Tag 125: Train journey through the mountains

This morning we had to wake up very early, at 3:15 am, because our train left at 4 o'clock towards Hispaw. When we arrived at the train station, we were pretty tired and looked for our train and got on. The train ride started right on time at a slow pace. Since it was still dark outside, I quickly fell back asleep and woke up again just in time for the sunrise. After the train left the city, the route became more winding and steeper. At some points, the train went forward and backward in a zigzag up the mountain. The absolute highlight of the train journey, besides the beautiful view, was crossing a 110-meter high bridge, which is still preserved from the British colonial period. After 11 hours of shaking, rattling, and noise, we reached Hispaw. There, we looked for a bus company to take us back to Mandalay. We spent the time until the bus left in a small café. The bus ride was only about half as long as the train ride. However, the bus driver dropped us off right on the outskirts of the city. It was so far outside that not even taxis were driving here. So, after an already exhausting day, we set off on foot to the city. According to Google Maps, it would be about a two-hour walk. Along the way, we tried hitchhiking, and after about 20 minutes of walking, a man on his tricycle picked us up and took us to our hostel. After being on our feet for over 22 hours, we fell into bed completely exhausted.