Our second tour in Myanmar was the longest, taking 10.5 hours most of which was sitting in the bus. We boarded the bus at 7.30am for the 2 hour journey to Htauk Kyant War Memorial (WW11). Along the way we passed rice paddies where cattle were grazing.
We were both moved and impressed by the lovely war memorial remembering the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against the Japanese on the Burmese border. I think the guide said 30,000 lives were lost, but I stand to be corrected. The memorial is well maintained with lovely lawn areas that the locals come to for picnics or simply to rest. From what I have seen so far there are not many grassed areas for them to do this.
Next stop was an hour away to Bago and the Kyakhatwaing Monastery. This monastery houses 1,000 monks and we were there in time to watch the procession of monks heading to their second and last meal for the day at midday. It was impressive but the monks must certainly feel that they are “on display”. It is customary to make a donation for the privilege of watching them eat their midday meal.
Next stop was lunch at Micheal Kitchen Restaurant. We feasted on vegetable Soup followed by dishes of sweet and sour pork, beef curry, vegetable curry, mini spring rolls and a delicious seaweed salad. Dessert was a variety of melons.
After lunch we drove to the very impressive Shwemadaw Pagoda that was not just one Pagoda but about ten structures. Many of the pagodas were places where people could lay down in the cool and take an afternoon nap.
Back on the bus to head to Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha. This Buddha is the second largest in the world and is 55 metres long and 16 metres high and was believed to have been built in 994. It was lost for over 120 years and found by a British railway engineer completely overgrown with jungle in 1880.
Our last stop was at a Mon Village. We strolled easily through the village and watched both men and women weaving material in the traditional way on giant looms. Both the women and men paint their faces with a creamy coloured mix that is made from the bark of a certain type of tree. It is for sun protection.
Philip bought a silk sarong for lazy days by the pool!
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