We had a fairly late departure, and we lazed around the resort for part of the morning before the boats, and of course Tun Tun, arrived to pick us up. Boat to bus to plane…old hat for us now. On the way, Tun Tun stopped the bus in Nyaung Shwe so that we could visitContinue reading “The Time Travelers Reach Bagan—January 16”
Category Archives: Burma January 2019
Of Pagodas and Mudras—January 17
We started our day with a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda, the model for thousands of later temples throughout Myanmar. Like Shwedagon in Yangon, this pagoda is surrounded by a terrace with a wide variety of other structures: meditation halls, stupas, and other shrines. It is a long-held conviction that the Burmese king who founded Bagan,Continue reading “Of Pagodas and Mudras—January 17”
Up, up, and away—January 18
The day started very early–5:30 AM–for our pickup by Oriental Balooning! The Time Travelers had very generously included me in their ballooning adventure; my first experience was remarkable, and I was curious as to what the return would be like. The balloon companies are remarkably organized, with a military precision: pickup at the hotel inContinue reading “Up, up, and away—January 18”
Unwinding at the Beach—January 19
We had an earlyish flight to Thandwe, the airport that serves Ngapali Beach. As is often the case with Burmese airline schedules, ours was irrational: we flew back east to Heho and only then westward to Thandwe, passing directly over Bagan! We had an early inkling that our hotel might be a bit different fromContinue reading “Unwinding at the Beach—January 19”
Snorkeling and Celebrating—January 20
Eight of our number started the day with a snorkeling tour around Pearl Island, readily visible in the bay. They were picked up at 8:30, but before they left, Sue found a surprise in her room: Happy Birthday, Sue, from the staff at the hotel! Sunday morning a group of 9 intrepid mariners set forthContinue reading “Snorkeling and Celebrating—January 20”
May the Circle be Unbroken: Back to Yangon—January 21
We had a very leisurely last morning at our hotel on the beach and took off for Yangon at around noon. Before taking off, we did take an important, and representative, group shot: First stop in Yangon was the extremely glitzy mall across from the Sedona. Several of the time travelers wanted to purchase coffeeContinue reading “May the Circle be Unbroken: Back to Yangon—January 21”
Last day in Yangon: The parting of the company —January 22
Kathie, Maureen, and Mark had all departed early… we had said goodbye the night before. Sue, Margaret, Bob, and I had breakfast with Rory and Pravan before they hopped in the cab for the trip to the airport and on to Bangkok. Tun Tun had arranged for a van for the remaining intrepid six travelers,Continue reading “Last day in Yangon: The parting of the company —January 22”