Yangon and home

We all moved hotel on 29 Dec to Nyuang U which was very pleasant again and then Alison and I headed back to Yangon on the 30 Dec by air and the kids all headed off to Mandalay by local bus to do some more exploring. Our flight went well and we spent the remainder of the day chilling out by the pool at our favourite Hotel Chatrium. Our last full day including exploring down town Yangon including a sprawling market where we stocked up on some local crafts. More pool, a lovely dinner and  an early night to celebrate New Year.
The 1 Jan was our return date and we left for the airport at 3 30 to catch a 6 00 flight to Bangkok.  Our flight back to from Bangkok went well and we arrived back to a considerably cooler Hearhrow at 5 20. Valet service delivered the car and we were home by 7.
All in all a great trip to an interesting country that will no doubt change quickly over the next few years as more visitors and overseas investment make an impact.
Nice to be home.

Bagan Highlights

Alison and I booked a horse and buggy to meet us at 0530 on the 28 Dec to take us to a view point Pagoda (only two allow people to climb up the outside) to watch the sun come up and a parade of hot air balloons go by.  The Pagoda was busy already by 0600 but everyone settled down for a spectacular sun rise with pagodas of all sizes appearing as the light increased with small pockets of mist and smoke from local villages adding atmosphere.  The 21 hot air balloons were also highlight as they paraded across the our view.

After another interesting journey back to the hotel for breakfast with Floss, Edward and Christian, Alison and again hired a couple of e bikes and went exploring a different area with mire popular pagodas occupied and managed by monks.  A great day out including Old Bagan riverfront which is properly ancient as a populated part of old Burma going back thousands of years.

Boat trip adventure

Slow start to the day with guys heading off for morning exploring while Alison and take in a local temple by the river.  Trip planned for later.

Bagan Boxing Day

Rested and ready to go we all rented E bikes after breakfast and headed off to Old Bagan cross country to visit loads of temples and pagodas (. Over 2200 to choose from). Great fun flying around on dirt tracks and very busy but slow roads and had snacks in one cafe and lunch in a veggie restaurant.  The whole place is geared up for visitors who are mainly Burmese but with a strong overseas contingent that will only increase particularly when you can fly in from Bangkok rather than go via Yangon.
Alison had a puncture and we were rescued by three young lads who showed us where to get it fixed. A call and 15 mins later a man on a bike arrived and fixed the tyre. All very slick.
Returned to New Bagan after a long exciting day out. Quiet dinner in a local cafe.

Bagan Pagodas 24/25 Dec 14

After a trip to the biggest bus terminal ever outside of Yangon with every bus having it,s own small office we embarked on what can only be described as the longest bumpiest bud ride in the world! The bus itself was comfy with reclining seats special pink neck rests and a loo (smelly). Stops for food and rinks were frequent. After what seemed an age we arrived in Bagan which was a 2 hour trip off the main highway between Yangon and Mandalay. Dawn approached as we haggled for a large taxi to take us to our hotel about 20 mins away.  Dawn broke as we took over our rooms (early check in a speciality in all Bagan hotels due to night bus method of travel for most Burmese visitors (majority of tourists are Burmese). We then slept for a couple of hours and had a nice breakfast on the lawn. All wore our Christmas hats' did our video and handed out the presents.  Made contact during the day with all at home to say Merry Christmas.
Edward, Floss and Christian headed off on an adventure while Alison and I took an easy stroll round the small town. All met up for a lovely dinner in a small local place.  noodles again for tea!
Best sleep ever that night xx

Lovely hot and sunny day again in Yangon.  After breakfast Alison and I headed off for a walk around a local park with lakes and temples.  Edward, Floss and Christian stayed in town for more sight seeing.  Relaxing afternoon before big road trip on night bus to Bagan.  Managed to secure flights back to Yangon for Alison and myself which is a major bonus rather than two nights on a bus!

Lovely morning in Bogyoke market (massive) that's sells everything you can imagine? Met up with Edward, Floss and Christian, changed some money (half a million Chat for $500) drank iced coffee and ate chicken noodle soup.  Back to hotel for a siesta. Will upload some photos as soon as I can work it out!