Day 38 - Burma (Mandalay)

I won't dwell on the trip from Kunmong to Mandalay, there isn't much to say. I did catch a final shot at the airport which sums up the still oppressive regime in China though. Seemed a bit harsh to me.

Got off the plane in Mandalay and immediately smiled at the warmth. I don't think I've been truly warm for several weeks and it is a real treat. A real mood lifter. I know it's mostly my own fault for poor clothing selection but there really is only so much one can pack into a rucksack and choices had to be made. I honestly didn't expect the temps in Central Asia, or China to drop as low as they did. Thank you, yes, I did do some research on the matter. 

So in short, the hotel is brilliant. Nothing flash, but exactly what I was after. Everyone who I have met so far has been very warm and very friendly inside and out of the hotel. Yes, it's a grubby city, yes, it's bonkers like everywhere else in SE Asia. No one has a pot to piss in as far as I can tell but I couldn't give a monkeys bollock about its bad habits. I already love this town as much as anywhere I've been so far. The air is warm, the beer is cold, the food is excellent and the sunset is full of colour. That's about all I need right now.

Sunset over Mandalay from the roof terrace bar