Myanmar: Time Capsule (Part I)

Out of many places i've been, i think myanmar or burma land, has captured my heart in so many reasons.

Thorough some circumstances, started from applying a visa, difficulties in getting a reply for a room booking and transportation infos, it made me almost gave up on preparing the itineraries.

As this country was under military power (khmer) decades ago, the government policy is yet to widely open for international tourists. Thus, most of bookings must go through a certified travel agent who get the gov license, else it is illegal.

Internet connection in burma, is rather unreliable and limited across the country. Hence, most of online bookings which available are for hotels and the cheapest rate for a night stay is either too expensive or not reasonable compared to poor/basic accomodation provided.

I wasted almost a month of emailing the guesthouses (cheaper stay), or thru middle persons who are in charged, to make a reservation. Believed me, none of them replied. Unless, we walked in or make a phone call to them directly. From my reading, it is advisable to make a booking in advance during peak season which falls between december to february (winter season).

In burma, the weather is so hot and dry. during winter season, It can reached over 30degree celcius during a day, and temperature will drop as low as 4-5degree celcius at night, till dawn. In certain places, such in Bagan, it is more dusty as like a desert sands.

Do you know, there are 3types of main transportation that connecting the cities in burma; train, bus and domestic flight. Train and intercity bus journey could take up at least 8hrs. The domestic flight is too expensive, though for the shortest route (which take an hour journey) will cost us usd80 per way. Also, the flight schedules can be retime or cancel at last minute.

Just imagined, to travel from 1 city to another took us an overnight journey. It was tiring! Plus, it is depending on bus condition. I was lucky, my 1st bus was in good with air-condition, comfy seat and spaces, and even been provided with toilettries (tooth brush,paste and wet tissues), pillow and a plastic bag if we throw up.

However, the returned bus, was in poor condition. The villagers a.k.a passengers brought in onto the bus, everything except animals. Hahaha.

Along the journey, we did stopped a few times, at the highway terminal for a break. Some of locals villagers are selling foods, fruits etc, though it is a very cold midnight, and make us chilled to the bones. Almost 80% of them are selling the same items. Although competitive, none i could see them overtake others, but supporting instead.

I could see through their eyes, how hard their lives are, struggling to earn a single money. But, still they are living their live the best they can.

To be continue...