Notes from Burma
Dec 1st, 2011, 03:18 PM
#42
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HI Kathie. Glad all is going well and you are enjoying your trip. I am surprised at the temperature, I thought it would be a little cooler than that but maybe it is just a temporary heat wave.
I am wondering if you can give some advice what to bring as a gift to Min Thu. You said that you visited his family so does he have children? Or is there some computer softwear that we can bring for his new computer? Any advice would be great thanks.
I am wondering if you can give some advice what to bring as a gift to Min Thu. You said that you visited his family so does he have children? Or is there some computer softwear that we can bring for his new computer? Any advice would be great thanks.
Dec 1st, 2011, 05:09 PM
#43
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Shelley, as Jules says there are no taxis that we saw in Mrauk U. And in Sittwe, I did not see a line of taxis at the airport. Remember that this part of the country does not get many visitors, so they just don't have the infrastructure. So this is one of those times when I think it pays to have SM book transfers, even though the price seems high. It sounds like you will be walking distance to one big cluster of temples. You may need a half day of jeep and driver $25 incl tip through our hotel, so you may be able to arrange for less. For the majot sites, a half a day out of town is enough.
Dec 1st, 2011, 05:15 PM
#44
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Debbe, this is still the tropics, so expect hot during the day. We were here during a heat wave tow years ago, and the temps are lower this year. If you are going to Inle, it will be cold early mornings on the lake, so bring a jacket.
Min Thu does not have children, but does live with exetnded family. The computer is well-equipped with software. You might ask him if there is something you can bring him. I'll think about it more and post a suggestion if I can think of one.
Speaking of temperatures, it was really cold on the boat on the way back to Sittwe. We left at 6 am, and we were both wearing our jackets. The boat staff brought out blankets for us and we were grateful. Midday in MU is beastly hot.
Min Thu does not have children, but does live with exetnded family. The computer is well-equipped with software. You might ask him if there is something you can bring him. I'll think about it more and post a suggestion if I can think of one.
Speaking of temperatures, it was really cold on the boat on the way back to Sittwe. We left at 6 am, and we were both wearing our jackets. The boat staff brought out blankets for us and we were grateful. Midday in MU is beastly hot.
Dec 1st, 2011, 05:56 PM
#45
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Oh, one more thing... we did meet up with our friends at the Strand Bar last night. After that, they were headed to the Park Royal where Hillary and her entourage are staying. It's hard to get info here on what is happening, the only info is on the web. Excititng times here.
Dec 3rd, 2011, 01:12 AM
#49
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When we were with Min Thu in Bagan, he was taking some photos. I don't know if the camera was his or not. Do ask him.
We are now in Bangkok. On our way to the airport, one of thestreet sellers offered us a newspapr with a photo of ASSK and Hillary together. We didn't buy it, but then kicked ourrselves later. It's illegal to print photos of ASSK, so such papers only exist as an undergrund presence.
There was almost nothing about Hillary's visit in the local papers. Wwe had to get web access to knwo what was going on.
It was wonderful to get inot a car at the airport with all of its parts intact and with air conditioning! The taxis in Burma are such wrecks! we had a clean car with a good driver from the airport, so got his phone number and had him drive us back.
I'll try to work some on my report while I'm here. I'm glad to answer questions now that I have reliable and fast internet.
We are now in Bangkok. On our way to the airport, one of thestreet sellers offered us a newspapr with a photo of ASSK and Hillary together. We didn't buy it, but then kicked ourrselves later. It's illegal to print photos of ASSK, so such papers only exist as an undergrund presence.
There was almost nothing about Hillary's visit in the local papers. Wwe had to get web access to knwo what was going on.
It was wonderful to get inot a car at the airport with all of its parts intact and with air conditioning! The taxis in Burma are such wrecks! we had a clean car with a good driver from the airport, so got his phone number and had him drive us back.
I'll try to work some on my report while I'm here. I'm glad to answer questions now that I have reliable and fast internet.
Dec 5th, 2011, 01:55 AM
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Just a quick follow-up on Hillary's visit. Our friends headed over to the Park Royal after our drink together at the Strand. WHile the Park Royal was all gussied up, it wasn't where Hillary was staying, so they headed to the Chatrium. It was apparent they were right this time with all the security around. They stayed for a while and were eventually rewarded with a wave from Hillary.
