We started with some confusion on the wake up calls. Clearly one at 0615 and the other at 0630 was a problem and things got the wrong way round so departure was rescheduled to 0820.
The road from Yangon turned eventually turned into 10 lane toll highway with no traffic on it - the New Road !! It soon became a 4 lanes and finally ground to a halt in a market town. At this stage we are in the country with the mountains ahead and with rice paddies, water buffalo and rubber plantations. And pomelo in every wayside stall. We did come across the motorway service station where Joy was the cause celebre and the local children followed her to the Ladies which was a paper-less loo.
Lunch was offered as ‘local’ or a ’hotel’ - are some consternation from Stuart, that seasoned Asia traveller, we went ‘local’. This was the best choice as it was a large restaurant. Asparagus, Beans, aubergine and corn and rice with soup and fresh coconut all for USD 12.00.
Our destination was the GSR - The Golden Sunrise Resort - where we had an hour before heading to the bus station and the Open Truck which was the means of heading up the mountain.
Pete has described it all as ‘roller coaster’ which upset Stuart who only manage to the first stop on the way up.
The truck approached the steep hills with gusto but soon slowed to a 20kph gear grinding bum numbing journey as we were perched on piece 6x2 plank with limited suspension.
At the top we backed into the disembarking bay and climbing down a set of metal steps we headed up into the temple complex. However as we approached all we could hear was moans and groans as 50 men tries to manhandle a full generator up a steep flight of steps. As we entered the complex we took off ours shoes and headed to the Golden Rock itself as the sun broke through.
As we made our way back the mist descended and drops of rain began to fall. Back at the bus station 5 buses finally arrived and having clambered on board the other 4 left as it seems our was nominated the final bus of the day - departing at 1800. However as we waited so the monsoon began.
At 1800 we headed down the hill in a grinding second gear - the rain began to fall not helped by a 20 minute wait at the old bus station half way down to wait for the final uphill trucks. The rain got decidedly heavier and by the time we reached the bottom we were two drowned rats finally heading back to the hotel and a hot shower.
Dinner was a simple meal of rice and vegetables ! And a very passable bottle of white Red Mountain Myanmar wine !
Day 2 - The Monsoon and the Golden Rock ‘Kyaiktiyo’ Monastery
