We arrived in Nyaung U (one of the three ‘towns’ that make up the historic area known as Bagan) on a mild sunny Sunday afternoon.
This will be our home for the next 18 months as part of the Australian Volunteers Program.
Our orientation started early with lunch at the beautifully located Sanon Training restaurant where we will be based. The place has a lovely vibe.
It is a short five minute walk from our new home… so the commute is manageable. More on Sanon later.
Our new home is spacious and simple with a Myanmar flair here and there. We have wooden shutters rather than windows and all have screens which is a plus.
The floors are polished concrete with woven mats scattered here and there.
A lovely gold Buddha presides over the lounge/dining area which includes a day bed and a couple of lounging chairs.
We have two air conditioned bedrooms (one will always be ready for a welcome guest or two).
Only two bedrooms and the lounge area are air conditioned, so we will probably spend a lot of time in these once the heat rises.
Everyone is warning us the summer is relentless and severe. As long as we don’t get too many power failures I think we’ll survive… lets face it people have lived here for thousands of years and they don’t have a tenth of our luxuries. I think we shall have to become tough.
There is an inside flushing toilet and a large hot shower which also serves as a rudimentary bucket laundry. A basin sits outside the bathroom.
We carry our bigger laundry items up the road to the laundry shop as we don’t have a washing machine.
The simple kitchen has a two burner gas stove, sink, fridge, breakfast table and a few cupboards stocked with plates, cups, glasses etc .
The few cooking utensils will be adequate… as I doubt we will be doing much cooking when the temperature starts to rise.
There are many good cheap restaurants and bars within walking distance so food and an occasional cocktail are very easy to procure.
There are two other smaller rooms which we use for storage. One I am calling my ‘walk in wardrobe’… I’ve always wanted one of those.
Each morning we have to pump water into the tanks on the roof and once a week top up the pump in the front yard with oil. Having the tanks on the roof means if there is a blackout we can still have gravity fed water.
Torches and a powerful battery light are strategically placed for easy access when the inevitable happens and it is pitch black.
We have a little local shop across the road that sells basics like loo rolls, detergent and phone cards.
Our neighbours are friendly and we have been made to feel welcome.
Now we have the wifi sorted at home we feel more comfortable that we can stay connected.
That looks all very comfy and a great base for the next 18 months, Melx
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Guest room ready!
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Oooo – the temptation!!!
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Looks like you are settling in. How hot does it get? Gordon will be excatic!!
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!&?(;!! hot! Is what we’ve been told
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Maybe as hot as Orange Liz? I heard it was 38 there tomorrow?!?!?
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PS Missing the dogs?????
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We have three cats!
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Hi Sonia & Gordon – truly inspirational.
So proud of you both. Great photos too.
Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas & rewarding new year.
Love Fran & Chris Blunt
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Thanks guys… your support means a lot to us. It will certainly be a Christmas with a difference here in Nyaung U!
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That looks fantastic. Has it a little bit of the Tonga feel? I love your walk in robe. Heaps of room. I think you need to do more shopping. Lots of love from L & H xxxxx
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Same same but different! Hard to explain. Room all ready for you two!
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Hoorah for great adventures
Annella Powell
0458 265 163
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to say but Wow! Loved the pictorial AND written update! I know this seems like a ridiculous thing to say but it all looks so peaceful and relaxed! Very zen 😉 Hopefully you’ll continue to be happy and pleasantly surprised with your new “home”!! We think of you ALL the time and send hugs and much love ❤️
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Thanks guys… your support means a lot to us. It will certainly be a different life hwith a difference here in Nyaung U!
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Oops hit send before I finished! Yes quite relaxed. Gordon in kitchen today making Christmas shortbread with the team.
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Thanks for this post Sonia, great to be able to place where you both are. Stay safe xx
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Very safe place so that will be easy!
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It surely appears very comfortable; and with the pleasant vibes you are aware of – the future looks interesting !
I am a “LITTLE” concerned – NO washing machine!! Iron?!
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Yes there is an iron!
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You have already made it look very homely……and I love the washing line ! Does Gordon have an iron or will the heat deal with the wrinkles in the clothes ? 🙂
Glad you have Wi-Fi…..Will look forward to chatting soon
Xx
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Found an iron in a cupboard… though not very flash!
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