Part I -> Mandalay, the imperial city, Bagan and Inle Lake
After months of preparation eccomi finally to Malpensa with heart in throat, bound for a country full of exotic charm in the company of my friend, and experienced companion travel to Myanmar. In the backpack there is only the essential: we are also directed to a country where there are the virtues of developing the soul. Just landed in
Yangon, the capital of the state, we are welcomed by officials impeccable in their military uniforms, we go to banquets where you can bargain for everything from airline tickets to exchange for currency, which will use the opportunity to purchase the flight to
Mandalay and change kyats of dollars in making the exchange more attractive of the trip. Bargaining is an art in Asia, especially in Burma. Yes, because, not only in contract dollars and contemporary kyats but also with various objects. For a camera at B & B we've added a few dollars, two samples of perfume and biro pens. We start as the discovery of Myanmar to
Mandalay, which includes such interesting monuments: the Monastery of unmissable Palazzo d'Oro, completely in teak wood finely carved impregnated prayers and meditation that are practiced, the largest in the Paper World, a expanse of small white pagodas really suggestive. The best way to enjoy the sunset over the city from
Mandalay Hill is: barefoot through the immense labyrinth of stairs, you find yourself surrounded by the voices of vendors of crafts, the smell of cooked food instantly, dall'incenso from many altars. The monks greeted serene, children laugh and play and go for couples sharing a romantic moment hiding behind the shy smiles delicate hands. The medium optimal for visiting the city remains the characteristic tuk tuk. Deserve special interest, for their historical value, artistic and religious, the imperial city. To achieve the first, Mingun, you must cross the great river Ayayarwady, you are greeted by a small crowd of stubborn sellers Longyear, traditional clothes and handicrafts. Of particular interest the impressive Mingun Paya that seems carved in the rock, climbs to the top and stop to admire, with the breeze in your hair, from the spectacle of the river and around the site. Try to go up alone, the tiers of white and elegant Hsinbyume, to immerse yourself in total silence and contrast of the Buddha of gold glittering in the candlelight, the white wavy balconies and the deep blue of the sky scented incense.
Inwa, the second imperial city, is an island it turns into "Oscar" or in wheelchairs, with monasteries and picturesque ruins where you can meet the people always friendly and bustling in the work of the campaign. Visit Sagaing, a famous religious center, and excellent opportunity to spend time in conversation with the monks. At the end of the day is exciting to watch the sunset more suggestive of the entire Myanmar, to
Amarapura, on the deck in teak U Bein, where all shades of the sun are reflected on the placid waters of the River. The day ends with a memorable dinner in the house from the Universal, absent from all the guides and frequented only by local kids, but for this very reason, really special. Contract with a driver on trip to the archaeological site of
Bagan. Under a scorching sun, walk the dusty roads stupendi load capacity of vehicles, from bicycles to trucks, each vehicle is cluttered all'inverosimile people and goods.
Cross the country by car allows you to make unexpected stops, so it can detect faces, eyes and amazing smile. On the way we stop at Mount Popa, an extinct volcano which rises to 737 meters on the plains, the famous abode of spirits. The monastery, attended by Burmese pilgrimage and inhabited by ape playful, can be reached via steep stairs difficult to climb under un'opprimente sultriness. After this brief stop in Old
Bagan enter, access by paying $ 10. We choose the Tante, a beautiful hotel in the middle of the archaeological site with small cottages and swimming pool. We reach, therefore, the ancient paye in brick which are flammable at sunset. On the main road of the site there are some good quality restaurants and excellent courtesy.
