Hpa-an to Thaton, 60 km, a cruisy ride, shade of trees to start and we were there by lunchtime. 7 guesthouses to choose from, 3 full, 1 way out of town, 2 dodgy backpacker hovels, and the one we stayed in on the outskirts of town which was ok. Biked in and around town, then again for dinner. First few photos are when leaving town the next morning. After the peaceful hotel out the gate and it is full on!
Thaton to Mt Kyaiktiyo, 95 km, flat and hot but interesting just riding along. Photo of the trucks being loaded with pre made thatched roofing, quite an art. We went off the highway into a small village - photo of cows and husband and wife sawing wood.
Found a place to stay, $16 with breakkie. 7 cyclists staying at the same hotel! All thinking alike and stopping at the cheapest option 15 km from the tourist accommodation. Our Swiss friends, a French couple and Grum ( Graham Frith) from NZ, check out www.grumgoesglobal.com. It was great to meet him on the road, after hearing about him in Indonesia. I am sure we could not have planned it if we tried. He is on a 2.5 yr around the world trip. So beer, lots of conversation in 3 languages and a $1 dinner for all. But sad news discussing a Chilean cyclist who had died in Thailand after being hit by a pick up truck. Graham had spent time with him just recently, he was nearing the end of a 5 year round the world trip.
Next morning we took a taxi then a truck, 1 hr up to Mt Kyaiktiyo, one of those near vomit inducing trips, 48 people 6x8 rows in the back. It was actually better coming down as it was so steep they had to go slower. Great day watching all the happenings, it is a pilgrimage for Myanmar people. The long walk to the pagodas was amazing, passing the medicine men -( witch doctors) , they had it all. Putrid oily oozing liquids of animal bits, including illegal elephant and tiger bits, as well as indescribable potions! Some very primitive living conditions.
We had dinner at a tea house back down the mountain and observed the tea boy when we left. He tossed the dregs of our small tea cups onto the floor, then placed the cups upside-down back on the table ready for the next customers. Just missed that vital WASH the cup step that we know and like. We all had a good laugh about that... seems it's the norm.
Thaton to Mt Kyaiktiyo, 95 km, flat and hot but interesting just riding along. Photo of the trucks being loaded with pre made thatched roofing, quite an art. We went off the highway into a small village - photo of cows and husband and wife sawing wood.
Found a place to stay, $16 with breakkie. 7 cyclists staying at the same hotel! All thinking alike and stopping at the cheapest option 15 km from the tourist accommodation. Our Swiss friends, a French couple and Grum ( Graham Frith) from NZ, check out www.grumgoesglobal.com. It was great to meet him on the road, after hearing about him in Indonesia. I am sure we could not have planned it if we tried. He is on a 2.5 yr around the world trip. So beer, lots of conversation in 3 languages and a $1 dinner for all. But sad news discussing a Chilean cyclist who had died in Thailand after being hit by a pick up truck. Graham had spent time with him just recently, he was nearing the end of a 5 year round the world trip.
Next morning we took a taxi then a truck, 1 hr up to Mt Kyaiktiyo, one of those near vomit inducing trips, 48 people 6x8 rows in the back. It was actually better coming down as it was so steep they had to go slower. Great day watching all the happenings, it is a pilgrimage for Myanmar people. The long walk to the pagodas was amazing, passing the medicine men -( witch doctors) , they had it all. Putrid oily oozing liquids of animal bits, including illegal elephant and tiger bits, as well as indescribable potions! Some very primitive living conditions.
We had dinner at a tea house back down the mountain and observed the tea boy when we left. He tossed the dregs of our small tea cups onto the floor, then placed the cups upside-down back on the table ready for the next customers. Just missed that vital WASH the cup step that we know and like. We all had a good laugh about that... seems it's the norm.
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