globtr: Mandalay

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Mandalay Airport

2014 January, The Long Trip - Myanmar - Mandalay

When I checked all information about Myanmar I found that this is place is kind of military place or regime place. I was at the airport before 6 am because my bus from Inle Lake arrived so early. I took a taxi for 12,000 MMK (12 USD) from the bus terminal to the airport. I was surprised because of people working (sleeping) inside opened the door for me and I could rest and sleep inside. Wi-fi worked fine. Emigration and baggage control went smoothly and I was waiting for my plane. Either didn't they check if I had any rubies or sapphires or they did it in the way I didn't spot it. Near the gates were some shops and bars where they accepted card payments. Unfortunately, they had own exchange rate when you pay in US Dollars or by card.
I wish I'm back there soon as I didn't explore it.
If someone has time in April and would like to join me - let me know.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Mandalay - Burma

2014 January, The Long Trip - Burma, Mandalay

I heard a lot of different stories about Burma so it was time for me to check them myself.
My plane arrived on time and as it was suggested by my friend who came to Yangon a week earlier I exchanged my good quality dollars. It was my first surprise. They accept Euros, SGD, GBP and especially for this flight they provided exchange for THB. The exchange rate outside the terminal in Mandalay was slightly better. The best deal was offered by the owner of one guest house where we stayed. Unfortunately, they exchanged only US Dollars and the rate was 1 USD = 1000 MMK. From the airport to Mandalay I took a taxi and the price was 12,000 MMK (12 USD). The driver was happy to go for 10,000.00 MMK and I shared it with 3 more people. I met my friends in Mandalay and we started travelling together.
We booked a night train, ordinary class to Bagan for 4,000.00 MMK each (4USD) and we went to see a temple with a big statue of buddha - Muhamuni Buddha Temple. Afterwards, we went by taxi 10,000.00 MMK to an old wooden bridge U Bein's Bridge. A driver and his 2 assistants were waiting for us until the sun went down. We saw an amazing sunset there. In the evening we went by train to Bagan. We had ordinary class seats and it was a kind of experience. We were the only foreigners there.