Ngapali/Yangon

Despite his injuries, Steve did manage to enjoy the rest of our stay . We even hired some bikes to explore the tip of Ngapali. The road is pretty and lined with palm trees and greenery. At The end of the road is a fishing village where the fish caught is either dried or packed up in polystyrene boxes, ready to be shipped. It’s all very small scale. We were enough of a curiosity for the kids to want to high five us, which is quite difficult when you are riding a bike.

All too soon it was time to leave the sea, sand and gorgeous sunsets and retrace our steps back to Yangon. From there, the Fab Four part ways. we fly on to Bangkok and Jan and Nik fly to Phuket, to meet up with some other friends.

To say goodbye in style, both to Myanmar and each other, we had cocktails at The Strand Hotel. A beautiful colonial building, the bar area is kitted out in typical “days of the Raj” style – teak floors and chesterfield sofas with tartan cushions. Jan and I went for the Pimms. We’ve drunk way too much g&t on this trip. The gin costs $2 a bottle so silly not to, but I am grateful to still have my sight.

J and N had departed by the time we were up and about, and it felt quite odd not seeing them at breakfast. We shall miss them.

To avoid just hanging around waiting for our evening flight, we decided to take a stroll to the river where the old buildings are and find the park we drove past last night.

This is a much more interesting part of Yangon and I might have been a bit unfair in saying Yangon has no charm. The port buildings and old warehouses are fascinating reminders of the days when Rangoon as it was known then was administered by the British. Some of the buildings are decaying, but many are being spruced up and made into luxury hotels and chic apartments. Opposite the park was what looked like a theatre or opera house which was stunning.

On the way to the airport, our taxi driver took an alternative route and we drove past very grand houses, again from the early 1900’s. Some of them were in desperate need of some tlc, others tucked away in lush gardens, were completely renovated, presumably by the new rich or military bigwigs. (Or both)

So goodbye Myanmar. It’s been an absolute blast. Everyday has brought something new. I love it and will be back. I hope you don’t lose your friendliness and beauty. I do hope those people who are struggling can be helped more. The way some people are living is truly heartbreaking.

And now – Thailand. A flying visit to Bangkok followed by 5 nights in Koh Chang. Will it disappoint after the magic of Myanmar? We shall see.