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Friday, January 4, 2008

Do You have to Touch Base to Count?

Three countries today - if a silent transfer through Thailand counts. Yes, that was today, flew from Cambodia to Bangkok and transferred for a flight to Yangon. I'm counting that as three countries. It sure feels like three countries.

Burma. Already feeling the language barrier. Headed off to find a strip of cafes in the heart of Yangon. Not so easy to find especially without a map. Yangon has over 5 million people so it sprawls over a considerable area. Asking directions, not easy. One cab driver tried to help, he enlisted his friend, who motioned to another friend, who brought in a woman who could speak very elementary English. After a few minutes of polite smiles, hand waving, garbled directions on every side, it was time to head back to the hotel and collect outside reinforcements. Someone who could write directions on a piece of paper and a taxi driver to lead the way. And we were off. Again, not so easy. Were dropped off in a very interesting area of the city, with restaurants and shops. A rather poor section of town as dusk gathered. Across broken concrete and open sewer lines, it was a long walk until a friendly cab driver gave us a ride down to what he thought we were looking for - a Karoke bar. Stepping out of the stripped down to the metal floorboards, seventy era car, was to again face a walk. Fortunately, another cab showed up and one cab later - back at the hotel and supper at the buffet.

Tomorrow is another day.

Ryshia

1 comment:

Teresa said...

Wow! It sounds like you are on the Amazing Race! (Minus the time limits and big money in the end!) With an adventure like today, it's nice to know you have more time to start again tomorrow. Have fun! You should have some good stories to tell when you get back!