Myanmar Yangon

Thursday, 31.01.2019

Now we are flying to Burma, Myanmar or Miǎndiàn? Anyway, we are flying to a warm and interesting country with a rich history, in Southeast Asia, where we will also meet Katrin's father and his wife. That was our plan.

Actually, I wanted to experience the New Year celebrations in China, but I was advised against it. Since most Chinese people visit their relatives, it will probably be very quiet in the cities. Fireworks are also not allowed in Suzhou or Shanghai, so it doesn't make sense unless you want to ride a bicycle undisturbed. Anyway, we noticed that many restaurants announced that they would be closed in the first week of February.

In any case, we planned the trip well in advance and flew on Wednesday, 30.01. via Kunming in western China to Rangoon or Yangon as it is called now. We felt comfortable immediately. It is exotic here.

People have a natural beauty here, men walk around in a long wrapped skirt called 'Longjie' and women have all applied Burmese sunscreen, 'Thanaka', on their faces.

Right at the airport, we met a taxi driver who convinced us with his really friendly manner and the music playing in the car (Burmese metal).

The traffic is on the right side of the road, but that's only been the case since 1970. Originally, they had left-hand traffic, of course, because Myanmar was once a British colony, but it was changed according to a dream of the former head of state. However, most cars still have the steering wheel on the right because they come from Japan or are simply old.

We ended the day of arrival with a delicious local dinner. They eat rice and curry here. The curry is spicy but not hot. Very delicious!