Around Mandalay

We go with caution, expecting bucketfuls at any moment. But it really has stopped. It’s a bit of an anti-climax.

First stop jam packed pagoda – usual cheesefest of flashy lights and buddhas, with men diligently sticking tiny bits of gold leaf all over their deity.

Next stop Sagiang, and many more pagodas and stupas. The highlight being ET dressed as a monk who shows us around. After visiting 2, we opt out of any more, and head for Ava (Inwa)…
A boat takes us across the river, and we then haggle our asses off for a horse and cart the other side. We are well rewarded with a beautiful teak monastery, and spend some time chatting to practice English with the locals before seeing the ‘leaning tower of Ava’ and a beautiful yellow monastery.

Next stop (after a few mushy nanas – Tom doesn’t like these – he likes long straight hard bananas…) is Amapura and a lovely mile long teak bridge, complete with men wanting to take Sarah for a beer.

After a fabulous view from Mandalay hill, the day is rounded off with a hilarious exchange to explain at a restaurant that the menu item ‘fish and chips’ should actually include the ‘chip’ part. The end result being home made crisps – still beats wet dog curry.