Tuesday 29 September - Hpa-an to Yangon - the alarm rang at 0600 (again) and after a substantial breakfast and finally packing we headed back to reception. We tried to settle the USD199 with the Visa unfortunately the line was down - it had been raining to be fair - so we scrabbled around for vast amounts of kyats !
Back in the bus discussion centred around our itinerary for the day. Although we had suggested an absence of caves and buddhas and plumped for the hot springs tour we headed to the 7th century caves - Saw Gon cave. The wall of the cliff had many carvings dating back to the 7th century many with Indian influence where Buddhism spread from. After some photos we were back in the bus and off to the hot springs and promised monkey plus a cave requiring a torch.
The road to the hot springs was being built - it was a dual carriage way but under construction - our destination was a welcome respite for out feet after the climb to the cave which was through a slightly run down monastery. The cave itself had a concrete path and electric light and a fine array of stalactites and stalagmites.
The journey to Yangon was long and uneventful. Lunch held the anticipated delight of a zoo (and free wifi) but as this was not in the itinerary after lunch we headed back on to the bus with no zoo break ! We did however lunch in VIP area with our own personal waiter !
Our plan was to get back to Yangon for a bout of shopping in the Scott market but it then seemed it shuts at 1700 and by the time we made our way through the terrible Yangon traffic we managed to get to the Shangri-la at 1645 ! Joy had left a bottle of baby Shampoo and after a long search by the hotel staff none was found. She then realised she had given them the wrong room number. So a bath and Happy Hour had to suffice !
Dinner was Japanese - a recommendation from the 12 year old concierge - at the Gecko restaurant. Joy ’s first experience of Japanese food.
Back in the bus discussion centred around our itinerary for the day. Although we had suggested an absence of caves and buddhas and plumped for the hot springs tour we headed to the 7th century caves - Saw Gon cave. The wall of the cliff had many carvings dating back to the 7th century many with Indian influence where Buddhism spread from. After some photos we were back in the bus and off to the hot springs and promised monkey plus a cave requiring a torch.
The road to the hot springs was being built - it was a dual carriage way but under construction - our destination was a welcome respite for out feet after the climb to the cave which was through a slightly run down monastery. The cave itself had a concrete path and electric light and a fine array of stalactites and stalagmites.
The journey to Yangon was long and uneventful. Lunch held the anticipated delight of a zoo (and free wifi) but as this was not in the itinerary after lunch we headed back on to the bus with no zoo break ! We did however lunch in VIP area with our own personal waiter !
Our plan was to get back to Yangon for a bout of shopping in the Scott market but it then seemed it shuts at 1700 and by the time we made our way through the terrible Yangon traffic we managed to get to the Shangri-la at 1645 ! Joy had left a bottle of baby Shampoo and after a long search by the hotel staff none was found. She then realised she had given them the wrong room number. So a bath and Happy Hour had to suffice !
Dinner was Japanese - a recommendation from the 12 year old concierge - at the Gecko restaurant. Joy ’s first experience of Japanese food.