Almost ready...

A lazy day today before the off tomorrow.  The morning was spent collecting our tulip books and garmins, getting through scrutineering and, for me, marking up the tulip. 

We went to a supermarket to collect some supplies - always interesting in a foriegn country.  It was very well stocked, although some things, like chicken feet, would not be on my shopping list.  At lunch, we discovered that one of our team (Kate) has a sister who lives in our village: hello Charlotte! Small world.

We conducted a calibration route and found that all was well with our various navigational devices we have many, seemingly an extra one every time we rally - no getting lost for us!  Then, all the cars processed to the Shwedagon Pagoda.  We had a police escort, yet again, and caused quite a stir on the short journey.  Every single person either had their mouth open or they were grinning widely.  I can't imagine what reaction we will get in the more remote areas we will travel through.

It was interesting going to the pagoda again.  In daylight it felt quite different but we did notice lots of things that passed us by the first time.  For instance, in a country that has only just got ATM's there are two in the pagoda.  No excuse for not being able to give a donation now.  In order to gain good karma, people volunteer to clean the temples.  We witnessed a big floor cleaning operation.  A giant wet cloth, in a long strip, is controlled by volunteers with handles and the supervisor choreographs the pushing - genius. 

There was time for a lovely dinner with old friends, in the cool garden of an Italian restaurant. The perfect way to spend our last night before the 7.30 start tomorrow.  For the last time, the police are escorting us out, in a convoy, to the edge of the city before setting us free.  Can't wait.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A volcano and some frogs.

Image
Adcap I visited Costa Rica in 1996 when we spent three weeks driving all over and I absolutely loved it. This time, we spent hardly any time in the country, just a quick wiz through but with a great day off near La Fortuna, home of Arenal volcano and a wonder of the world. According to me, anyway.   In 1996, the volcano was going through an active phase and, during the day, there were multiple eruptions of volcanic ash.  It was at night though that we really struck lucky. We were staying at the Observatory Lodge, just a bit over a mile from the volcano and in an elevated position, so the view was astounding.  I was awakened by the bed shaking, I woke the kids up and we rushed outside to see the show. What a sight! Molten lava was exploding out of the top and running in rivulets down the side. It was one of the most exciting spectacles of my life.  Alas, this time it was not to be as it has been in a quiet phase since 2010. Never min
Read more

Yangon

Image
L We had a very easy day today.  There was not much rally stuff to do, except collecting the cars and reviving old friendships and making some new ones. Adrian and I set off for Scotts Market in the morning -  we were on a mission.  Adrian thinks he left his Tilley hat in a restaurant in Siem Reap, it has disappeared anyway.  Trying to buy a hat for such a large head in a land of small people is not easy.  He found a rather natty bamboo solar topee look alike in the market in super giant size though so the top of his head is saved.  The market was very orderly and clean, as is everywhere here, and was stuff to the gunnels with everything you could possibly need in life. Next door to the market is a magnificent Anglican Cathedral.  It is in surprisingly good condition inside and is set in beautifully tended gardens.  We talked to the Vicar who told us that there was not too big a congregation but, at least now, anyone can worship freely, unlike during the regime.  There was a little cha
Read more