I anticipated this as the highlight of the World Cruise for me, especially as Laird would be along.
It didn't disappoint.
I was lucky enough to find, via Trip Advisor, the most EXCELLENT representative of the people of Myanmar- our tour guide Matthew Tun. Here's just one of his many glowing references on the Myanmar forum.
So I emailed him, and booked him for a day and a half. As the port was an hour plus away from Yangon, we decided to spend the night in town, and booked ourselves into the Belmond Governor's Residence.
I had no idea what to expect revisiting Yangon. I think Matt was slightly bemused when I asked about payments, cars, air conditioning. He assured me all would be well.
Well....first stop- a look around. And BOY, was I shocked.
Skyscrapers. Lots and lots of skyscrapers.
Fountains. Paint. Renovations of exquisite colonial buildings or brand-spanking new construction.
It's amazing what a few political changes can do. "My" Yangon has become a modern metropolitan city in less than a decade.
Oh there's still lots of scenes like this...
The street where we had a perfectly normal everyday lunch. It was delicious, and we could never have experienced it without Matt. Then the guys patiently waited on me to do a little jade shopping at the Market.
We headed to the Governor's Residence to check in and Laird stayed in whilst Matt and I went to visit the Reclining Buddha and Shwedagon Pagoda.
The beauty of this face thrilled me the same way it did in 2008.
The 108 auspicious symbols on Buddha's feet.
Yes, it's BIG.
Shwedagon, for me, is a place of great peace. Visiting it at sundown, with the slanting rays of the sun in a clear blue sky--even more so.
Matt caught a photo of me as I paid homage to the Buddha of "my day".
Volunteers earning merit by sweeping the walkways. Far from work, to do so is an honor.
Sweet boys celebrating something...
Unforgettable.
I got back to the hotel, and joined Laird in the bar for a vodka tonic--purely medicinal, mind you. Lots of mosquitoes around, and one can never be too careful in avoiding malaria.
That's our story, at least. We had a lovely traditional Burmese meal and even found some wine made in Myanmar!
One night's sleep under mosquito netting (not just decorative), and it's pretty easy to enjoy breakfast when your scenery is this...
Complete with very loud frogs. Enchanting.
The first place Matt took us to was the morning market. Again, it's something we NEVER would have done on our own- and it was a GREAT way to see how everyday life happens in Yangon.
The birds just waiting for leftovers.
This little one reminded me of AJ- how he could fall asleep anywhere, anytime- at a moment's notice.
Work continues on saving the old colonial architecture where possible. It will take time.
Following our walk about town, it was off to see the barge.
A quick stop at the Rangoon tea house and our time in Yangon was coming to a close. I love this photo of Laird and me with Matt.
I know when I get home I will write more about my time in Myanmar... my return to this country that has a special place in my heart.
I want to return to visit the north of the country- see Mandalay and the stupas of Bagan.
Matt and I are already formulating plans!!
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