30^st August 2013, Katha Train trip

3^rd September 2013

Dawn - Katha has no shortage of electricity it seems!

The horse and buggy ride to go to Katha’s train station

It’s fun, a whole line of us get trundled along in this fashion

The train at the station

A railway spur goes from Katha to Naba, 25 km away, but it took one and a half hours there and back, with only one train a day,  left at 1 p.m. back by 5 p.m.  Once a Naba, another train goes all the way to Mandalay or Myitkyina.

We were given the old fashioned English train cardboard tickets – how sentimental we felt!

Katha villagers along the track wave as we trundle past

Rice hay stacks in the fields, backed by thick Kachin jungle and teak forests

Another huge welcome as we arrive at Naba

Refereshing drinks served by the crew from the ship, who arrived as the advance party

Followed by a Chinese dancing performance

So that’s where they keep their money, as there are no pockets in the sarong!

The smiling face of one of our waitresses serving the drinks

Three of the crew dressed up for the occasion

In the town, men are watching us walk by, I had an odd feeling that some were spying that nobody did anything out of hand

The engine of the train which goes to Mandalay

Gorgeous bunches of flowers made up to sell to us, the passengers

Mum’s bring their children to watch us leave in the train

The horse and trap following us once we get back to Katha nearly ready to bight our bum!

Our pony and trap driver gives us a great smile

Back at the ship, it’s time to dress up in traditional dress for cocktail time, including trying out the ‘thanaka’ on my  face!

(Uriel, One of the guests being shown how to wear the sarong!

My goodness, the men are not so sure!

Eventually, we all make it for the Longyi cocktail party!

Two of the waitresses who helped paint the Thanaka onto our faces!