Well this day was an adventure.
We weren't sure how to get back to Kyaiktyo from Kin Pun to catch the train to Yangon, which we thought left at 1pm, but in the end our hotel flagged down some scooters for us. We had three bags and three people between two scooters. Obviously this wasn't going to go smoothly!
We headed toward Kyaiktyo and we weren't too far away when suddenly our driver stopped (after we'd swerved to avoid a dog) and told us we had to walk. We were slightly confused, but okay, we got off and started walking while he drove off. Turns out he had something wrong with the scooter, so we followed him 100 meters up the road to the local mechanic. By local mechanic I mean...family home.
All three of us were offered seats in the house, and sat down with the family and watched the mechanic at work. They were so friendly and we tried to talk to each as best we could. Most of the time we all communicated through playing with the toddler, who was wary of us, yet intrigued.
We weren't sure how to get back to Kyaiktyo from Kin Pun to catch the train to Yangon, which we thought left at 1pm, but in the end our hotel flagged down some scooters for us. We had three bags and three people between two scooters. Obviously this wasn't going to go smoothly!
We headed toward Kyaiktyo and we weren't too far away when suddenly our driver stopped (after we'd swerved to avoid a dog) and told us we had to walk. We were slightly confused, but okay, we got off and started walking while he drove off. Turns out he had something wrong with the scooter, so we followed him 100 meters up the road to the local mechanic. By local mechanic I mean...family home.
All three of us were offered seats in the house, and sat down with the family and watched the mechanic at work. They were so friendly and we tried to talk to each as best we could. Most of the time we all communicated through playing with the toddler, who was wary of us, yet intrigued.
We ended up sitting here for about an hour, watching the women fix the bike, and avoiding the hens and ducks wandering through the house. Well that's what I was doing. No one else minded.
I was getting a bit anxious about missing our train, but there are frequent buses to Yangon if worse comes to worst.
After it was all fixed we jumped back on and headed to the train. Though they didn't understand we meant train, and took us to the bus stop. The bus stop people tried to tell us there was no train (not true). We managed to clarify and finally ended up at the train station. We got our tickets and sat in the sweltering heat for an hour or so and waited. Whenever you're booking transport in Myanmar, they'll want to see your passport - don't forget that!
I passed the time by watching these tiny puppies run off with Simon's plastic bag and red bull.
I was getting a bit anxious about missing our train, but there are frequent buses to Yangon if worse comes to worst.
After it was all fixed we jumped back on and headed to the train. Though they didn't understand we meant train, and took us to the bus stop. The bus stop people tried to tell us there was no train (not true). We managed to clarify and finally ended up at the train station. We got our tickets and sat in the sweltering heat for an hour or so and waited. Whenever you're booking transport in Myanmar, they'll want to see your passport - don't forget that!
I passed the time by watching these tiny puppies run off with Simon's plastic bag and red bull.
Finally the train arrived. We had just booked third class tickets and sat on two wooden benches facing each other.
The Myanmar trains are very old and rickety, but hey they have usb plugs so you can charge your phone!
The Myanmar trains are very old and rickety, but hey they have usb plugs so you can charge your phone!
The trip is 5 hours to Yangon. Try to get a seat on the shaded side if you can, we were pretty hot and sweaty.
Locals will jump on and off the train selling you food and drinks. We grabbed a beer each at the first opportunity!
You can also buy fried crickets! The man next to us had a massive container full, and saw us eyeing them up. He kindly offered us one each, and we both took about two minutes to actually eat it, much to the amusement of the rest of the carriage! It wasn't too bad - crunchy! I'd eat one again. I think Simon would pass though.
I also got to try my shewee out again on the train. It was mostly a success...though trying to stand and aim with one hand on a moving train was definitely an experience....but better than squatting and falling in the hole.
After 5 hours we arrived at Yangon train station, there are loads of cabs, and took the long drive through Yangon rush hour traffic to our hotel, Downtown at 15th street!
Locals will jump on and off the train selling you food and drinks. We grabbed a beer each at the first opportunity!
You can also buy fried crickets! The man next to us had a massive container full, and saw us eyeing them up. He kindly offered us one each, and we both took about two minutes to actually eat it, much to the amusement of the rest of the carriage! It wasn't too bad - crunchy! I'd eat one again. I think Simon would pass though.
I also got to try my shewee out again on the train. It was mostly a success...though trying to stand and aim with one hand on a moving train was definitely an experience....but better than squatting and falling in the hole.
After 5 hours we arrived at Yangon train station, there are loads of cabs, and took the long drive through Yangon rush hour traffic to our hotel, Downtown at 15th street!