BURMA'S RECIPE
Preparing time:
19 days on spot, or 2315 kms travelled.
Cooking time:
54 hours spent in 22 different transports.
Ingredients:
6 local buses
1 minivan
2 pick-ups (in the truck, for more taste)
7 Grabs
2 canoes
2 tuk-tuks
2 scooters
Seasonings:
1 museum to familiarize ourselves with the country's history
1 unforgettable humanitarian experience at Thabarwa Centre, including:
14 polished nails
1 song repeated daily
22 wheelchairs pushed
0 disease caught despite an almost non-existent hygiene and a dozen mosquito bites
A lot of smiles and infectious laughs
2 amazing reunions with former colleagues
1 good pair of sunglasses to protect ourselves from the blinding reflection of the golden Shwedagon Pagoda
2500 temples to admire (we recommend a selection)
1 pair of earplugs to overcome the morning karaokes
7 wandering puppies to cuddle
2 very early morning (not to say middle of the night) arrivals
1 half-night on the sofa of a hotel's reception
A 65-kms trek of 3 days including:
1 guide called David Beckham
5 big meals
1 night in a homestay and/or in a monastery
12 buffalos (at least)
1 refreshing swim in a river
1 giant beetle
2 invigorating showers with frozen water (plan a big towel to create a screen...)
1 pair of too-small hiking shoes
8 blisters
2 sunburns
1 traditional massage on arrival
A lot of breathtaking landscapes and many chilis
5 sunsets (pink or orange tones, to choose)
1 goat rescue
1 minivan journey worthy of Paris-Dakar
Method (overview):
YANGON
Visit of the Shwedagon Pagoda
Strolling in the streets and markets of the city
Discovery of the country's history with the AAPP museum
Unbelievable Humanitarian mission at Thabarwa Centre, to be discovered HERE
BAGAN
Wandering with a scooter among the 2000 temples classified at Unesco
Assisting at a sunrise AND a sunset on these 11th century vestiges
KALAW
Departure point of the trek linking Kalaw to Inle Lake
65 kms in 3 days/ 2 nights
1 night at a homestay and 1 in a monastery
INLE LAKE
Canoe excursion to meet traditional fishermen, floating gardens and craftsmen from the region
HPA-AN
Degustation of burmese dishes at the week-end night market
Delving into the Sadan cave
Admiring the surprising temple of Kyauk Ka Lat sitting on a rock
The bill (for 2): 508€
Positive feedbacks:
Rich history and culture
Not so many tourists so still an authentic country
Negative feedbacks:
Not very accomodating transportation (e.g. buses arriving in the middle of the night)
Dangerous and difficult to access some areas
To go further and read the recipe's full details, click HERE !
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