The River to Mandalay

Getting up at 4am is something I avoid like the plague. I once read a magazine article about someone who tried to be a milkman but gave it up after 3 weeks because he couldn’t stand the early starts. I don’t think I’d have lasted 3 days.

But needs must and the journey to Mandalay from Bagan takes around 10-11 hours by boat so it sails at 5.30am.

All the blogs I read said take a blanket or warm clothing as it would be very cold early in the morning on the boat. Probably the same people that incited hysteria over the monkeys as it wasn’t very cold at all and a light shirt was enough.

What would have been useful information was to bring a cushion or a pillow to sit on as the bamboo chairs were mightily uncomfortable. 11 hours is a very long time to sit on something that feels as though it is scarring your backside for life.

Also, there are far fewer people doing the boat trip from Bagan to Mandalay than the other way round, so if you like plenty of room, you know what to do.

The sunrise was incredible and it was very pleasant sitting back and watching life on the river go by. So pleasant and soporific that we all fell asleep at some point. In fact it became a bit of a game to sneak up on the sleeper concerned and take a photo. Unfortunately I think this game has got legs. I might have to start chewing beetle nut to keep myself awake.

The river banks were lightly scattered with small villages where people were fishing,washing and generally enjoying the river. However further along we saw clusters of boats dredging and sifting for gold. The gold is used for gold leaf on Buddha statues but it does have a negative environmental impact on the river as does sand dredging.

The time passed relatively quickly and by 4pm we had arrived in Mandalay. In my haste to carry my suitcase off the boat and up the steep stairs, I forgot my rucksack. It wasn’t until I was about to get in the taxi that Steve asked where my rucksack was. Luckily the vary nice man who was in charge of feeding us all on the boat had noticed and was already half way up the stairs with it.

On our return to the hotel Yadanarbon, we were greeted like old friends which was very touching. The receptionist was so helpful when my phone sim was playing up and saved us from a visit to the nearest Ooredoo shop.

A swim, cocktail and quick shower had us ready for some very pleasant food at Jan and nick’s previous abode, the hotel Bagan.

Tomorrow Steve and I will visit Mandalay Hill tomorrow along with some shopping and potentially a visit to u Bein bridge – if we’ve got the energy.