Solo Adventures: Myanmar

I began my second week of solo travel by making the journey from Bali to Mandalay, Myanmar. Hours and hours in the airport and a few flights found me on the ground at Mandalay airport. I opted for the bus from Mandalay to Bagan, buckled up for the journey. After switching buses three times, a stranger taking a nap on my shoulder and a slow journey through the Burmese country side, I was finally dropped at my hotel. After a warm welcome and quick dinner and I was off to bed!

I spent my days in Bagan getting lost on an e-bike and exploring temples. I hired a guide, May, for half a day to show me around and teach me more about the over 2,000 temples. When I wasn’t out searching for temples, I was eating. May introduced me to a fabulous vegan restaurant that I visited a few times. Curry, curry and more curry! I’m still dreaming about the pineapple curry and mango lassi. On my last morning in Bagan I saw Bagan from a whole new perspective, from a hot air balloon! It was incredible. (and a reward to myself for finishing the school year). Words cannot begin to describe what it feels like to soar above ancient temples with the sun rising to the east and the river to the west. 

After a few days in Bagan I caught a quick flight to Inle lake. My first day I opted to walk around and explore the bustling little town. I quickly found myself in the only coffee shop next to the lake reading and drinking a latte. The next day I hired a boat and traveled around Inle Lake. There I saw men out fishing (and rowing the boat with their feet), floating markets and gardens, and people living their daily lives on their houses above the water. Here I once again found a few unique restaurants. The first, an Indian restaurant which was blasting Enimen, and the second (more fitting for me), a small restaurant and cooking school owned by the most wonderful woman. And of course, you can assume that I went back more than once! 

After my quick trip in Inle Lake I flew back up to Mandalay for a night. I arrived just in time for a puppet show and dinner before heading to bed for my flight back to Bangkok the next day.  

I must admit that solo travel is hard. There are moments when you are all too aware that you could be in a not-so-good situation, but put on a brave face anyways. I am proud of myself for traveling alone and for everything I experienced along the way! 

I arrived back stateside a few weeks ago and have been savoring every second of it. More to come!