Back in Thailand

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Back in Thailand, for the second time of four visits, I believe? We landed in Bangkok and quickly hightailed it out of the city on the first train north to the cultural hub of Chiang Mai. Surrounded by an old brick wall the city is a lovely place to get lost and eat as much Thai food as humanly possible. While the city is pretty amazing, you would be missing so much if you didn't venture out. One of our days we hopped on our motorbike to explore some caves in Chiang Dao National Park 70km north of the city center. 

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The next day we ventured out early in the morning to the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Easily the cities most famous temple built in 1383. Some how we woke up early enough to watch the sunrise above the city far below this lovely temple. 

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Touring Mandalay

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Reckless motorcycles drivers, excessive heat, firecrackers and cheap delicious Indian food is what comes to mind when I think about Mandalay, Myanmar. Being our final stop before flying back to Thailand we wanted to soak up all this city and country had to offer before taking off. 

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While walking around sweating buckets we we’re approached by a local tour guide who provided tours to all the major sites on the back of his motorbike. While we usually would do this on our own, the price was decent enough and we wouldn’t have to worry about finding these locations ourselves. To this day I’m still amazed that I’m actually alive to tell you about this adventure. 

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We were picked up and before long we were both holding on for dear life. I’m pretty sure this guy dreams about being a dare devil as I’ve never been more scared in my life. It’s one thing to drive like crazy, but it’s another when you live in a city as busy and crazy as Mandalay. Weaving in and out of other motorcycles, bicyclist, cows and naked babies on the dirt roads didn’t seem to slow this guy down a bit. All this was escalated with fireworks being shot onto the road and no working headlight to guide us. 

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While we saw many lovely temples, the religious highlight was a temple made completely of beautiful teak wood. We also visited the 1.2km U Bein Bridge where local fisherman wade in the water catching fish for their families. Another highlight was all the delicious Indian food we consumed with our driver. Taking us to one of his favorite places we gorged on food which still makes my mouth water today.

Sounds of the train

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After roughly a half day on this old rickety train we finally arrived in Pyin Oo Lwin. The ride was exhausting but beautiful. We chugged across Myanmar crossing deep valleys, rivers and little villages picking up passengers along the way. Half way through the trip we were blessed with a group of young kids who played guitar and sang songs together. Certainly one of the highlights of our trip looking back on it now. With no cell phones, Facebook or Twitter to distract these kids they were truly just enjoying the moment. Sorry I don't have the audio of them signing but the sound of the train was to loud to get a good recording. 

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Map or Guide? Map

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After arriving in Hsipaw by bus we quickly looked for a place to stay so we could at least get a few hours of sleep. Our bus left Inle Lake during the day, and throughout the night we tossed and turned on winding roads up and down mountains until we reached our destination (at 3:30am). While it might have been possible to sleep with the right amount of drugs; you would also need multiple layers of clothes to keep you warm. I think the bus drivers in Burma like to keep the bus as cold as possible to help them stay awake. 

Luckily the nice folks at our accommodation allowed us to check in very early to get some rest. Once we awoke we chatted about our options to make it out to Pankam Village. Go it alone with a hand drawn map, or go with a tour, for more money of course. We opted for the map, and set out early the next day. The hike took a few hours and took us over mountains, through villages and to a tiny hot spring. 

People always say it's the journey, not the destination; I've always agreed, and this journey certainly didn't disappoint. The hike while extremely hot, was lovely and filled with friendly people and happy kids. When we arrived at our destination we were blown away by the hospitality we were greeted with. A hot meal upon arrival to our host's hut and too many smiling kids to photograph. To this day, after two years of traveling this might still be one of my favorite memories. 

We filled the rest of our day relaxing and chatting with our hosts and their guests as well as running around with the local kids photographing their smiles. That night we slept on the second floor with mats and a few blankets to keep us warm. All of this was made even more special since we traveled with Inaki and Aires who quickly become wonderful friends for the next few days and still good friends now. We were also able to reconnect with Aires in Melbourne a year later.