|
|
Pyin Oo Lwin (May Myo) Part I |
|
by Nan Mya Han
April and May are the hottest months in Yangon. Some people go to hilly regions to avoid scorching sun during this period. Pyin Oo Lwin located on Shan hill is a famous town for summer retreat. The town was previously called May Myo. British officials lived there in colonial times. There were number of Indians living in the town then. Indian descendants can be found there these days. There is a big mosque in the town.
We intended to visit the town two years ago. But we were reluctant to do so because it would cost a fortune to us. This year, we could make the long awaiting visit to Pyin Oo Lwin during the three-day holiday in May.
April 4 to May 1, 2004
On an air-conditioned coach, we left Yangon where the temperature was 40 degree Celsius. We arrived in Mandalay at 7 o'clock next morning. Although regular arriving time was at 8:30, we got there early this time. In the high way bus terminal in Mandalay, we saw people gathering passengers with the signs of destination such as Lashio, Muse, etc in their hands. But there were not any buses to Pyin Oo Lwin. When we made enquiry, it was said that buses run between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin from two or three stations in downtown Mandalay. So, we had to take a taxi to the bus station. Taxi fare is expensive compared to Yangon because there are not so many taxis in Mandalay.
Unfortunately, we had to waste about two hours waiting for the bus to arrive because buses bound for Pyin Oo Lwin were scarce on that day. At last, we could get on the bus at about 10 o'clock. It took us about one and half hours from Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin. I think we could have made the trip during the waiting time in Mandalay if we could take a bus earlier.The road from Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin is good because it was upgraded last year.
|
Tool gate between Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin
|
Once we arrived in Pyin Oo Lwin we had lunch. Then, we headed for the Kandawgyi hotel located outside the town. It is quite close to Botanical Garden. It was opened over a year ago. With good location, the hotel is quiet and has fine environs. Although the rooms are neat and tidy, modern facilities such as telephone, television and air-conditioner haven't been installed in the rooms yet. A hotel staff said that they would be installed soon.
|
Kandawgyi Hotel with good location
|
After taking a rest at the hotel, we spent some hours in the garden. Entrance fee is on the house for those who stay at the hotel. Visitors can go sightseeing on a car in the garden. Cars run on two routes. The charge for each route, which takes about twenty minutes, is K2500. You can negotiate with the driver to have a look at the places or to stop over at some places. It is a really wide garden. Another thing is that there was no couple in the garden. In Yangon, parks and gardens are dating place for couples. Almost all parks and gardens in Yangon are full of couples.
|
|
|
Back