Pyin Oo Lwin - postcollonial and multicultural

Ola and  Gabrysia are getting at work today:

I think we both were well-behaved and were again invited to contribute to this blog.

The twelfth day of the trip. After an exhausting day yesterday - a moment of breath.

We are visiting a small mountain town (1200 m above sea level) Pyin Oo Lwin lying on the road connecting Mandalay with the Chinese province of Yunan. Two hours away by bus. It is now a season for strawberries.

Finally, we are relaxing in the refreshing mountain air.

The town was founded and partially built by the British colonists who had found here natural resources (rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethysts etc.), which helped them naturally accept the climate (worse than the British?) and made themselves comfortable here fully as at home. Well, everyone would, wouldn’t we?

Here they left behind an interesting developments, beautiful residences (at present not always in good condition), a huge botanical garden - today available to all), a surprisingly good organization of city life. All of this is still visible (overall cleanliness, order and a pretty looks of the streets).

This place has representatives of many cultures and religions, including Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians - without conflict.

We had lunch in a Nepalese restaurant where we were hosted by a son of the owner - Anil. His grandparents settled in Myanmar in 1933.

Modest but tasty lunch cost one dollar, and in addition we were offered an excellent green tea, on the house.

Worth visiting Pyin Oo Lwin being in this area because this city is different from the others e  previously visited.

We  are saying good night to all, as we are getting up 5am  tomorrow to fly to Bagan!