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!