I left the hotel and followed the wonderful smells that were filling the air. I found what seemed to be a popular place to eat. I sat down at the table (after everyone greeting me with big smiles and shouts of "mingalabar") the next 15 minutes were spent trying to ask for something veggie to eat. I was miming and pointing at things to try and explain that i didn't want meat. (I'm not veggie but tend to try not to eat meat when I'm traveling. My meager contribution to the chickens on the roof!) After about five minutes everyone had joined in and it became a game. I pointed to their dog and shook my head, while making chewing actions. Haha, they looked mortified and I tried to reassure them that I didn’t think he was on the menu.

I loved Bokpyin. It was basically just two streets. You know in the old western movies when two cowboys are about to draw and they're in this dusty street lined either side by wooden buildings, It was just like that.I checked into the guesthouse in the town and had a refreshing shower. This was to be one of the most basic rooms I've had so far, but I loved it. I think my stay in Bokpyin will stay one of my favorite memories on this trip.

The hotel consisted of a row of 10 rooms with a shared bathroom (which had no hot water) the beds were literally like stone with a thin blanket on top, but if you look in the photo at the bottom of the page, you'll see that on the bed is a long round padded pillow. The idea is to kind of half lie on it with your body in the recovery position, this takes your weight and therefore enables you to have a great sleep. (with the help of two beers of course)

I eventually solved the problem after looking to the back of the shop and seeing a pig sharing his dinner with some chicken's, and gestured that they were friends so not eat friend… pictures of pepper pig and daisy cow in a little boy's book settled the matter as I shook my head and pointed. No eat! No eat! Everyone started nodding enthusiastically with relief, at finaly solving the lanquage barrier and realizing that i didnt wat to eat their dog...

The game of charades now over I enjoyed an amazing meal and a beer with my now new-made friends. None of us knowing what the other was talking about, but laughing all the same…

I’ll be back…

Mg (Maung) Lay guest house

This is not quite the most basic hotel i’ve stayed in but it’s certainly up amongst them.

Funny how the most basic things in life are really all we need, and yet we strive so hard to achieve more.

I wonder what all of this beautiful little village will be like in 10 years time.

I feel privilaged to have seen it as it is…

Sad to leave Bokpyin!!!