This was a tour that was a real exdperience for us all. There were just 19 of us, which was a good number. Our TM was Branwen. She had not been in Myanmar before, and was enjoying the exploration as much as we were.
Our local guide was Naing Naing, surely the best guide I have ever come across. His knowledge of the country and Buddhism were first rate. He never needed to refer to any notes, and educated us all in the ways of the people.
It was really important to see this country nowe, as it is in a state of building for the future. Yangon in particular, is a vast, modern city for the 21st century. In the more rural areas, bamboo huts still abound, though brick structures are now being constructed. We were able to see how the country used to be, how it is now, and also how it will be in the near future. A visitor returning in 10 years time would not recognise it.
The tour party was hit by waves of illness, but the cause could not be pinpointed to a specific point. Some thought our lunch with the nuns might have been a reason, but I was ill on Day 8, and had no far eastern food.
Naing did an excellent job for me as I could not eat a lot of the food in the more local restaurants, and urged them to cook alternate dishes for me, such as omelette, fish
The sunsets on the boat and on the beach were very memorable, although the middle one that was on the temple was rather unnecessary.
A word of warning for those entering temples barefoot: though this is well known, there are patches of rough ground to walk across, which could be difficult for someone with soft feet, like myself. I had to turn down a couple of temple visits as a result. That bsaid, I think there were a couple of temple visits too many.
My favourite temple was the Temple of Harmony. We were lucky in catching families with their children beautifully dressed up to go there. Later, when visiting a bamboo village, we had the rare occasion of seeing an elephant decorated as part of the religious ceremony, along with the horses.
The add-on was a very arduous journey, lasting over six hours from Yangon, due to the heavy traffic in the big city. The beach resort was a real paradise, with golden sands, warm sunshine. An ideal way to chill out after a strenuous tour.
The flight back home was a night flight, which wasn't easy as I can't sleep on planes. Sensibly, I booked a day at the Heathrow Hilton before catching the train home.
A fantastic tour, carried out by a great TM and local guide. Be sure to see this wonderful country before the modern world takes it over.
Best Wishes, Graham