike. It was all about kindness to a stranger, who was far from home, maybe lost, but made to feel truly like an honored guest in their land. I'll remember and hope it doesn't change too much with the increased opening of the borders.

  We flew back to overwhelmingly Western (such a contrast!) Bangkok and settled in on an overnight train to the charming Chiang Mai. Off to northern Thailand!

Modern Bangkok

Chinatown by night

Street food!

Practical Information:

Nylon Hotel in Mandalay - $25, with A/C, free wifi and breakfast

ride to Mandalay airport – 12,000 kyat