Dala

Across the Rangoon river is a soon to be very different town called Dala. It will soon be different as there are plans underway to build a bridge from Yangon to Dala. As of now you have to take a ferry to get across. Close to 200,000 people live there so its not exactly a town, but it does lack the overcrowded vibe you pick up on the streets of Yangon. There are cars, trishaws, buses, even motorcycles (banned in Yangon) but there aren't too many. Let's see how that changes in 2021. 

The rush for the ferry. There was actually plenty of room, and even a section for "foreigners" with pink chairs but we sat on the green benches with everyone else. 

After a lovely cruise across the river we were met by our trishaw drivers. The fellow on the left is smiling and giving the thumbs up as he just realized he won't have to haul the other guy showin thumb around. Let's just say I weigh much more than the average customer. Zaw (on the right) earned his pay today.

The streets do have motor cycles but are way quieter, really fun to cruise and look around. Our first stop was a place called ChuChu, which is Burmese for plastic. An organization that makes things out of recycled material. I realized I already had one of their man purses! Second stop was the local water hole. Once the rainy season ends it is open for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. People get the most out of the hour. 2X5gallon buckets on a bamboo pole= about 80 pounds of water. Trips were taking about 5-8 minutes. 

This girl reminded me of Lisa- ripped arms and a hard worker. Good t shirt too.

Next we cruised a bit further along to the edge of town for a look at the rice fields. Still a major crop but a lot has changed since it went mechanized. Beautiful all the same.

A look back. The houses were up on bamboo stilts but still flood during rainy season.

There are actually kites in this picture- little kites way way out there. trust me

This was the only time my trishaw was not at the back. 

Our last stop was a market. They had vegetables I haven't even imagined yet- and I imagine some crazy vegetables!

This leaf is called Rosalie- no joke! So hey mom, this ones for you- it is used to spice things up.

I'm really thinking this could be my side hustle: Innes the trishaw driver. Zaw looks pretty relaxed too.

We ended back in Yangon with some bbq and beer with Joseph our tourguide. He is great- if anyone wants to come visit, he can take you on this tour- and I can be your trishaw driver!

Barongs

What is a Barong?

Good question, you see quite a few of them in Bali. All awesome. Lets see what I can remember: They are Hindu and you see them guarding most temples. Since every house has a temple of some sort- they are everywhere. They work for good and protect us from Rangda the demon queen. They are fun loving, playful, and mischievous. Here are a few of my favorite Barongs, and a few favorite not-a-barongs as well

1- Barong. outside our hotel

2- not-a-barong. watching over the beach

3- not-a-barong. Just a thumbs down tourist

4- not-a-barong. But I would like to see more of these all over the world

5- barong

6- barong

7- barong

8- barong

9-barong. Monkey temple

10-not-a-barong. Just Lisa.

11. not-a-barong. But that water!

12-not-a-barong. Just a monkey god

13. Also not a barong- but these entrances are beautiful! I should have written a post just on them.

Thanks Bali, and thanks barongs, for watching over us

Bali

     

Ahh Bali, another place that we would likely never see if we weren't teaching at an international school. It's a 17 hour flight from Colorado but only 4 from Yangon so this past October break off we went.
First things we saw: beautiful beach and a pool bar. Lisa and I went to look at the view and Luca... how did he know to use our room number?

Our first day was for surfing lessons, something we had wanted to do for a long time. Luca picked it right up, Lisa picked it right up, and I was shall we say a bit more remedial. But in the end I met all of my objectives: I stood up, I didn't lose my shorts, I didn't get injured.

I do get it- Surfing is fun- like skiing there is a feeling of freedom.

Day 2 was snorkeling, no pics, but also pure freedom- just floating and watching amazing colors of fish and coral. I'm so glad I got to experience this with Luca- its one of the things I remember from our time in Africa as a kid.

Next day was Ubud. Some of the activities are touristy- but it didn't matter- what a beautiful place. I would like to come and wander a bit more. We went rafting, walking the rice fields, saw a temple, drank cat poop coffee, and of course- the monkeys.

I know a good tourist trap photo op when I see one!

This is a cerval cat. Apparently it eats coffee beans for the acidity. It has enzymes that alter the beans as they pass thru its digestive system. There are people that pick up  said poop and give it a rinse because the beans as seen below taste amazing. (they really do) A cup of this can sell for as much as 100$ back in the states! I had a cup for 3$ and it was quite tasty! There are many neighborhood stray cats in Yangon... might start leaving some beans out

A note on scooters. Balinese scooter drivers are awesome! and a bit insane. They weave in and out like its no big thing. I wish I had more pics but they move pretty quick.

This guy had a big load in the red bag and had just tied it to himself! Those straps go around the torso.

This is a fill-up station. Sell fuel by the liter? Each bottle is an absolut vodka bottle- exactly 1 liter! That is good recycling.

 














This guy had a table! He had to keep one hand on the table as he drove!

There are offerings everywhere in Bali- it is truly beautiful. These ones caught me eye- they are to the volcano- so they have to be high up.

Time for monkeys! They too know a good tourist trap photo op. The monkeys don't get a peanut unless they are on a person. So they climb right up and wait to be fed. It only scares the crap out of you the first time

Lisa was told not to touch or make eye contact.

I'm totally calm here

We ended with a few beach days. There is no better way to recharge and relax than sitting with some sand between your toes... and sometimes a cold bintang helps

Finally, and I think Luca said it best, "I'd rather travel with Wilder". This was our first trip as a group of 3- fun was had but we sure did miss having Wilder around. Luca did do a good job of flying us home though.