We made the trip to Pyin Oo Lwin, complete with hairpin turns most of the way, in a cramped minivan full of Burmese.
The main attraction of the town was the botanical gardens – a strange attraction in the middle of a basically government/military town. There are many huge military academies in the area and most of the restaurants and guesthouses are government run. I heard from a local that one of these academies churns out 3000 graduates a year!
The rumors about the gardens being amazing were true. Immaculately well maintained they certainly were a change from the usual scenery and made it feel like I was in an old English garden. With almost 500 species of trees and plants on display, it was a great afternoon of wandering. We also checked out the butterfly museum (yep, museum) and orchid garden.
(Singing in the rain)
(Myanmar orchids)
(Popcorn – the necessary accompaniment to any botanical garden visit!)
After such a day of wanderings there was only one thing to do – try the local infamous Spirulina Beer, known for it’s anti-aging properties. Clearly the more I drink, the younger I get, right? Once again we found ourselves the only females, and only westerners, in a male dominated Burmese beer hall. I’m fairly sure we blended in well though.
The next day was about exploring town and getting a feel for the city. The main street was wide with British colonial buildings down each side. The local stagecoaches trotted by giving this place a real old world feel. It was after all, set up as ‘summer escape’ for the British Colonial administration. It was definitely much cooler than Mandalay having an elevation of almost 3500 ft.
(A friendly local and his 50+ year old daughter – one of TEN kids!)
The Central market was bustling during the morning. Deceptive from the outside, it is a virtual labyrinth inside selling anything you could possibly imagine. Again, the only Westerners there (Bridget had left me so I convinced Ava who I met at a coffee shop to come with me) we were almost the main attraction. Trying to buy things and vendors wouldn’t accept our money, preferring to give them to us as presents. These people who have so little couldn’t be more generous.
(Ava trying to pay but the lady wouldn’t let her. So kind!)
(Beetle leaves – used with chewing tobacco and they make your teeth red)
(The area is famous for local fruit wine. Not too bad.)
A cute town and a welcome reprieve from the heat of the north. Another overnight bus (with complimentary beer & cake!) and it was back to where it all began, Yangon.
(Bus snacks)