The next day I get up before dawn and by bike, I use a battery, to paya higher to witness the miracle of a new day. I climbed in the dark on the large and steep steps, in order to assist the awakening of the jungle. With my heart full of joy at the spectacle back to the hotel for breakfast and, in the company of popular children the day before, we visit the site, their fishing village. Start from
Bagan with a car to put it mildly decrepit to
Inle Lake. We expected a long two days. The first night stop in the mountains, in the fresh
Kalaw, famous for trekking. The journey continues with the visit of the market for five days and the beautiful Pindaya Caves, caves filled with mythological statues of Buddha donated by the faithful. We reach the scenic
Inle Lake, which is the village Nyaungshwe, very touristic, with a wide choice of B & B and restaurants. D'obligation tour of the lake, just go to the port and be able to bargain for a ride on a motor boat to floating markets, the characteristic monasteries, the archaeological site and its Indein interesting market for various ethnic groups that can meet and for crafts. During the excursion will visit factories and laboratories tissues of silver. Are unforgettable villages on stilts and the famous fishermen who row with the leg. In the middle of the lake are distinguished and the magnificent tourist residence on piles. At dinner a guide to know which rely on the following day trekking the surrounding hills, where, in the isolated villages across ethnicities. The difficulty when the flight to the Golden Triangle because a forced stop of an additional day. I take this opportunity to visit the villages on a bicycle. In this village there is a high concentration of tourists DIY from all over the world which allows you to breathe a very international atmosphere.
Finally depart from Heho direct
Kengtung, the capital of the Shan states, namely the Golden Triangle.
Part II -> Golden Triangle and Yangon
Finally depart from Heho direct
Kengtung, the capital of the Shan states, namely the Golden Triangle. It 'another Burma, the features Chinese, western kids clothes, the houses of masonry, such as off-road vehicles: everything seems richer and people more closed and less serene. Despite the increasing prosperity electric current is delivered for one hour a day and not always running water is available. An island is the happy Golden Banyan Restaurant buonissima the kitchen and the availability and kindness incantevole. With them to organize the trekking of two days later. In the Golden Triangle is not allowed to sleep outside the city and you can not go hiking without a guide local, so that the authorities can control the movements of foreigners. The excursion takes place in motor to the base of the villages in order to visit more. Go along the dirt road amid the rice fields reflecting the glowing colors of the sunset framed by the mountains shaded by fog is incredibly exciting. Were moving in two days we visited the villages of ethnic groups Whan, Shan, Ahn, Akha, Akhu and Silver Paloun, each with their own language, with its traditional woven within the village, with their religion but still hospitable . Market
Kengtung newspaper, where you can find merchandise carried by the women of villages, as well as from neighboring China and Thailand, you can find great bargains, as well as taste wonderful food.
Flying to
Yangon is changed from 28 ° with 30% moisture of the mountains to 35 ° with 90% humidity dell'Ayeyarwady the delta. The capital offers Western standards to which we were no longer used.
In the center are held every day of military exercises that you can hear the orders given to soldiers. E 'a modern metropolis where there are poverty and wealth, poverty and development. Dirt, absent in the rest of the country is visible on the streets. The market Theinbyu Zei olfactory experience is unforgettable recommended only for persistent stomach, while the market Bogyoke Aung San, great indoors and is ideal for shopping for souvenirs of all kinds, from shirts to gold, by 'Chinese handicraft products cheaply. Bella the Sule Paya but the symbol of Burma is the Shwedagon Paya. We have witnessed the last sunset Burmese immerso In its decorations and surrounded by swarms of tourists, have not met the rest of the village. It was all so magical we are the heart pine Paya leave because it was the end of our journey.
With moist eyes we said goodbye to the magical Shwedagon and the next day, after another trip to the market, broken down for us to immerse ourselves in the cold, stressed and beloved Milan.
USEFUL INFORMATION
- Given that it is essential and requires the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, via the Camilluccia, 55, 00135 Rome, Tel 06/36304056 Fax 06/36298566 cost 25 euro, time required 15 days.
- Vaccinations: recommended against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and malaria in the wet season.
- In the bag: The footwear must be continually paraded to access pagodas and monasteries where the socks are not allowed. Council long pants and light infradito and T-shirts or shirts. Bring mosquito repellent and a flashlight for the lack of electricity. There is no need to bring mosquito nets and sleeping bags.
- Currency: the kyats are the local currency but the U.S. is much appreciated. The change is best at the airport in
Yangon.
- Period: The Myanmar is subject to two seasons, dry and rainy. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The dry season runs from November to May.