We arrived back at the Hotel Clover in good time, in spite of the ludicrous Yangon traffic, a by product of the progress here. Previously the tax on imported cars was punitive and trade sanctions meant that new cars couldn't be imported anyway. For years visitors commented on the ancient rust buckets held together with tape, string and wire. Now those are almost all gone: the roads are packed with cars, the infrastructure failing to keep up with progress.
A rendezvous at 1945 was preceded by a drink at the bar next door, decked out for Halloween and the drinks served by a couple who seemed to be taking their fancy dress rather too seriously!
We had dinner at a downtown restaurant called Monsoon. Clearly a popular expat choice as two previous visitors to Yangon had been taken there on their previous trip. We had the chance to toast our guides and support team: Wallace, Coffee, Longman and the rest of the crew and driver thanking them for the incredible insight to this remarkable country they have given us.
And of course we thanked the remarkable Stef, our wonderful tour lead. After three HopeAsia trips the personal bond between the charity, Crispin and many of us on the trip is a testimony to her amazing and unparalleled skills in helping people to enjoy a challenge of this nature when they are stretched well beyond their comfort zone. Any future endeavours will never quite be the same without her.
We also bade a fond farewell to Lisa, Rachel, Alan and Marc who have an early morning departure to Bagan tomorrow. No bikes for them - just a hot air balloon ride!
For some bed called, for others a chance to witness a side of the colonial history of the country with a happy hour cocktail or three at The Strand Hotel. The night of celebration was only just beginning.
For some the rest of the night is a blur, and not just because of the breakneck speed and erratic driving of the taxis back to the hotel.
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