This morning, three of us jumped on the train to Bago, itching to see a different city and see some Burmese countryside, even if just from the train window.

Bago didn’t do much to impress at first, the train station is a bit of a dump.

In honesty, Bago in general is a bit of a dump. I’ve heard great things about it, but it’s either gone downhill since, or we missed the good bits, or perhaps it’s just not great in the rainy season.

If there’s one thing we did learn, it’s to ignore the first people that approach you when you step off the plane/train/bus. They’re usually over-charging time wasters. Or even if they mean well, they’re probably a bit annoying.

Still, we got away from the train station by each hopping onto the back of a scooter (I’ve never ridden pillion before, this was sort of a trial by fire, it was great) and getting a hotel room. After dumping our bags we hired bicycles for the day and rode off to find some food. After nearly being crushed, knocked off, swept aside, drowned, mauled and falling down a pothole about 4 bajillion times we stopped for chow at the “Royal Taste”. It was good enough, and being the only people in there we got top service and fresh cooked food. My Mynamar curry was amazing.

 

Venturing out again, we went to what was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, the Snake Monastery. Featuring a python who has lived in the monastery for 125 years (so it’s said), the snake is one of the largest in the world. And it’s right in front of you, being washed and pampered with care by the keepers.

We cycled on back to the hotel (3 crammed into a double room – cosy) and snacked on misc. Asian treats for dinner. Got to be up fresh and early for the train tomorrow – I’m headed North!