Pyin U Lwin

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 We took the Swamp Walk which in the West would more euphemistically be called the 'wetland walk' then followed the elevated timber walkway into the upper reaches of the trees.   We checked out the new Nan Myint Observation Tower, completely clad in teak and resembling a lighthouse.   Leading up to a very large empty car park was the best road in Myanmar, we wondered why?  My guess, confirmed by Mr Benny was that it was opened by Secretary # 1

         

           
 

There are 430 acres of forest, lawns, flower beds, topiary a formal rose garden, orchid house, bamboo grove, and lake

At the entrance to the gardens is a recently installed swimming pool, they were laying the patio in 2002.  At that time there were many local swimmers but this time it was quite empty.   The cost to foreigners is now 1000 kyat, I hope they haven't raised the local price beyond the means of the towns people to pay

         

         
Squeezing into our transport for the ride to Anisakan where we would begin our hike to the falls

         

         

There were 6 large foreigners in the back, two women the driver and a baby in the front and a trio of men hanging on the back to give us a push if needed and all manner of goods and produce on the roof

         

Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall

Strawberry fields forever

We began our hike  with a gentle walk alongside the strawberry fields for which the area is famous.  The decent was another story and I began to wonder if I would have the strength for the climb back
The waterfall at the bottom was well worth the effort.  When we arrived we were alone but were soon joined by local teenagers and a couple of monks.  Some energetic souls climbed up to the rocks over which the water flows but I was content where I was
                                 

   School children in the ubiquitous army green truck                         

 
The Gokteik Viaduct

In 2005 I got to tick the viaduct off my bucket list.   The military were still posting guards on the train to prevent photography

It was a case of be careful what you wish for. Just 90 minutes from Hsipaw we were stranded in a freight yard while our engine was taken to tow another with two freight cars which had broken down.  Two hours later it came back and instead of collecting us, it took off again returning a further two hours later with more freight cars.  Obviously they were more important than a handful of foreigners and hundreds of locals, their babies, children, livestock and produce.   We finally got in to Hsipaw 5 hours late.  Where is Mussolini when you need him?
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