The sky was still very dark but the pagoda was shining brilliantly with its gold leaf covering bathed in the illumination of so many flood lights. We had set up our tripods at the Tuesday corner. Apparently there are "corners" for each day of the week, so you can pray at a particular corner which corresponds to the day of the week upon which you were born.
After a few shots of the pagoda, I started to concentrate more on people worshipping. Wanted to also get some pics with a slow shutter speed so you could tell people were moving about.
 |
| Golden Pagoda |
 |
| Monk Praying |
 |
| Nuns Chanting |
So, we got back to the hotel in plenty of time for breakfast. And then it was time to think of getting to the airport. Jillian had the earliest flight, on her way to Hong Kong. BTW, Jill, did you ever get a hotel booked? I thought I was a last minute guy! Then at noon, six of us got on the bus to the airport, Nathan, Bev, Cathy, Hubridge, Marko and I. Buzz and Charlotte and Ko Ko saw us off. Sorry to have missed the Brazilian ladies, Jackie and Marcia. They were staying an extra day in Yangon. Best guess - they were shopping!
Of the six of us on the bus, I had the later flight, so hung around a bit waiting for the Airasia desk to open up. Finally it opened, and the young lady behind the desk told me my checked bag was 3 kg overweight and that I would have to remove something. Struggled with that, I finally thought to myself screw it I'll just go ahead and pay for the difference. How much could that be? $18 per kilogram is what I was told. Oh the hell with it I'll just pay. Can I use a credit card? Yes. So I handed my credit card and they can't figure out what to do. So finally the girl says never mind never mind waves me off and lets me go without being charged .
So, having gotten rid of my checked bag, I threw the twenty plus pounds of photo gear on my back, pick up my laptop and headed on over to security. At this point, my stomach was growling and I was looking forward to chowing down at the "Priority Pass" lounge I knew was waiting next to gate 4. But, after passing through security I found out that I only have access to gates 9 and above. The lower numbered gates are in the old terminal. Oh well, maybe the lounge labeled "Executive Lounge" will honor my Priority Pass. No such luck, but for a mere $10 US, charged on my credit card as I have gotten rid of all of my Kyat, I am in like Flynn. The lounge is the size a small warehouse! There is food galore and beer, glorious beer! Plus wifi, but strangely no place to plug in your electronics. Somehow, they just haven't quite figured this whole touristy thing out yet in Myanmar.
Finally I make the flight to Bangkok, Thailand, where I plan to do some shopping. Arriving at Don Muang airport (not the new international terminal) I am happily notified by the Tiles app that my luggage has arrived on the carousel, grab my stuff and find a taxi to my hotel, the Holiday Inn Express (chosen due to its proximity to the Jim Thompson House). Highway? the driver asks. Absolutely my friend! And lay-o lay-o (that's Thai for put the pedal to the metal!). 45 minutes and 500 Baht (about $14 US) including tip, later I am in my hotel. And can you believe it, there's a frappin' Mickey D's next door! I am salivating for a Big Mac as I check in at reception. Up to the room and drop my bags, then back down to the Golden Arches! Well, actually McDonalds has altered their look a bit. The menu board started with a salmon sandwich but I eventually found the burger I wanted, ordered the meal and they gave me a slip telling me it was free refills on the soda! Close my eyes and I'm almost home.
Well, it was early to bed for this boy as my sinus infection, which I thought was on the mend decided to flare up.
No comments:
Post a Comment