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My Day 3

From: Helen
Date: 13 Apr 2006

Comments                                                                                   [Itinerary]

Day 3 – April 13

The drive from Yangon to Mawlamyine was an experience. To go south we went north, then east and finally headed south. The roads are bitumen, not very wide and used by all manner of transport:

  • Shank’s pony (feet for those who are unaware of this mode of transport),
  • bicycles,
  • trishaws,
  • oxen drawn carts,
  • horse drawn carts,
  • cars of all shapes and sizes,
  • small and large trucks,
  • and very large timber jinkers.

And then there's the livestock:

  • oxen,
  • dogs,
  • goats,
  • pigs
  • and chickens.

I didn’t actually see all the four legged critters cross the road, but they were on the side of the road and more than capable of crossing it!

The road rules are a tad vague but our driver understood them as did everyone else with whom we shared the road. A friendly toot and the car in front happily moved over. This is scary particularly if a vehicle is coming at you from the opposite direction, but not to worry, everyone slows down and the undertaking is accomplished. The strategy works because the average speed on the roads in Myanmar must be about 40 kilometers an hour! Add to all this, Myanmar drives on the wrong side of the road anyway! According to Moe they did drive on the left until one day the Generals decided a change was in order. And so it was!

A further impediment to our journey was the Thinggyan or Water Festival. This is the main festival on the Buddhist calendar - end of one year, the beginning of another, and all that means from a religious, personal and community perspective. The Water Festival is three days of religious activities and just plain fun.

The main form of fun is water throwing. Anything goes from a little sprinkle to a pressure hose and everything in between. Everyone takes part, from the young to the old and everyone, dripping wet, has an absolute ball. The feelings of happiness, fun, mischief, co-operation and community is palpable and infectious.

As much of the water throwing is carried out from the road side and the groups of water throwers can be rather large, the traffic slows down to a crawl mostly to be involved in the festivities but also for the safety of the dancing water throwers. We had the windows up, naturally, as the car had aircon, so we were safe but the car was hit numerous times.

Another something that never ceased to astound me was the public transport system. I guess it's one way of getting around but comfortable, it couldn't be!

The passengers may be packed like sardines in a tin but they don't seem the least bit perturbed. The Myanmar attitude of "Hurry up and wait"  is evident. Not so crowded, these passengers have room to breath.


In Mawlamyine we stayed at the Ngwe Moe Hotel, which is across the road from one of the many pandals (outdoor theatres) erected for the festivities. The festivities were in full swing, with singing and dancing and of course water throwing.

I was in bed and asleep by 8 o'clock, despite all the fun occurring outside. Vespers roared up and down; the music was loud; everyone enjoyed themselves, throwing water and being drenched themselves. And why not? The Water Festival is the one time in the year when the Mayanmar have a break from the daily grind of survival and enjoy themselves. I thought it was great and besides, I slept through the whole thing.
The singing and dancing haven't started yet but the water is flowing. The festivities are in full swing. Dancing, singing and hosing are all part of the scene.
Last changed: Saturday October 18, 2014