The streets of Yangon

Gone are the days when peace and tranquility were the ideal community. After much travelling and the fun that comes with it, i have embraced the variety there is in life.

Upon exiting Yangon international airport, I'd say I was impressed at the climate and orderliness there is outside.

From there, a 30 minute cost saving walk to the highway, and the story has flipped over. Sidewalk vendors, odd transports (pick up trucks as commuter vehicles), and some packed buses... I smiled. This is in fact my type of destination.

After much asking on how to get to Sule Pagoda (where my accomodation is at), and not really a definite instruction (because I could not get it in usable english), i decided to try some of what is sold alongside.

At first, I was kind of hesitant to spend anything since we were talking in hundreds, but after some calculation, I realized it's even cheaper than what I normally pay for.

So, then I managed to get to Sule Pagoda (see story here for Myanmar commute); It's 10pm and my travel buddy for this trip hasn't had dinner.

I washed up a little and some asking around again brought us to Chinatown.

The sight of the ingredients available would tell you how gratifying the dinner would be; the aste of which I'd have to pay 5 times in specialty restaurants in my city.

In the 19th street along Mahabandoola road are chains of stalls of restaurants, grills, and steam boats that serve beer too. It goes quite lively at night when people gather to drink. This side of Mahabandoola road is more popularly referred to as chinatown, and i'd say it is for being a marketplace, since i did not really see much chinese (or at least chinese looking) people here.

Beetlenut chew vendors are also everywhere, perhaps every 200meters and throughout the day and night (but of course rarer as the night goes deeper). You'd see a man sitting on top a high chair, rubbing some liquid on leaves that are wrapped onto cracks of the bettlenut.

On daytime, the street could look differently. Some of the cornerside restaurants disappear before sun up, and come vendors of a myriad of goods; From antiques, to poster displays, cosmetics, wardrobe, hardware, etc. I was surprised that someone is making a living out of what i'd normally ditch straight into the garbage.

Once in a while, you'd come across some places flocked by pigeons next to a man who sells corn to those who'd want to feed the pigeons.

Not everyone in Myanmar too has mobile phones, and so another common sight at corners are payphone services.

There will be the occasional beggars too who'd tell you the struggle of its people. 

Stalls selling used and new books; from school textbooks, religious writings, and fiction.

And of course, there's Ko Ko Nung who does your painting and postcards right in the streets.

Gone are the days when peace and tranquility were the ideal community. After much travelling and the fun that comes with it, i have embraced the variety there is in life.

Upon exiting Yangon international airport, I'd say I was impressed at the climate and orderliness there is outside.

From there, a 30 minute cost saving walk to the highway, and the story has flipped over. Sidewalk vendors, odd transports (pick up trucks as commuter vehicles), and some packed buses... I smiled. This is in fact my type of destination.

After much asking on how to get to Sule Pagoda (where my accomodation is at), and not really a definite instruction (because I could not get it in usable english), i decided to try some of what is sold alongside.

At first, I was kind of hesitant to spend anything since we were talking in hundreds, but after some calculation, I realized it's even cheaper than what I normally pay for.

So, then I managed to get to Sule Pagoda (see story here for Myanmar commute); It's 10pm and my travel buddy for this trip hasn't had dinner.

I washed up a little and some asking around again brought us to Chinatown.

The sight of the ingredients available would tell you how gratifying the dinner would be; the aste of which I'd have to pay 5 times in specialty restaurants in my city.

In the 19th street along Mahabandoola road are chains of stalls of restaurants, grills, and steam boats that serve beer too. It goes quite lively at night when people gather to drink. This side of Mahabandoola road is more popularly referred to as chinatown, and i'd say it is for being a marketplace, since i did not really see much chinese (or at least chinese looking) people here.

Beetlenut chew vendors are also everywhere, perhaps every 200meters and throughout the day and night (but of course rarer as the night goes deeper). You'd see a man sitting on top a high chair, rubbing some liquid on leaves that are wrapped onto cracks of the bettlenut.

On daytime, the street could look differently. Some of the cornerside restaurants disappear before sun up, and come vendors of a myriad of goods; From antiques, to poster displays, cosmetics, wardrobe, hardware, etc. I was surprised that someone is making a living out of what i'd normally ditch straight into the garbage.

