Menggalaba people!
The next morning getting up earling as I am leaving Yangon with M. on the 06.00 o'clock bus, on our way to Kyaikto, or more specifically the mountain nearby. To visit Golden Rock, a huge gold-leafed boulder eleviating on the very edge of a cliff high on top of Mt. Kyaikto!
About 5 hours in the bus, not sitting next to my monk friend, because women are not allowed to sit next to them or even touch them. This is one of the many religious/traditional rules I was about to learn during my time with M. the next week. Looking out of the window it really felt like going back in time. Old-timer's heaven as you are able to see cars in all sorts, shapes and colours here. My favorite, the old Beetle, is also well represented. The photos will show you some other beauties. Also still commenly used, ox and carriage, horse and carriage, a taxi-bycicle and (mini)van/bus transport of AS MANY PEOPLE at one time as possible. Toppled up with goods on the roof and more people on top of that!
We arrive in Kyaikto just in time. Another rule: Monks/Nuns are only allowed to eat 2x per day, never together with ordinary people and always before 12.00. Afterwards they can drink water/tea/juice only.
Meeting other monk on the bus, we go with them to the restaurant of his Tyjaka (donator, person who supports a monk with money and other things). Getting food, drink, can take a shower there. Also we rest for 2 hours as it is too warm to travel! The place is no normal restaurant with chairs and tables, no it has 2 sides with high platforms on which you are able to sleep after food! Maybe that's where the word RESTaurant comes from haha!
After our little siesta we try to get on board of an already packed truck, to take us to the top of the mountain. The ride up is an adventure in itself. The driver is a real maniac, racing up, people hanging on for dear life! The old grandmother next to me almost strangles the person in front of her. Having a great laugh with the girls behind me. Everybody eager to help me, holding me and my bags as if I am about to fall overboard.
At the top is not exactly at the top, you still have to walk a few miles on a pretty steep path. Bags and even people can be carried up, but of course I want to rough it, makes it much more rewarding once at the top, ahum. Must say I did not like the first sight. So many shops, a lot of artificial concrete paths, railings, fences etc. Also had my first encounter with the goverment officials. They made it clear I was not allowed to sleep at the monestary, have to pay $6 entree + $2 extra for camera, not accepted Kyat (local currency). I think it was their arrogance that set if off, but my stubborn side was taking over. Tried to pay in Kyat (as I knew dollars was corruption money in their hands).I also refused to pay the $2 extra. Rather not take photos!! We found out later the 2 hotels at the top were outragesly expensive (more then $40 for one night!!!!). 'Stayed up all night'. Call it stubborn foolishness but in a way I felt great to rebel to the corrupt goverment in my own little way!
The Golden Rock itself does have lots of great energy. Although I am not Buddhist even I could feel that. It is said the rock does not touch the cliff. You should be able to pull a threat between. Unfortunately I was not able to try as women are not allowed near the rock, only men. How unfair! As a western travel I can think it is a nice place to visit. For the locals it is the place a lot of pilgrims go to at least once in their life. A group of 10 people traveled more then 2 days on the bus (and I am talking rough roads, warm climate!) just to come and visit this place for one evening!! Leaving again early the next day. Compare that to some European people who complain about a 4 hour luxury plane ride for a 2-week holiday!
After a rough night, but without rain and not 'meeting any people', I was at the rock for a beautiful sunrise! Thinking I was the first one...No way! Lots of locals were already on their way down the hill, 05.00 o'clock!!!
I kept my word almost not to take photos, the few I took are uploaded with this message!
The rest of the photos I took with my eyes. Must admit, also nice for change. To look at something without picture-framing all the time.
Kyaikto Hotels
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