BEST of Burma21 Nov 2006
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Yangon bus
Monks collecting alms, Yangon
Schwedagon entranceway, Yangon
Movie Clips - Playback Requirements - Problems?
(AVI - 1.23 MB)
A quick sweep round one corner of the Schwedagon
(AVI - 10.27 MB)
Mandalay traffic
(AVI - 628 K)
Leg rower on Inle Lake
(AVI - 705 K)
Novice monks flying kites
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Truck ride down from the Golden Rock
| All good things must come to an end. Our holiday isn't over yet, but we are nearing the end of our time in the fabulous Myanmar. Now back in Yangon, mostly for shopping and a last visit to the awesome Schwedagon Pagoda Complex. Rather than repeat pics of the Schwedagon, the pics on this page are sort of my 'best' of Burma. Top tips: Money: You can not use any cards or traveller's cheques due to sanctions, so must bring ALL money with you, in dollars. They will ONLY take nice crisp clean dollars, so make sure that's what you bring! Change all money on the 'Black Market', everyone does, and it is a hugely better rate. All hotels will do it. Tipping is not expected for anything other than favours, but is so common in more touristy areas that some people there have come to expect it. Language: Burmese is appreciated, but you don't need it, everyone who deals with foreigners can speak some English, indeed, they are taught it in school. Shame if you're from a non-English speaking country, but great for us. Clothes: Bring sandals or flip-flops, indeed, wear nothing else, break your feet in at home first though, mine are a mess now thanks to insect bites, blisters and burning. And either long shorts or a local longhi for visiting religious stuff. And insect repellent. My guess is that in a few decades only old people will wear the longhis (basically cloth wrapped round like a dress - for both genders) and the face paste (thanaka) they use to avoid sunburn. So we get another local bus from Kyaitkyito back to Yangon, pass up the cockroach snacks at rest stops, and get back to Yangon without too much hardship for a ride on a local bus. A different hotel, as central as they come, and right next to the Sule Paya, the most interesting roundabout I know, several hundred years old and gold, and great at night. Shopping didn't quite go as planned, as we were overwhelmed by the sheer size of the local market, but will try again tomorrow. Must persevere, Xmas is coming. 22nd Nov: Some Kiwi evangelists at breakfast over here to open orphanages, who knew Bristol and Bath. After breakfast we wandered around a bit this morning, exploring local markets and then the big market again that also caters for tourists. This was OK for a bit, but then as more foreigners turned up they seemed less keen to negotiate prices. A spot of lunch, and then back to the Schwedagon, if possible nicer than last time. Such a fantastic place! And that will basically be it for Mynamar, after our last meal tonight. Boo hoo! |
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