Once in a while, you'd come across some places flocked by pigeons next to a man who sells corn to those who'd want to feed the pigeons.

Not everyone in Myanmar too has mobile phones, and so another common sight at corners are payphone services.

There will be the occasional beggars too who'd tell you the struggle of its people. 

Stalls selling used and new books; from school textbooks, religious writings, and fiction.

And of course, there's Ko Ko Nung who does your painting and postcards right in the streets.

Read More »

Travelling between Singapore and Malaysia

How to cross from Singapore to Malaysia

At the Kranji MRT station in Singapore, take the 170 bus that go to Johor. 

At the woodlands checkpoint, get off the bus to get immigration exit clearance. Be quick as you'll have to get back to the bus.

The bus will then again stop at the Malaysian Immigration, get entry clearance. From there, take again the 170 bus that go to Larkin. In Larkin is the terminal to the other parts of Malaysia (KL, Malacca, etc).

Use of Malaysian money will begin right after immigration, so be ready with at least a few for the bus ride to Larkin.

In Larkin, there will be money changers where rate is 2.5MYR=SGD1.

If you're heading all the way to Kuala Lumpur, there will be 2 destinations to choose from, TBS or PUDU RAYA. Bus fare is MYR35 and travel shall take 4-5 hrs depending on the  driver and traffic condition.

City express and Transnational are the recommended bus lines.

City express will have one quick goilet stop after 2.5hrs and approximately after 170 kms. There are no meals nor vendors in this stop except for this small truck that sells some drinks and chips. Suggested taking your meal before hand.

The other alternative is to take the train (although the whole trip between sinagpore to kuala lumpur takes 8hours). The seats are comfortable, even those economy class,  so, in case you're backpacking, you can take the night trips and keep your accomodations expense for a night.

Between the first class and economy class seats is a canteen that serves nasi lemaks (5.50MYR) , mee gorengs(5.50MYR), sandwiches(2.50MYR and up), and drinks (includig coffee 2.5MYR). 

There is a comparable difference in the fare whether you buy it within malaysia or singapore. A ticket bought in malaysia (kl-sg) costs 34MYR and if bought from Singapore, will be 34SGD. So, if coming from SG, take the bus to Johor Bahru (SGD1.30) and from Johor Bahru, take the train to Kuala Lumpur.

In case you'd like to drop my Melaka, the nearest sation to alight is Tampil.

How to cross from Singapore to Malaysia

At the Kranji MRT station in Singapore, take the 170 bus that go to Johor. 

At the woodlands checkpoint, get off the bus to get immigration exit clearance. Be quick as you'll have to get back to the bus.

The bus will then again stop at the Malaysian Immigration, get entry clearance. From there, take again the 170 bus that go to Larkin. In Larkin is the terminal to the other parts of Malaysia (KL, Malacca, etc).

Use of Malaysian money will begin right after immigration, so be ready with at least a few for the bus ride to Larkin.

In Larkin, there will be money changers where rate is 2.5MYR=SGD1.

If you're heading all the way to Kuala Lumpur, there will be 2 destinations to choose from, TBS or PUDU RAYA. Bus fare is MYR35 and travel shall take 4-5 hrs depending on the  driver and traffic condition.

City express and Transnational are the recommended bus lines.

City express will have one quick goilet stop after 2.5hrs and approximately after 170 kms. There are no meals nor vendors in this stop except for this small truck that sells some drinks and chips. Suggested taking your meal before hand.

The other alternative is to take the train (although the whole trip between sinagpore to kuala lumpur takes 8hours). The seats are comfortable, even those economy class,  so, in case you're backpacking, you can take the night trips and keep your accomodations expense for a night.

Between the first class and economy class seats is a canteen that serves nasi lemaks (5.50MYR) , mee gorengs(5.50MYR), sandwiches(2.50MYR and up), and drinks (includig coffee 2.5MYR). 

There is a comparable difference in the fare whether you buy it within malaysia or singapore. A ticket bought in malaysia (kl-sg) costs 34MYR and if bought from Singapore, will be 34SGD. So, if coming from SG, take the bus to Johor Bahru (SGD1.30) and from Johor Bahru, take the train to Kuala Lumpur.

In case you'd like to drop my Melaka, the nearest sation to alight is Tampil.

Read More »

Ko Ko Nung: Myanmar's Sidewalk Painter

It's my lastday in this trip in Myanmar and I thought I'd probably enjoy a walk around the city.

