Myanmar: Hpa An & Mount Kyaiktyo

Limited wifi, as expected from research done, is proving difficult to write in this blog. The stories are plentiful and we can't wait to share.

     We are now in Mount  Kyaiktyo where the infamous Golden Rock precariously rests on a huge bolder. To see photos of this rocking impressive but to stand beside it is at once breathtaking and scary. What if it slips?

     There are thousands of pilgrims up at the top of this mountain. This is said to be one of the top three most important sites for Buddhists. To get to the mountain top, you must climb aboard a large truck with an open back that has 8 rows of bench seating. Crammed into the seating, we wait for the go ahead- which quite naturally only happens when the truck has NO room to breathe. While waiting, we notice that our ticket includes life insurance. Interestingly unsettling!

     The ride up is fast and furious. The truck turns on a hairpin thrashing its passengers from right to left, forwards and backwards. A great example of the laws of physics. Jon and I were both white knuckled as the Burmese crowd cheered with oos and awes. 

     At the top of the mountain there were crowds of people settling in for the night. It seems they make the hike up and then stay overnight. That explains the fake fur hats and heavy blankets. We walked around marvelling at the sites. Smoke wafting from candles and burning incense filled our eyes ann created a strange odour in the air. The tinkling of small chimes could be heard as the wind gently blew over the mountain. It took our breath away and was worth the scare coming up. 

     Riding back down was worse. We took the equivalent of another 2/3 of a truck of passengers at a half way point when our 'conductor' decided that we could fit more people in. Jon could barely sit - at least it kept us warm. I'm sure that I swore several times on the ride down (ok, that's two events that cause me to swear: golfing and trucking). This trip so far has been full of dangerous means of travel!!

     We are now sitting having breakfast while hundreds of winter dressed pilgrims fill the streets. I guess most have just come down from the mountain while others are just making a trek up. On the loud speakers we can hear a man's voice speaking in Burmese- not sure what the message is but it sure is loud and clear. 

     Today we head off to Inle Lake. Looking forward to the calm lake setting but not looking forward to the 2 hour bus ride to Bako followed by a 12 hour overnight bus ride. It seems that Burma is still adapting to tourism. The travel options are limited. 

     Minglaba! 

(seems to be used for everything from hello to thank you to goodbye)