Day 1: 23rd Jun 2013
We checked in at Changi Airport terminal 1. We are flying with Golden Myanmar Airlines, Flight Y5 234. A low cost airlines. Thankfully we checked in early and managed to get the seats at emergency exit. Well, emergency exit = more leg room.
At Changi Airport Terminal 1, ready to depart
Managed to snap a photo with friendly cabin attendants
Welcome dinner at home
So, we arrived at Yangon safe and sound despite the heavy turbulence before landing.After settling down at my home for accommodation for the night, we went to Man Nyo Taw cafe for supper. That was where we witnessed an accident right in front of our eyes on our way back to home. As we were about to cross the road, a car lost control and span across the road, hitting the passerby. We were super close to get hit by the car. If only we take one more step, you wouldn't see me blogging here. Thankfully we escaped unharmed. My mind went black that instant, could not think of any thing except grabbing my mom, aunt and friends' arm to cross the road away from the accident site. It was really selfish of me but their safety are more important to me at that moment. I am responsible for my friends safety since I brought them to Myanmar.
Well, that was a close shave with death on day. The victims of the car accident escaped death with minor injuries, sprains and scratches, as I was told. Phew. Thank Buddha.
First night in Yangon.
Day 2: 24th Jun 2013
We headed to Shwedagon Pagoda in the morning with all of us dressed in Burmese attire.
Shimin and her Burmese dress belongs to my cousin.
Kan Xuan with my aunt and Pyae Pyae. He looks like some clown. Oops. x)
All of us wearing Burmese traditional attires and getting ready to leave!
We stopped by at Aunty Kyi's (Mabel) house to meet up with them. The lady in middle is Aunty Kyi's sister.
OH YEA, NEEDLESS TO SAY. WE STOPPED BY OUTSIDE AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S HOUSE TOO. DIDN'T MANAGED TO SEE HER BUT WE WENT TO AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S HOUSE. OH YEAH! WE WERE POSTING HER NAME (A.S.S.K) *U Aung wasn't happy with it as he thought we were being disrespectful, which we were not. Oh well, he's a hardcore supporter of the Lady.
With U Aung!
After much delaying, we finally arrived at Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Marvelous and magnificent temple, a representation of Buddhists' faith, devotion and their generosity. Needless to say, I am still awestruck no matter how many times I have been there.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon.
Thankfully the three jokers managed to pass off as Burmese, no one approached them for entrance fee which costs 5 USD. Then come Bo Ta Taung pagoda located at the shore of Yangon River, where strand of Lord Buddha's hair was enshrined.
Me and Aunty Mabel at Yangon River posing like a scene from Titanic. Fail much? Haha
On our way back home, it was raining heavily and the taxi driver drove like F1 grand prix. We were praying for our lives as the ride felt like roller coaster ride and the visibility was real poor. It was really horrifying experience. Oh man! Another close shave with death.
And off to Mandalay we go.
Day 3: 25th Jun 2013
So we arrived Mandalay as early as 5 AM and it was already day time by the time we arrived Mandalay. My uncle drove us to U Bein bridge as our first destination in Mandalay. For your info, U Bein bridge is the world's longest and oldest teak bridge built over 200 years ago and spreading across Taung Ta Man Lake at 1 miles long.
U Bein Bridge. By the way, it has the best sunset and sun rise in Mandalay, according to locals. We met many foreigners on the bridge.
A fisherman throwing fishing net. Oh yeah, we took a boat ride across the lake.
Impromptu much, but we went to Pyin Oo Lwin, famous for it's scenery and renown as flower city. It boasts the largest variety of flowers in Myanmar.
At Kan Taw Gyi National Park
The Myanmar gang.
We stopped by at 21 Miles Stop to take a look at Mandalay. You can view the whole of Mandalay from here. Pretty cool, ain't it? (Panoramic view, credits to Kan Xuan)
And we checked in at Kin Won Min Gyi Monastery at U Ti's monastery. U Ti is a family monk who took care of me since I was young. He was like a father monk to me.
Day 4: 26th Jun 2013
We went to Mandalay Hill, Kuthodaw Pagoda (World Largest Book) and Mahamuni Pagoda in the morning. We were joined by my cousin, Ma Pyae. :)
U Ti and Me
Mandalay Hill Pagoda
View from Mandalay Hill
Xinyi, Ma Pyae and Shimin
With Le Mom. :)
Mandalay Fort
They are trying to chew Beetle leaf for the first time. Shimin looks like she's pregnant. Oops!
At Kuthodaw Pagoda, the world's largest book.
Jump shot at Kuthuodaw Pagoda
At Mahamuni Buddha's Image. The feeling when I was paying homage to the Buddha, it feel real good. Indescribable feeling. Click here for information on Mahamuni Great Image.
Buddham Saranam Gacchermi.
And BAGAN, HERE WE COME! Impromptu trip as well but AWESOME! Finally checked in at Aung Mingalar Hotel after searching many places for affordable accommodation. By the way, if you are thinking of going to Bagan, I would recommend staying at Aung Mingalar Hotel. It has the friendly stuff who can speak pretty good English. The rate is cheap too compared to other hotels. The hotel is located opposite Shwe Zi Gon Pagoda. There are hostels and guest houses too but it is available only to Burmese citizens. Foreigners will have to stay at hotel, it is a policy. Unfair but well.
Pretty and Round full moon. Magnificent. :)
By the way, when we arrived at Bagan that night, there was a funfair and night market at Shwe Zi Gon Pagoda. Coincidence much isn't it! Well, what more could we ask for? So much awesomeness.
In Aung Mingalar Hotel getting ready to go to the funfair.
Part two: to be continued.
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