After checking out from Mahabandoola guesthouse at 11, there is 6 more hours to spend.

I walked towards the bogyoke market to check out the commodities there. Back in my second day, I have passed by the market but didn't really get to walk in the inner side where the better bargains are probably in.

Meantime, along Aung San road en route to the market,  a guy draws some paintings on cardboards and postcards.

Back in my visit to the market 2 days ago, I've seen some postcards which are said to be handpainted. I was amazed at how cheap they cost compared to the rare craftmanship required to make one.

And this is far different. He does it right in my face. 

Further, later, I asked him If I can sit beside him while I watch him do what I'd later buy from him.

He could speak good english, so while doing his work, I asked him a few; Trained by his father who did the same living, he, now 18, started working on the sidewalks when he was 9. 

Everyday (except mondays) he'd go to this same sidewalk to paint his landscapes using oil, a knife, a few colors and brushes.

First, he lays the background with some diluted paint and rub across with a rag. Then, he'd scatter some thicker and concentrated paint, with a brush around the paper into something looking loose and senseless. He then grabs the knife and tunes the paint into a distinct remarkable figures and set.. A tree, a roof, a boat, river, walkway, stone, etc. 

I thought paints and brushes were enough to paint; Yet, it was the knife that made it more vivid and detailed.

I wanted to show him some landscapes from my phone and ask him to copy, but I was afraid he might not be able to do it (or, at least, get it as perfect as what those he has done so far); He might have not done anything like in my pictures before, or perhaps didn't have the appropriate materials to accomplish what I want; Neither did I want to leave anyway with lost confidence from what I've already seen. . I did not want him to feel bad about saying no, or me loosing confidence too. I just let him do his thing and sign the last one with my name on it. After all, it's just 1500Ks (p70).

I don't normally buy crafts that will end up being (hand) carry ons later, but for this genuine art, i'll make it an exception. I knew i'll have to carry it separately, but I won't mind for now. I'll have this framed once I get home.

I look forward to a day when Ko Ko Nung will have his own shop, if not a galery. 

For someone, who is aging through his country's struggle for development, to see a brilliant young, in his country that's now chasing all that they've been ripped off, I can only sigh and tell him in my mind, "Oh  you (we) deserve better." 

It's my lastday in this trip in Myanmar and I thought I'd probably enjoy a walk around the city.

After checking out from Mahabandoola guesthouse at 11, there is 6 more hours to spend.

I walked towards the bogyoke market to check out the commodities there. Back in my second day, I have passed by the market but didn't really get to walk in the inner side where the better bargains are probably in.

Meantime, along Aung San road en route to the market,  a guy draws some paintings on cardboards and postcards.

Back in my visit to the market 2 days ago, I've seen some postcards which are said to be handpainted. I was amazed at how cheap they cost compared to the rare craftmanship required to make one.

And this is far different. He does it right in my face. 

Further, later, I asked him If I can sit beside him while I watch him do what I'd later buy from him.

He could speak good english, so while doing his work, I asked him a few; Trained by his father who did the same living, he, now 18, started working on the sidewalks when he was 9. 

Everyday (except mondays) he'd go to this same sidewalk to paint his landscapes using oil, a knife, a few colors and brushes.

First, he lays the background with some diluted paint and rub across with a rag. Then, he'd scatter some thicker and concentrated paint, with a brush around the paper into something looking loose and senseless. He then grabs the knife and tunes the paint into a distinct remarkable figures and set.. A tree, a roof, a boat, river, walkway, stone, etc. 

I thought paints and brushes were enough to paint; Yet, it was the knife that made it more vivid and detailed.

I wanted to show him some landscapes from my phone and ask him to copy, but I was afraid he might not be able to do it (or, at least, get it as perfect as what those he has done so far); He might have not done anything like in my pictures before, or perhaps didn't have the appropriate materials to accomplish what I want; Neither did I want to leave anyway with lost confidence from what I've already seen. . I did not want him to feel bad about saying no, or me loosing confidence too. I just let him do his thing and sign the last one with my name on it. After all, it's just 1500Ks (p70).

I don't normally buy crafts that will end up being (hand) carry ons later, but for this genuine art, i'll make it an exception. I knew i'll have to carry it separately, but I won't mind for now. I'll have this framed once I get home.

