Lots of malfunctions in Yangon
More specifically I am talking about my initial encounters in Yangon in Myanmar. As it is my first time I visit this country, I had no idea, but it is even worse here than expected. Dilapidated streets, parts of the road have been broken up, and not replaced. Apartment blocks where the paint is peeling of. Moreover, the electrical power supply malfunctions on a very regular basis. In the afternoon the power drops out twice in the hotel where I am staying. An emergency generator provides some basic lighting, but that remains a minimal thing.
Most Asian capitals are hardly appealing
I am not a big fan of most Asian capitals, and Yangon is not an exception to that. Fortunately, this city is a lot quieter than Hanoi for example, but that does not take away my feeling that I will get bored rather soon here. Anyway, I will try t make the best out of my stay. Today I visited the Sule Pagoda in the center of the city, an important monument of approximately 2000 years old. Though it has been rebuilt several times, the whole site hardly appeals to me.
People do not bother you in Myanmar
During my visit to the temple, I get to know Aji, a 26-year-old boy who wants to practice his English. He is not pushy, and that applies to the people I meet here in general, as I will learn along the duration of my stay. Nobody in Myanmar is bothering you explicitly. Aji even offers to buy me a drink afterward, quite rare that I am not ending up paying the bill, being a tourist. He does want to bring me to a more remote temple, but I refuse his offer. I also do not want to be pinned down from day one; after all, I want to create my own trip.
An unprepared and unfortunate visitor
Later that day I meet a guy from Poland who is also staying at the Ocean Pearl Inn. Fortune is not with him; his luggage has not arrived. As a matter of speaking, all he possesses is what he is wearing. Luckily for him, he does have the necessary funds upon him. He is a bit of a rash type. Apparently, he chose to visit this country without any preparation at all. Bringing a travel guide was not an option it seems. When I tell him about my intended travel highlights, Mandalay and Bagan, he claims he has never heard about these places before. There are more comfortable destinations in Asia for an unprepared visitor.
Dinner in an old colonial building
For dinner, I head to the Monsoon restaurant, located in a beautifully renovated old colonial building. The restaurant has a loungy atmosphere (also the background music adds up to that impression), with adapted mood lighting. They serve both Burmese, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian dishes, and the quality is excellent. Of course, prices are also made for Westerners, but it is worth it in my opinion. What I am less satisfied with is that the bill contains extra service charges plus a tax percentage. Well, that takes away my inclination for tipping.
The real journey starts after leaving the capital city of Myanmar
Though my first impressions of Myanmar have not sparked my enthusiasm, I can not say that I feel I have chosen the wrong destination. The real journey will start once I leave the capital city. I know that from previous trips to other countries, In Asia, but also to the continents I have been to. That is why this afternoon I already booked a domestic flight to Mandalay.
