Day 6 - travelling by train to Kalaw

An early start this morning to get on the coach to travel to the train station. On route we stopped off at a Monestry with round windows which is unusual. We went in and saw the young boys studying as well as their sleeping area. All boys go to the Monestry at least once between ten and 20 years old. They are novices until then and then become Monks at 20. Our guide told us he was a monk for a week and then left. 

We arrived at the train station early and waiting for the train. The were some real cute puppies wandering a round one of which kept coming to us. At the Monestry there was a mother and puppies who were trying to drink milk from her and she didn't want them to. I'm amazed at how many dogs there around the place. Most of them look ok so I think they must get food from somewhere.

Once on the train we were fortunate to go upper class which meant we had a cushion on the seat. There was a rat wandering around our carriage but I didn't see it. The journey was bumpy and at times like a roller coaster !! The scenery was beautiful. We saw all kinds of crops such as yellow and white sesame seeds, tomatoes growing etc. And many people in the fields gathering crops. There were also some lovely orange daisy type flowers called Bermese sunflowers. 

We had a short stop on route at a station where traders were selling snacks such as crisps. And the the train started to move when a number of us were not on so it was a bit Indiana Jones trying to get on the moving train!! We all made it - phew. 

Finally we arrived at the Hill Station and got back on the coach which had travelled from dropping us off at the station with our suitcases. After a 20 min drink we stopped at the seven sisters restaurant for lunch. Once again the food was excellent at a very reasonable price. The waitress was great going around quickly working out what everyone had and how much it cost. We giggled at one person who challenged her and she was right !!!

We are staying at the Dream Hotel in Kalaw. We always get lovely welcomes with towels to wash our hands and a drink. So far we haven't had to move our cases as they have always been carried by the coach helper and the hotel staff. The temperature is much cooler here so I've had to put a cardie on.

After a little break we went for a walk to get some panoramic views.  

 

Dinner was in a restaurant related to the hotel called the Dream restaurant. It was very lovely made from teak. We were lucky we reserved and went in when we did as a French party came in shortly after we ordered our food. The food was a touch more expensive but tasted lovely. It turned out it was someone's birthday in the French group so a cake appeared and then sung happy birthday. We thought that was it but they launched into a sing song. We were contemplating whether we should sing something British but couldn't choose a song so paid and left instead :-)

Early start in the morning for a 5 hour walking trek.