I look forward to a day when Ko Ko Nung will have his own shop, if not a galery. 

For someone, who is aging through his country's struggle for development, to see a brilliant young, in his country that's now chasing all that they've been ripped off, I can only sigh and tell him in my mind, "Oh  you (we) deserve better." 

Read More »

Our Alumni Homecoming in Myanmar

queue in the train station of Myanma Railways in Yangon, Myanmar

The Myanma Railways train to Bago, Myanmar

This is my first time in Myanmar and never did I attend school in myanmar. It wasn't even in our itinerary that  we'lll be going here for an occassion, other than just checking out the world's tallest pagoda.

I and Jherson woke up nearly 5am to prep up for the first trip to Bago. As we walk in the train towards our seat, a guy smiles and stares at us as if he accidentally meets a long lost acquiantance; greets us, and as rarely do we get to speak with a local in english, we continued til some conversation.  

view from inside the Myanma Railways

sunrise along the way to Bago, Myanmar

the cold weather as we go up north to Bago, Myanmar

Htet Paing (prnounced tep phai) used to live in Bago, and today, now based in Yangon, he will be attending a worship: what translate to our 'alumni homecoming'. 

The ebony of the conversation proceeded to some breakfast, and then showing us in to the school.

Bago, Myanmar

having coffee with newfound friends

Ordered black coffee and served this; tastes good with the sour kick

It was an antique primary school, which woods would tell how long the institution has been around. The books around the rooms would tell too how many young minds it has molded through time.

Majority of the attendees were probably the teachers who have taught in the school along with their students who, as a matter of respect, attends this annual event to pay courtesy to their teachers.

As they do to every incoming guest, they asked us to squat and and followed through with a serving of coffee and bread. A little while later, we were asked to fix up our seating as the programme will start.

None of the words that came out was something to our understanding. I asked Htat once in a while as the speaker speaks, and it seems it was a sermon on to the wisdom on education.

I could see jherson falling to his drowsiness once in a while.

Then, we were asked to put our hands together and bow. We repeated whatever the speaker spoke (just like in a mass) and i felt awfully good that I could catch 100% of the lines.

After that, htat asked we leave. We were trying to catch the afternoon train back to Yangon, and we had to get on going for the Pagoda visit.

it is customary in Myanmar to take of shoes and sandals before entering any room

queue in the train station of Myanma Railways in Yangon, Myanmar

The Myanma Railways train to Bago, Myanmar

This is my first time in Myanmar and never did I attend school in myanmar. It wasn't even in our itinerary that  we'lll be going here for an occassion, other than just checking out the world's tallest pagoda.

I and Jherson woke up nearly 5am to prep up for the first trip to Bago. As we walk in the train towards our seat, a guy smiles and stares at us as if he accidentally meets a long lost acquiantance; greets us, and as rarely do we get to speak with a local in english, we continued til some conversation.  

view from inside the Myanma Railways

sunrise along the way to Bago, Myanmar

the cold weather as we go up north to Bago, Myanmar

Htet Paing (prnounced tep phai) used to live in Bago, and today, now based in Yangon, he will be attending a worship: what translate to our 'alumni homecoming'. 

The ebony of the conversation proceeded to some breakfast, and then showing us in to the school.

Bago, Myanmar

having coffee with newfound friends

Ordered black coffee and served this; tastes good with the sour kick

It was an antique primary school, which woods would tell how long the institution has been around. The books around the rooms would tell too how many young minds it has molded through time.

Majority of the attendees were probably the teachers who have taught in the school along with their students who, as a matter of respect, attends this annual event to pay courtesy to their teachers.

As they do to every incoming guest, they asked us to squat and and followed through with a serving of coffee and bread. A little while later, we were asked to fix up our seating as the programme will start.

None of the words that came out was something to our understanding. I asked Htat once in a while as the speaker speaks, and it seems it was a sermon on to the wisdom on education.

I could see jherson falling to his drowsiness once in a while.

Then, we were asked to put our hands together and bow. We repeated whatever the speaker spoke (just like in a mass) and i felt awfully good that I could catch 100% of the lines.

After that, htat asked we leave. We were trying to catch the afternoon train back to Yangon, and we had to get on going for the Pagoda visit.

it is customary in Myanmar to take of shoes and sandals before entering any room

Read More »