From Bustling Yangon to Beautiful Beaches and Back Again

Wandering through the busy market streets there is chaos and order. You certainly couldn't be claustrophobic and travel easily here! Sitting on a small patch of sidewalk vendors sell all manor of vegetables, fish, meat and chickens. Even flowers as well as rice and beans. Ate some more street food then checked out the goods market. Lots of competition here... hope we get good prices when we return.
So many people making a kind of living selling fast food on the streets. I wonder how much they pay to rent a piece of sidewalk? Our friendly samosa man has a charcoal burner, one pan, some plastic bags, sauce and oil. Not a big investment.... I hope it makes him some money.

On Feb 1st (happy birthday Dave!) we head out to Ngwe Saung Beach by bus. If the bus doesn't start try incense and a prayer! It seemed to work. That or the aged spark plugs gave it one more try. Just as we were about to board this dodgy bus we were redirected to another. Seems the taxi dropped us off at the wrong place. Good thing we checked or we would have been sitting on grapefruit all the way to the beach.
The drive takes seven hours and is only 140+ kms. Gives you an idea of the shape the roads are in.
Today begins a three day kick back. The terraine we travel through is instantly different. Going west the land is flat and wet. Though it is the dry season many large wet patches remain. Ther are a lot of fish farms here. If you're reading this Russell I think the way you fished would be a lot more exciting. You can't even see the fish for the colour of the water. Could be a good idea to become vegetarian for the next few days!
Rice seems to be what most people are growing. Some peanuts and a reed which is used for weaving. Quaint bridges cross the canal. Some only a couple of bamboo poles to walk on and others are very intricate.
Our bus butts are pretty worn out. This bus might be a step up from the grapefruit 'truck' but there is little or no padding. Only making us slightly more uncomfortable than the two police checks we had to go through on the way.
Closer to the beach, after passing three large rivers, we get to an area of deforestation. I'd like to think they have reforested with teak but we found out the land has been sold by the government to the private sector for biofuels and rubber trees. This area was jungle with monkeys and elephants in it just three years ago. Now we drive for miles looking at rows and rows of little trees. Only jungle on the horizonBesides a monkey being tortured in Yangon, we have seen only birds, cats, dogs and farm animals. Passed an airport with a couple of fighter jets and a tour bus plane. Must be getting close. Not far from the airport the roads improved. Concrete slabs to the beach.
In town we are encouraged to "see my hotel... no cost... just looking! You like, you buy!" By tri-shaw and motor bike we arrived at a quaint little beach side resort. At $10/night we couldn't resist. Our friend Faye (with the shaky knees) was sunning herself in front of our bungalo.... we had no idea she was here!
The Bay of Bengal outside our window with waves crashing in thunderous applause at our arrival. Great body surfing.
We spent a wonderful few days here. Swimming, surfing, reading, resting and eating (yes we ate fish and it was amazing!!) The air is cleaner here but still the sunset reflects the eternal smog in the Asian atmosphere.
During our morning walk we watch a fisherman. His body taught, ready to spring in to action with his throw net. Monks walk casually along the shore with no rice bowls in hand. The mornings are crisp and cool while the afternoon climbs to around 35C.
The walk to town along this deserted stretch of white is idyllic. There are no seadoos... no noisy tourists. Just a couple of elephants wandering along with one of the keepers asleep in his saddle. The odd horse (read large pony) gallops hell bent for leather along the hard packed sand.
Our three night stay including a couple of dinners and snacks cost us around $50 Cdn. We felt safe and comfortable here even when they couldn't remember where they put our money belt.... we knew it would show up.
Back in Yangon on the 4th. We have a full day here tomorrow then hop on the plane to Bangkok and connect the next day to Phnom Phen.
We brought back a good laid back feeling from the beach as well as a few fleas we found in our freshly washed laundry. I guess you can't have everything. Good thing we have the flea powder with us and enough time to get it all washed.
Ain't life grand?