6. To Pyin Oo Lyin

The next section of the trip was modified from the initial programme because of the ongoing issues in Rakhine state relating to the Rohingya ethnic group. Following a drive up into the hills from the flat plains around Mandalay, our second train journey therefore took us from Naungcho to Naungpein village. Chan said that we would get a better view for the photographers from the local rather than the upper class tourist carriages and our initial reaction was slight irritation that he hadn’t booked us the comfortable window seats in time. However, in terms of overall colourful experience the locals carriages certainly provided despite the hard plastic seats! Food sellers, families with babies, constant noise and bustle for 4 hours. Outside of the train the Gokteik Viaduct, built in 1901, and the gorge and river below were the highlight of the journey.

After a local snack of Shan noodles and later lunch of avocados (literally, but delicious), a drive took us back to the very attractive town of Pyin Oo Lyin and we spent a pleasant couple of hours wandering around the botanic gardens. This was probably the first occasion we can actually use the word relaxing on this trip as it had been absolutely full on until this point!

The next morning we explored the former hill station on bikes. By this stage we had even managed to incorporate a coffee stop into a morning’s activity, and excellent local coffee too. As usual the market was a source of interest and Karen managed to buy some fabric and have it made into a longyi.

We saw the Governor’s house and Candacraig hotel, the latter being renovated. Much money seems to be being spent on refits and renovations and one wonders if and when the tourists will follow.

We then biked another 10 km to the Aniskan falls where the cycling finished!

David in full blown directors mode with his "team " of fascinated locals.

We then walked steeply down to the bottom of the falls accompanied by local girls waving fans and carrying cold drinks despite us trying to decline their attentions! We had a refreshing dip in the pools and spray at the bottom and a sweaty climb back up, followed by lunch and the drive back to Mandalay.

In the early evening we were quite relieved to get a lift to the top of Mandalay Hill where we and many other tourists and monks watched the sunset.