Kathu Train Trip

www.kanaloa55.com
David & Valerie Dobson
Tue 3 Sep 2013 04:47

30st August 2013, Katha Train trip

3rd September 2013

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Dawn - Katha has no shortage of electricity it seems!

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

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

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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!

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Katha villagers along the track wave as we trundle past

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

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Another huge welcome as we arrive at Naba

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

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Followed by a Chinese dancing performance

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

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The smiling face of one of our waitresses serving the drinks

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Three of the crew dressed up for the occasion

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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

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The engine of the train which goes to Mandalay

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

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

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

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Our pony and trap driver gives us a great smile

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

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

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My goodness, the men are not so sure!

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

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

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