Today was the last day. Every body was early today also. We got up early for we had to take the bus, which would leave for Yangon at 7 am. It was a bit far from here, they guest house, to the bus stand. When we bought bus tickets yesterday. They easily agreed to pick us up at our place. Nobody can understand what will happen next in Myanmar. We went out of the guesthouse to road to wait for the bus since 6.30 am. Almost every buses-those just arrived in Chaungtha, family cars and those that wanted to get on the road like us- were crowded. A few minutes after 7 am, the bound for Yangon, which we were to take, came. The same as the coming trip to Chaungtha, the car did not have a wiper. When we got on the bus, it was so crowded there were passengers at narrow aisle. We made reservation in advances, so there were two vacant seats only for us. It took us for some time to reach our places. They did not care whether we got to our places or not. The car drove our once we got on the bus. So I made up my mind not to come here again at this time of a year, gazing the beach that was gradually far behind.

Our bus met face to face with another car when we reached a narrow bridge. As a rule, a car has to give up. But this time no one seemed to give up. The driver of our bus only scolded the conductor in a loud voice and spoke no other words. After some time, the smaller pick-up gave up and made way. One tire of our bus bust just after crossing the bridge. It might be so because of their evil manner. It took about 20 minutes to replace a new tire. While they were replacing the tyre, the car drove out on the hill road.

On the way, my husband said "I can smell something nasty." We took a look at the side from where the smell came. I could see a child from front seat was vomiting at the window because of carsickness. The smell came to us with the wind. The road might be a bit rough for a child. The event was the same as coming trip. The parents neglected the child. They seemed to have nothing to do with the child. His brother was helping him. The scene was really ridiculous. Although the child hardly stands his head, once he saw the water throwers, his eyes became bright. And he said to the back of the car and to me "Let's shut the window, there are many water throwers waiting for the bus." He was a real child. The child who was familiar with the people throws water at the passengers along aisle, my husband and me. So the bus got wet. After taking ferry, the cars left the jetty for Pathein one after another. All passengers had to get on the smaller cars to go to another bus stand from Pathein. The bus from Chaungtha seemed to go back to Chaungtha. The buses had to drive only near this bus stand. It seemed that the buses were not allowed to enter town center during Thingyan. I thought that I would get wet if we went to that stand on this car that had no cover. The truck began its trip. As I thought earlier, all throw water at us. We could do nothing, no protection. When we reach the bus stand, we all got wet. We got on the bus, which was waiting for us. At this time, the car carried two times of passengers than earlier. The bus drove out with crowded passengers. I could not help thanking myself for making reservation earlier. The men who could sleep among crowded people were very clever. There were those who slept standing, with their feet outside the car and etc. Although it was dangerous they could sleep soundly keeping their balance.

A friend of mine could sleep at everywhere. But he might not manage to sleep in such a bad situation. I could see toughness of Myanmar people as a flashlight. They gave us some time to stretch our legs. And we continued the rest of our trip, when we get to Yangon it was about 4 pm.

We were really exhausted. We would like to stay at the beach a little longer. But it would not make any difference whether we stayed in Yangon or at the beach. I came to the conclusion that next time we should avoid long holiday like this there were many people on the beach. But I told myself; it was lucky to have a chance to see the Thingyan Festival of many regions. After we got off the bus, we were thrown water again. We kept a plan in mind to take revenge on them throwing water, we hurriedly walked to our residence.

Water festival in Changthar