Traveling alone is one of the things I hate most. I don't want the times that I sit and eat meals alone. I felt so terrible and it seems that the world is so silent and boring. I always love to be with people. It makes my day worthwhile and colorful.
February 1, Friday, 7:30 in the evening. I decide to conquer my fear in traveling alone. I took the bus from Yangon to Bagan, an eight-hour drive to see the Myanmar's 11th century pagodas. Still anxious, I sat on the bus and tried to soothe my mind on my worries on traveling alone. As soon as I put my lovely haviainas stroller pack bag (a present that was given to me by the wife of my mentor for GIST), I closed my eyes gently and imagined all the beautiful pagodas that I am going to explore in Bagan. When I opened my eyes, I saw a beautiful smile from the guy sitted next to me as he said, "Hi." With a little hesitation, I replied "hi" as well. He is Ken, A Japanese financial accountant based in Singapore. The chat started to be more interesting when we talked about our planned itineraries, topics that made us fall asleep as well. Since we both haven't booked our hotels prior to our trip, we decided to book on the same hotel and explore Bagan together.
We arrived Bagan at 4:30am and we searched for the budget hotel immediately. We landed in Rupa Guest House that charges $20 for single room and $25 for double room. Getting a hotel in Bagan is always difficult. On a peak season (January-March), you need to patiently wait for guests to check-out before you can get a room. I and Ken were in the long line of guests looking forward to get a room. When we were entertained by the reception crew, there was only one single room and one double room available. So, we immediately decided for him to take the single room while I take the double room which will still be available in the evening. There were still many guests in the qeue waiting for room availability. One of them was Eli, a tall, beautiful white woman who works in German Embassy in Yangon. She was next to us in the qeue. Eli politely approached me if I don't mind sharing the room with her. Knowing the situation, I never had a second thought of saying yes. We began chatting and I introduced him to my new friend, Ken.
For typical tourist backpackers, time is always gold. So, we immediately left our pack bags in the front desk and began our journey. each one of us rented a bicylcle that cost $1.5 for the entire day exploration. Though not used of cycling in the Philippines, I took the challenge in Bagan. However, as I saw the winding streets filled with buses, cars, public rides, motor bikes, horse carts and bicycles made my heart beat faster and my right hand grasped the brakes firmly. Ken and Eli's support boosted my confidence in the road. I began to cycle calmly and enjoy the scenes I am seeing from sunrise to sunset. The meals we shared together for two days became more tastier because it was filled with stories and laughter. Truly, friendship is one of the best gift travelling can offer.
The photos below were some of the sites we have explored together. Most of these sites are in the plains of Bagan which are filled with remarkably impressive temples and fascinating religious stories.